Jekka McVicar
Jekka McVicar, from Jekka's Herb Farm, has been exhibiting in the Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show for 18 years. But even before that she'd been coming to the show as a visitor.
Royal Horticultural Society What kind of garden do you have at home?
Jekka McVicar A productive one: herbs, vegetables, and fruit plus a native crumble hedge from which I can create the most wonderful fruit crumbles.
RHS What’s your favourite plant or planting combination?
JM My favourite plant is basil, especially ‘Red Rubin’ (Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens ‘Red Rubin’). It looks good, smells good, tastes good and does you good. What more could you ask of a plant which can be grown in a container or in the garden in early summer.
RHS What do you enjoy most about Chelsea?
JM Personally, it is seeing the diversity of plants in the Great Pavilion and I take the utmost delight in seeing people’s enthusiasm for plants.
RHS Best Chelsea experience?
JM Being thanked for inspiring a lady to garden – the ultimate gratification.
RHS Your top tip for surviving Chelsea?
JM Comfy shoes.
RHS What do you do once Chelsea week is over?
JM Get ready for Hampton Court Palace Flower Show!
RHS Chelsea in 5 words?
JM The World's BEST Flower Show!