There will be a host of free family activity at Welwyn Garden’s Howard Centre over four weekends, when local herb enthusiasts are invited to come along and a bespoke herb garden.
A new community garden planter – teeming with herbs and wildlife-friendly flowers – will be installed inside the centre to delight the senses, creating a place to relax and enjoy the scents of the gardenthroughout the year. The Herb Garden will also be the focal point of activity combining theatre, craft and family games with different themed content and activities each season.
Howard Centre manager Paul Haynes said the popular shopping destination had partnered with local nursery, Digswell Community Gardening Project, to create the beautiful Howard Herb Garden.
“The aim of the campaign is to get people really thinking about the ways herbs can transform everyday cooking,” said Paul. “It will help residents explore the medicinal and cosmetic use of herbs, plus the way people have cultivated herbs from all around the world through the centuries.
“Representatives from Digswell will be coming to the centre to give free gardening advice to our shoppers on event days,” he said, “and they’ll be giving out information to visitors at their nursery, where you can see the results of all their beautiful work.”
Robert Locke, business admin manager of the Digswell Community Gardening Project – which has been making a real difference to the lives of local people since 1994 – said he was thrilled to be able to team up with the Howard Centre. “I think it’s great the way The Howard Centre is involving the community by educating and entertaining families during the half-term period,” he said.
“We’re proud to be a part of this great initiative and build even better relationships with the local community so they too can experience a glimpse of our great Community Garden in Welwyn Garden City. The Howard Herb Garden will be lovingly nurtured and maintained by our team.”
The official launch of The Herb Garden will take place on Saturday, 27 May from 11am to 4pm, where the whole family can participate and learn about the growing, planting and caring of herbs. Following the launch, other event days will be held every few weeks – each with their own theme and activity.
Each free event will be hosted by the centre’s two herb-inspired characters, Mr Minty Fresh and Lady Lavender, who are both full of energy, fun, and dedicated to ensuring everyone feels at ease and welcome.
Paul Haynes continued: “We are very excited to host The Howard Herb Garden at The Howard Centre and look forward to working closely with our friends at the Digswell Community Gardening Project.
“To celebrate the launch of the Howard Herb Garden, our website – which includes details of everything from fashion ranges, food and travel – will also be featuring a monthly herb recipe.”
For further information on the Digswell Community Gardening Project, visit their website or like them on Facebook or simply visit them at
Digswell Community Garden Project
B197 Old Great North Road
Welwyn Garden City
Herts
AL8 7SR
Tel: 01707 334076
Email: digswell@sjog.org.uk