The
Herb Garden
Hardstoft, Chesterfield, Derby
During an internet search I came across a listing for The Herb Garden
at Hardstoft, my appetite was whetted and I wanted to go, I'd seen
The Herb Garden a while ago on a BBC programme called 'Cottage Gardens'.
So on the Saturday before Ostara 2004 we made our first visit to
this wonderful place, the first of many I can assure you.
This place has every herb one could imagine, the gardens are well
laid out and all plants clearly labelled. When we went it was a
dull overcast day but the gardens still looked wonderful, so full
of potential and brushing past some herbs released smells that were
delightful. I was like a child in a sweet shop running round literally,
constantly exclaiming WOW or Ooohh! Much to Simon's amusement. The
photo above is one side of the main garden which is laid out like
a parterre with box hedges and greek statues, even though the new
seasons growth had only just started there was still lots to look
at.
The staff are incredibly helpful and friendly which is a bonus.
They have a gift shop selling all things herb related and a wealth
of plants on display to choose from. When we went in March there
was a limited selection due to the time of the year, but having
seen the gardens and the plant catalogue I can heartliy recommend
a visit to The Herb Garden. They don't have a website nor do they
do mail order which is a tiny downside. They do have a tea room
that over looks the herb plants and all their gardens have wheelchair
access. If you get a chance to go you should. I bought several plants
and they're super quality and value for money. I have to give this
place a Moonshadow thumbs and a hearty recommendation.
|
Ignoring the main parterre
garden for the moment, you turn to the left and the first
garden you come to is the pot pourri garden, (image 1 taken
in May 2004, image 2 was taken in March 2004). The scents
and colours are already abundant here. I can't wait to experience
this garden at the height of summer. The tall evergreen shrub
to the left of the picture is a huge myrtle bush and it smelt
heavenly when I brushed up against it. This is a very tactile
garden and one that partially sighted people would love as
well.
|
|
|
|
Next
comes the Physic Garden (image 1 taken in May 2004, image 2
was taken in March 2004), laid out with a wonderful array of
medicinal herbs, the garden has really come on since my last
visit, I was rather impressed with the tea tree plant it smell
wonderful. This garden to holds promise for the summer, it was
a great help with my research for my apothercary herb bed.
|
The
third garden is the Lavender Garden (image 1 taken in May
2004, image 2 was taken in March 2004) even without the lavender
flowering the scent in this garden has increased dramatically.
They have rows and rows of different lavenders. This garden
like the others will smell absolutely delicious in the summer,
I'll keep you posted and update the pictures as well.
|
|
|
|
The
first image is the entrance to the parterre gardens taken
in May 2004 The second is the plant sales section, as you
can see the stock was limited when we went in early March
2004 but still I managed to come away with Valerian Officianalis,
a couple of sweet violets, sweet rocket, french tarragon,
a camphor scented southernwood and a couple of lavenders.
|
Garden Open Times for 2004 15th March - 15th September inclusive.
Between 10am & 5pm.
Admission - A charge of £1.50 is made per adult to enter the display gardens.
Location - 2 miles from the M1 motorway, follow the brown tourist signs from the A6175 and B6014.
Facilities - Toilets, Gift Shop, Tea Room & Wheelchair Access.
Address - Hall
View Cottage, Hardstoft, Pilsley, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S45
8AH Tel: (01246) 854268
|
