This herb garden, which was designed, dug and planted as part of St Nicholas’ Eco Church activities about six years ago, is for anyone and everyone’s use and pleasure. It’s a place of quietness and meditation. Anyone can sit on the bench, look out over the church gardens and ancient building and appreciate nature and its diverse forms of life. People from the local community are encouraged to pick and use the herbs (and they do).
The herb garden is maintained by a group of volunteers – we welcome regulars and newcomers – when it needs attention. If you’d like to join us, please speak to Eira, our Vicar, or to Victoria Lee. No previous gardening experience is necessary.
On Monday Bank Holiday at the end of August, as summer is fading and autumn is coming on, four of us spent time together and with the plants, mowing the paths between the herb beds and cutting back old, over-enthusiastic herbs spilling over the edges of the planting areas. Several people passing by on the path running down to the church stopped for conversation and to thank us for maintaining the herb garden for everyone. It’s a special way to feel close to nature and part of a local community.
If you haven’t yet discovered the herb garden, walk up from St Nicholas Church’s main door towards the High Street through the avenue of tall fir trees. The herb garden is on your right as you near the High Street. It’s there for you and for others. Try picking and eating one of the bright red little appletinis – they are deliciously sweet.