The talk ‘What is a herb’, organised by the Friends of the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, will be given by Jekka McVicar, the newly appointed President of the Friends.
Jekka will discuss the history of herbs and the diverse range of plants that are classed as herbs. She will also explain how and where to grow herbs and how to use them in the kitchen and in the home.
Nick Wray, Curator of the Botanic Garden, said: “Herbs were at the core of the original physic gardens of Renaissance Europe, the forerunners of the modern botanic garden. They are a vitally important part of plant collections at the University Botanic Garden and generate much interest with students and visitors.
“I am delighted that the relationship between the Jekka and the garden will be drawn closer together through the Presidency of the Friends and I look forward to working with her in the future.”
Jekka has worked with herbs since 1985 and is a member of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Council and RHS Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Committee.
She has been awarded 62 RHS Gold Medals and in 2012 she was awarded the Garden Media Guild, Lifetime Achievement Award ‘for services to horticulture, design, education and communication and excellence in the field of organic herb growing’.
Jekka is the President of the Herb Society and an active member of the RHS Council. She appears frequently on national radio and advises governments, chefs and members of the public on the use of herbs, most recently at her Herbetum on her Herb Farm in Bristol.
The talk ‘What is a herb’, organised by the Friends of the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, will take place on Thursday 27 March at 8pm at the University of Bristol, Room B75, School of Biological Sciences, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UG.
The lecture is free to Friends (on production of membership card), visitors will be asked for a donation. No booking is required.
Further information is available from the Botanic Garden, tel 0117 331 4906 or email botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk