ABOUT HERBS FOR HEALING
Herbs for healing can be found in a secluded field at Barnsley Herb Garden, Nr Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Started in 2005 it is run by Davina Wynne-Jones who grew up in the famous gardens at Barnsley House learning much from her mother Rosemary Verey with whom she shared a passion for herbs.

Davina previously kept horses and sheep in the field and it seems to suit the herbs well, they have been growing prolifically.

The garden is not just a place to buy herbs, it is also a place to come to to learn about them and to relax and enjoy the surroundings. In 2010 we  developed  a circular garden surrounded by a hawthorn fence and arches opening to the four directions. We call it the magic garden and it is planted with herbs used traditionally in magic, for protection and health. In the centre we have a bowl, built by Tom Verity. It is filled with water and reflective.  This part of the garden is dedicated to the fairy folk.

Our WORKSHOPS are in the practical use of the herbs - making tinctures, ointments, creams and and flower essences.The programme for 2012 will include the above and also plant spirit journeying, soap making, and childrens workshops

LOCATION. The address is Barnsley Herb Garden, Barnsley, Near Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5EE We are tucked away behind Barnsley House Hotel

If you would like to be kept informed about workshops and events or if you have any query at all please email us at: davina@herbsforhealing.net mobile 07773687493

Davina Wynne Jones

CREDITS -  a long list that could have been longer.

The garden is run with some voluntary labour from members of WWOOF. Other notable helpers in the creation of the garden have included Ellie Brown a traveller who moved off the verge and who stayed on site in her roma caravan all season 2011, Saskia Marjoram of Saskias Flower Remedies who stayed in the roundhouse here for 18 months having to melt snow for her tea in the winter,  she brought her expertise to the gardening as well as participating in workshops and providing excellent lunches. Tom Verity has brought inspiration with his creation  of the scrying bowl and the first hawthorn arch, James Breakspear, Barnsley's local horse drawn traveller, (he doesnt go far) made the stone seat and did the paving in the magic garden and the tiles in the toilet. Jasmine Hamilton did much early graft and kept the weaving of the willow screen straight, Sarah Birdsell was the first helper in 2005 and 6 and kept everything light and happy here as well as doing a lot of initial digging. Isiah Johnson made the staging for the pots and dug and lifted things no one else could, Lance Edwards has been terrific throughout and for years before it was a garden, putting down the hardstanding, making the workshop from a shed, sorting out practical problems all the time and being an invaluable support.  He has also braved the winters here from the start in Delilah his converted truck.  He has scarpered every spring when the muddy field becomes "Herbs for Healing" again.  Valery Kemp was the first connoisseur gardener to help with the planting, Arne Herbs have freely given me advice ( and for money, given plants!) over the years as well as employing my daughter, Rowan.  Ed whose second name I have forgotten planted the hedge, but he hasnt been back to see how his babies have grown, (come and visit, Ed), Ilene Stern volunteer throughout 2008 and helped with all things on the Mac, wrote many labels and generally put her good mind to good use here and got us on the NGS list, Tim Dobson who made the fab gate from the ash tree we felled in the wood, Rowan Wynne- Jones and Claude Jovino who made two arches, Fiona Valentine who made another and Hilaire who made the hawthorn fence between the arches. Richard Feltham brought the garden together in 2008 by up grading the mowing, and since both he and Davina grew up in the village provided a sense of continuity by helping here. Janet Singleton who made me laugh while potting up.
Brad Steer put the front on the workshop and Jamie Gardiner built the potting shed.  Denzil Verey and Anthea Hamilton have excelled as supportive friends, coming regularly to workshops as they have developed as have many others but I cannot go on for every.  Richard Gatenby, head gardener at Barnsley House during the many changes there has also been part of the chemistry that has made it possible for things to happen here just by being a thoroughly nice guy, and even running a workshop for us here despite his busy life. Christine Feltz has also done the flower essence workshop here for five years in succession and brought her lateral thinking to our bank holiday weekends.

Some of the exceptional wwoofers have been Lucinder from France, Rasmus and Suzi from New Zealand, Raphael from Brazil, Emma from the States, Kayko from Japan, Chris from the Channel Isles and Chris from London, Francois and Jean Charles from France, Jah Wild from France and many more all who have brought their skills and goodwill to the garden in uniquely generous ways.

Last mentioned but very important is Clare Holland who set up the website.