12/04-05   -   Press releases

New show for award-winning gardens

This year, the West Dean Gardens team launches a new special event, adding to the established raft of successful themed events already held at the Sussex venue throughout the summer season. Wholly Herbs will take place on the weekend of 14 and 15 May and celebrates the not-so-humble herb family in all its guises: horticultural, culinary, medicinal, home and beauty-related, aromatherapyÂ…

Often acclaimed as keepers of one of the best kitchen gardens in the country, head gardeners Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain have secured sponsorship support for Wholly Herbs (as well as West Dean’s other food-related events) from Waitrose, whose quality standards are in perfect synergy with West Dean’s reputation for attention to detail. The husband-and-wife team are expecting the new show to bring the record-breaking numbers of visitors of last year’s events, although it is hoped that the nature of Wholly Herbs’ offerings will have a more calming effect than West Dean’s cult Chilli Fiesta.

The British Herb Trade Association will be present, providing talks about how herbs are used commercially such as in essential oils and as a cut crop for the supermarkets. There will also be other herb talks on garden design, history and food and other herb related subjects.

Other the attractions for visitors to the event will be guided tours with trained herbalists within the Gardens explaining uses of common garden plants and growing demonstrations about how to grow your own herbs successfully; recipe demonstrations; plants and seeds for sale; health and beauty products; locally produced food and drink, gift stalls, and of course the stunning surroundings of West Dean Gardens, with its walled kitchen garden, restored Victorian glasshouses and parkland. An extra feature of the Gardens between May and July is an exhibition of sculptures by internationally renowned artist Philip Jackson.

Admission is £6.00 for adults (plus concessions) and the show is open between 10.30am and 5pm on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May.