The Herb Garden

The Herb Garden at Hardstoft, near Pilsley

©The Herb Garden

The Herb Garden at Hardstoft, near Pilsley, is one of the most important herb gardens in the country. For over 25 years, visitors have admired its rare and unusual herbs, the medicinal plants in its physic garden, the delicious scent of its lavender and pot pourri gardens.

With the retirement of its owners in 2011 this national treasure was on the brink of closure. Then Enable Executive Officer Jackie King-Owen heard about it and within days a purchase was agreed.

Enable is re-launching The Herb Garden, and it will open fully to the public in spring 2012. Click here for The Herb Garden location and opening timesIn the meantime, its rebirth was celebrated at a launch event spread over the first two weekends in December 2011:

The re-launch was an opportunity to see the gardens, try irresistible cakes by Occasions Catering in the tea-shop, browse through the selection of handmade craft work and festive wreaths and gifts - and, of course, meet Santa.

Drawing on the expertise of the former owners' family and our own horticulturalists, Enable plans to train new staff to maintain the gardens. Among them will be some of our service users.