LAUREL Farm Herbs, one of the country’s leading culinary herb nurseries, is celebrating its 1st anniversary in Devon.

Last year Chris and Jenny Seagon undertook a mammoth task – moving their successful culinary herb nursery from Suffolk, to Whiddon Down on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

The 350 mile journey took 12 hours, 1 articulated lorry and 22 pallets - plus a year of planning and packing beforehand, but it’s all been worth it. Having arrived a year ago, not only is the nursery thriving, but Chris and Jenny are producing and selling quality plants to the retail trade via mail order, farmers markets , food fairs and plant fairs around the country.

Unlike other nurseries, Laurel Farm only grows and sells culinary herbs and edibles, encouraging customers to ‘have a nibble’ before they buy. Chris says “You can eat any single plant on my nursery, other than the Artichoke leaves”

All of the plants are grown without the use of (artificial) heat, peat and are pesticide and chemical free – with an emphasis on flavour and longevity. The nursery currently has over 140 herb varieties however Chris and Jenny are looking to expand their range to over 600 culinary herbs as well as creating employment opportunities for passionate gardeners.