Queen of Herbs Jekka McVicar

Written By Stuart Higgins Communications, on behalf of Grand Designs Live
Dated: April 10, 2009

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Official Book Signing Announced for the UK’s Queen of Herbs, Jekka McVicar, at this year’s Grand Designs Live, London 2009 Jekka McVicar, the ‘Queen of Herbs’ as cited by Jamie Oliver, and one of Rick Stein’s food heroes will be appearing at Grand Designs Live, London for an official book signing, as well as hosting a Live, first aid demonstration on Growing Your Own First Aid‘ herbs, on the 29th April 2009, at the Alfresco entertaining feature at Grand Designs Live London, sponsored by British Gas.

Jekka has been awarded 61 RHS Gold Medals for her organic herb displays, including 13 at the Chelsea Flower Show, and will be participating in the UK’s No1 homes, design, Gardens and build show, Grand Designs Live, London, to give visitors the unique opportunity to learn how to grow their own first aid herbs.

Her latest book ‘Jekka's Complete Herb Book’, the New Edition is an updated and expanded version, with over 40 new herbs covered, including daisy, ginger, castor oil and purslane. The book also features many new photographs of herbs taken by Jekka on the farm. For each herb, advice is given on its history, cultivation, propagation and harvesting, and the medicinal and culinary uses. Over 250 recipes are included. (Paperback cover differs from illustration).

'Jekka's is a must-have book for everyone who loves gardening and cooking. I'm her biggest fan.' Jamie Oliver.

Jekka will meet and greet visitors at the Alfresco entertaining feature, within the GRAND Gardens section of this year’s show, and will personally sign any books purchased.

In GRAND Gardens you will also find host of dedicated garden experts offering advice in the Diarmuid Gavin’s Garden Design Studio. Plus hundreds of outdoor product and outdoor living exhibitors to show visitors how to make best use of outdoor space.

Jekka first started growing her own organic herbs in a small back garden in Bristol over 25 years ago, and organic herbs have been her life ever since. In 1987 Jekka and her family established Jekka's Herb Farm, producing herbs for mail order, from its present location in South Gloucestershire. As well as the day-to-day running of the farm, Jekka is also well-known for her regular appearances on TV and radio gardening and cookery broadcasts. She is also an enthusiastic writer on herbs, having published four successful books: Jekka’s Complete Herb Book, Good Enough to Eat (reprinted as Cooking With Flowers), Seeds and New Book of Herbs. Jekka's Complete Herb Book and Seeds have recently been reprinted in association with the RHS. Jekka is an elected member of the RHS Council, the governing body of the RHS responsible for its strategic direction, and sits on a number of RHS committees. Jekka is also President of the West of England Herb Society.

To meet Jekka in person, book your tickets to Grand Designs Live, London through www.granddesignslive.com. The show runs from April 25th – 4th May, at London’s ExCeL Centre, in London’s Docklands.

Grand Designs Live Information:

The No.1 consumer show for design, innovation and inspiration for your home returns to London once again, yes that’s right it’s Grand Designs Live, from the 25th April to 4th May, 2009. Based on the hugely successful Channel 4 TV series – presented by design guru Kevin McCloud – Grand Designs Live brings together over 500 exhibitors and six separate shows from Design, Interiors, Building, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Gardens and our awe-inspiring Grand Village, offering visitors the chance to see the latest in design, self build, and sustainable living - all under one roof. Each section is full of the UK’s biggest and best brands and offers you a range of features and advice from leading experts to assist you with every aspect of your home.

Ticket Information:

BOOK TICKETS NOW AND SAVE £5*

www.granddesignslive.com or call the 24 hour box office on 0871 230 5577 + Kids go free

When and where: Grand Designs Live, London will take place from Saturday 25th April – Monday 4th May 2009, ExCeL London. One Western gateway. Royal Victoria Dock. London. E16 1XL

Open daily 10am – 6pm

Standard prices Advanced On the door Weekdays (Tuesday –
Friday) £10, £15

Weekends £13 £18 (Incl Bank Holiday Monday)

Children (aged 15 or under) Free (ticket is required)

All paid for tickets include a FREE show guide worth £8 collectable at the show (no cash alternative available).

Visitors must present a valid voucher to claim their FREE show guide.

Group Discounts Bring your friends and save even more, with great discounts available for groups of 10 or more.

Call 0844 412 4650 for further details on group discounts. For further information, please contact Alex Davison or Nazia Ahmed on 0207 096 5816 or email granddesignslive@stuart-higgins.com