In these unprecedented times during the Coronavirus pandemic, it is very important that we all follow government advice on safe distancing, and when necessary, self-isolation, but fresh air and exercise are important and time spent in nature can be hugely beneficial for our overall health and wellbeing.
Although we can’t all physically get together to go explore herbs, we would like to invite you to come on a virtual herb walk with us.
Read MoreToday on the 12th March is National Social Prescribing Day. We are sharing some info on what social prescribing is, how we are involved and how you can find out more.
Social prescribing has been around in various forms since the 1980’s with more schemes being implemented over the last ten years. Interest in social prescribing has grown to provide interventions to people who go to see their GP with largely social issues as opposed to clinical needs.
Read MoreThis weekend is International Women’s Day and to mark the occasion, we've compiled a list of some wonderful local social enterprises run by female founders.
Did you know 55% of community business leaders identify as female? If you’re thinking of joining the sector, read on to discover the best resources and programmes to support you and help get your idea off the ground.
Read MoreRose is the symbol often associated with love and romance , yet the flower has so much more to offer than just its signature scent and pretty petals.
Today is Valentine’s Day and as roses are having a little moment in the limelight, we thought we’d cover just a few of the reasons this flower is so beneficial for health and wellbeing.
Read MoreWe are looking for one trainee to join our team at Hackney Herbal. The role involves working alongside our team and existing volunteers on a new supported community gardening session at our garden in Hackney Wick. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to gain experience of working in the community gardening and/or social and therapeutic horticulture sector.
Read MoreAutumn is the time of year when many plants are transcending into the next phase of their life cycle. Most herbs are now at the end of their making seeds phase and are instead channeling energy back into their roots to create a store for the winter. Read on for some of our favourite herbal remedies to make at this time of year to warm the body and build our immunity as winter approaches.
Read MoreAs the weather starts to get colder we shift our focus to making winter remedies to help keep our bodies strong and healthy. One of the easiest things to make at this time of year is a herbal syrup. It’s also a useful preparation for preserving the goodness of Autumn’s herbal bounty.
Read MoreA few weeks ago we celebrated Urban Food Fortnight by creating a range of herbal tea blends using herbs pooled by the generous contributions from a number of community gardens within Hackney. Here we shine a light on these spaces and just how important they are for bringing people together to grow, share and learn together in the city.
Read MoreHARVEST
So much going on at the moment! Plenty of Hawthorn blossom still around, and Elderflower now also in full bloom.
In the garden, leafy herbs like Mint, Sage, Oregano, and Lemon Balm are plentiful.
Chives have started flowering. The beautiful purple flowers make a gorgeous pink vinegar (simply infuse them in vinegar for a couple of weeks), and are also great added to salads, soups and other dishes. Thyme is also is blossom and the flowering stems are particularly nice in teas.
Read MoreMarch marks the beginning of a new growing season. It’s a very exciting and joyful time in a garden, with seeds germinating, new plantlets coming up all around, early buds turning into blossoms, bees starting to come out, and all that glorious early spring sunshine!
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