The Herb Garden
Designed by historic gardens consultant Virginia Nightingale in 1992, this has become one of the best-loved features of Valence House. The central feature is a green pergola, surrounded by box hedging and formal beds of roses and herbs.
The Victory Plot
A patch of lawn behind the herb garden has been transformed by the LBBD
Parks and Countryside Rangers and
London Wildlife Trust volunteers into a World War Two 'Dig for Victory' garden, including a replica Anderson shelter.
Barking and Dagenham Conservation Volunteers
The beehives
Another new feature for 2011 was the installation of an apiary of four beehives just outside the herb garden, and managed by the Romford Division of the
Essex Beekeepers Association. The first batch of Valence House honey was ready by the autumn and sold in the Valence House shop. It has been praised for its unique colour and flavour.
'Healing herbs of Valence' booklet
This seasonal booklet is produced by Valence House
Volunteers and contains news and background information on the herb garden, grounds and moat. Three 2011 editions and the Spring and Summer 2012 editions are all available for a suggested donation of £1. All proceeds go towards improving the gardens and grounds.
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