Jekka is Jekka McVicar — an organic herb grower extraordinaire. She was organic before anyone knew what organic was, she has won about 50 million gold medals in a row at Chelsea Flower Show(OK11 but that is more than any other female exhibitor in the history of the show, and she has 64 gold medals from RHS shows in total. To get a gold is astounding work). Although this is predominantly an online business the private herb farm is occasionally open to the public for special weekends four times a year so you get to scratch and sniff the herbs before you buy. It is a working farm so it is rough and ready, but a chance to buy her herbs from around the world should not be missed. Jekka herself also gives inspirational little talks at these events on how to grow and care for different herbs and you get a chance to buy her books direct. Check the Open Days section of her website for the dates each year. The best one to go to, if you are only going to go to one, is the last one of the year when she sells off all the plants she used in her show displays. These are normally very large specimens and of course very good ones! The Open Days are free on the Friday and £2 on the weekend days. You can book some of the talks and tours in advance. All staff are on hand to help out and you will without a doubt come out with more than you intended to buy…