Press release 2025
Jekka’s
Over 40 Years of Passion for Herbs & Horticulture
Established over 40 years ago, Jekka’s —formerly known as Jekka’s Herb Farm — has become a renowned name in horticulture for both the growing and use of herbs. As the first organic and peat-free grower to win a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 1995, Jekka’s has since amassed over 60 RHS Gold Medals for excellence in herb growing. See Jekka's Awards.
Dedicated to the sustainable and organic growing of herbs, Jekka’s is a destination for anyone passionate about medicinal and culinary herbs. Through its Herb Experiences, visitors can explore the many uses of herbs—from cooking and natural remedies to supporting pollinators and enhancing well-being.
Jekka is internationally known for her beautiful exhibits of organic herbs at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show. She was christened ‘Queen of Herbs’ by Jamie Oliver and has a number of accolades including being an RHS Vice President as well as achieving their top recognition, the Victoria Medal of Honour. Jekka is also a best-selling author of 9 books including her latest book, '100 Herbs to Grow' and her bestselling herb book, 'Jekka’s Complete Herb Book' that has sold well over 1 million copies world-wide. Read Jekka's Biography.
A Living Legacy: Jekka’s Herbetum & Herb Garden
The herb farm in South Gloucestershire is home to Jekka's Herbetum and Jekka's Herb Garden both of which display Jekka's collection of medicinal and culinary herbs.
In 2013, Jekka McVicar established Jekka’s Herbetum, a unique educational resource displaying her herb collection in plant families. This living collection is designed to inspire and educate visitors while preserving the knowledge of herbs for future generations.
Jekka's Herbetum contains over 40 Mints herbs from the Lamiaceae Family
Expanding on this vision, Jekka’s Herb Garden was created in 2022. The design of Jekka’s Herb Garden is built upon Jekka’s RHS exhibitions and her 2016 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden as well as her private and public gardens. Designed around two large interconnecting circular beds with 16 themed herb gardens or herb petals. This space offers visitors a wealth of planting inspiration while also addressing the challenges posed by climate change through drought-tolerant landscaping.
In 2025, Jekka’s is launching Jekka’s Herb Days — a series of themed herb events that bring together elements of their popular Jekka’s HerbFest and Open Days. These special herb experiences offer expert talks, guided tours, artisan stalls, and delicious food. Upcoming Herb Days in 2025:
Jekka’s Medicinal Herb Days – Friday 4th & Saturday 5th April
The first in our series, Jekka’s Medicinal Herb Days, will take place on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th April. Renowned herb expert Jekka McVicar will be joined by herbalist Bee McGovern and food writer Jenny Chandler to host a program of engaging talks and guided tours of Jekka’s Herbetum.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the importance of herbs for their Health and Wellbeing with the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, offering insights into herbal medicine.
In support of local independent businesses, we are delighted to welcome three artisan stalls to the event:
- Saskia Flower Essences – Natural flower essences
- Shorrk – Iconic Lebanese ingredients
- Village Pottery – Beautiful handcrafted ceramics
Throughout Jekka’s Herb Days, visitors can explore Jekka’s Herbetum, a living encyclopedia of over 400 culinary and medicinal herbs, as well as Jekka’s Herb Garden, inspired by Jekka’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibits. Containing individual themed herb gardens—or “petals”—visitors can see herbs to grow for culinary, medicinal, and pollinator-friendly uses.
Both Jekka’s Herbetum and Jekka’s Herb Garden aim to inspire amateur and professional gardeners alike, ensuring that the history, culinary, and medicinal uses of herbs are preserved for future generations.
Each day will run from 9 am - 4 pm with talks and tickets are priced at £25 per ticket for an adult and £10 for children 14-17 (free for children 13 and under). Tickets will be available from the 23rd February through the link below.
Jekka's Open Days
Jekka’s Open Days – Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd May
During Jekka’s Open Days, visitors will enjoy talks and tours by Jekka McVicar and gardening expert Mike Palmer (aka Mike the Gardener), be able to explore Jekka’s Herb Garden, and browse Jekka’s selection of herb plants.
Jekka’s Bee & Pollinator Herb Days – Friday 6th & Saturday 7th June
A celebration of bee-friendly herbs with expert talks from Jekka McVicar, bumblebee expert Jean Vernon and bee keeper Richard Rickitt as well as a stall by the South Gloucestershire Beekeeping Association.
Jekka’s has been described as ‘a living book of herbs’ and we offer a variety of educational and inspiring herb experiences for the amateur, enthusiast and professional. Spend the day at Jekka's and discover our passion for growing sustainable culinary & medicinal herbs. See our events calendar for what's on at Jekka's in 2025.
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Private Tours & Group Visits – Perfect for garden clubs, cookery schools, art societies, allotment groups, and herb enthusiasts. Visitors from around the world—including Singapore, Australia, America, and Japan—come to explore Jekka’s unique collection.
"Our Food Tour group from Western Australia were completely absorbed from start to finish on our summer visit to Jekka's Herb Farm this year. From receiving generous advice on horticulture, to listening to relevant and fascinating personal stories plus a plethora of handy tips all from Jekka, the time flew past and quite frankly, none of us wanted to leave" Tracey Cotterell, Matters of Taste 2024
Jekka's Group Visit
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Master Classes – Hands-on workshops covering horticulture, art, and food as well as Friends of Jekka’s Master Classes on topics including Bee Keeping and Medicinal Herbs designed to inspire both beginners and seasoned herb enthusiasts.
“Brilliant learning atmosphere. Relaxed and just generally fabulous!”, Jane 2024
- Discovery Days - Jekka's provides a unique space to host a group event or a tailored themed master class for small groups, businesses and their clients.
"We had such a great day and the stores absolutely LOVED it! I really can’t thank you enough for your hospitality and the knowledge you all gave off", New Nordic herbal school
Jekka's How to Grow Herbs Master Class
Located in the beautiful South Gloucestershire countryside, just 10 minutes from the M4/M5 interchange, Jekka’s is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about herbs and sustainable gardening.
Cultivating flavour, creating experiences.