The Peace Garden is made with some of the great stars of herbalism, celebrated for their ability to instill calm. These herbs can affect us in different ways: lemon balm and St. John’s wort are known for helping to lift the spirits; motherwort and skullcap can relax the nervous system; wood betony can help quieten the mind; the soft embrace of marshmallow can feel like a hug from Mother Nature herself.

Sometimes it is enough simply to be in the presence of these plants in the garden. A few minutes amongst the gentle sway of their leaves and the hum of the bees can transport us to a place of tranquility. Or they can be harvested and enjoyed as a herbal tea, a tincture or a relaxing massage oil. These can be wonderful gifts for those in need of peace, or for ourselves in the winter months when the plants are dormant.

However you choose to enjoy the herbs, once the seeds are sown, you will always have a little bit of peace at your fingertips.

Species in the collection: Marshmallow; Lemon Balm; Motherwort; Skullcap; St John's Wort; Wood Betony.

How to Use

All of the herbs in the Peace Garden can be infused in a cup of herbal tea – fresh or dried. Lemon balm and skullcap leaves are best drunk fresh. You can make a tea from marshmallow leaves, but the real treasure is in its roots, which can be harvested in the Autumn.

If you’re feeling more adventurous you can try making your own tinctures or massage oils. St John’s Wort makes a beautiful deep-red oil – easily made by infusing the flowering tops in olive oil and leaving in the sun for a few weeks.