The new National Garden of the Herb Society was officially opened on Friday. It is located in the beautiful surrounds of Sulgrave Manor, the former home of George Washington's ancestors.

The garden was opened by the Patron of the Herb Society John Meade – Lord Clanwilliam, the Chairman Roger Tabor and the Royal strewer Jessica Fellows.

Tabor designed the garden, located near Banbury, and the site has been transformed into its new look in just over a year. Tabor a TV naturalist and enthusiastic botanist is clearly delighted with the efforts of everyone at the society in getting the garden ready.

He said: 'I am particularly delighted for Lord Clanwilliam. Throughout its history the Herb Society has wanted to establish a national garden and now after 75 years it is able to, in the wonderful setting of Sulgrave Manor.' It will be open until October 1 and will include the 'feast of herbs' garden and the display of British wild herbs that picked up silver medals at this year's Chelsea Flower Show.

The garden, which is split into different sections includes; domestic herbs, medicinal herbs, culinary herbs, herbs from the Americas and herbs taken to the Americas.

The society aims to broaden the knowledge of herbs for those who visit and there are already plans being made to expand the garden for next year.

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