Having an herb farm is the dream of Madge Eggena. It became a reality over twenty years ago when she and her husband moved to Statesville and purchased land on Mills Garden Road. When asked about why she chose herbs, her answer is "I think they chose me. Herbs have taught me much about growing and using them.” The historical use of herbs and spices is fascinating on many levels. They are our link to literature, music, and nature, and yes, wars have been fought over them. Herbs have always been used in cooking and making medicine; they were even strewn on the floors of cottages for their healing aromas and pest repellant properties. Adding beauty to the landscape, their presence in the garden is healing for all life and the environment. It was after moving to Statesville she learned that Statesville was the center of the crude herb trade for the nation and much of the world! A price list of their roots and herbs hangs in her kitchen!
The journey continues and the learning too. Madge shares her wealth of knowledge each week as she sells her potted plants at various local farmers markets. She holds monthly classes atthe farm ona wide variety of topics, including, gardening, cooking with herbs and making medicine from the garden.
WHERE TO FIND US
MILLS GARDEN HERB FARM 732 Mills Garden Road Statesville, NC 28625 Phone or text: 704-929-0347
This farm land and the herbs and plants Madge grows and sells are planted in organic soil, are 100% free of pesticides, fungicides & herbicides. This means no synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides are ever used. Madge says, "This is how we care for our little spot of earth and promise to continue." I mulch with leaves, hay and kitchen scraps that in time become the soil that continuously feed the plants. The soil in the garden beds is fluffy with an abundance of very happy earthworms and other soil organisms we can't see but know they are there!
Mills Garden Herb Farm boasts a varied population of plants and animals; even “pests” and “invasives” find their little niche in the balanced ecosystem here. We plant for the bees, butterflies, birds, and people. Cultivated garden beds are for growing vegetables and herbs, and a "side yard" is allowed to grow wild like a prairie filled with seasonal wild flowers. A favorite area is the shady woodland garden. Growing woodland plants requires patience, as they grow and multiply very slowly; many of these are our most valued traditional medicinal plants. For a tour of the farm, contact Madge to arrange an educational and magical visit. When you drive in, proceed with caution, as our greeter, Herbie or Herbee, will herd you in. Come see the herb beds, the greenhouse, the magical woodlands, a critter or two...and perhaps a "fairy" if you are lucky.
They "herd" turtles too!
The barn at Mills Garden Herb Farm
Fairies in the Woods
Educational Opportunities: Festivals and Conferences
2022 Herb Festival
ASHEVILLE HERB FESTIVALApril 29, 30, May 1 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.Sunday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.Where: WNC Agriculture Center, Fletcher, North CarolinaWho: If It's Herbs, It's Here! This is the largest herb festival with the best selection of herb plants in the southeast boasting of more than 25,000 attendees! A great reason to experience Asheville!
