"The Sun, as common, went abroad, the flowers, accustomed, blew. As if no soul the solstice passed that maketh all things new." — Emily Dickinson
For centuries, the summer solstice has been considered a special time for gathering herbs.
The longest day of the year was thought to mark the moment when many medicinal and culinary plants reached their greatest potency. Across Britain, people would rise early on Midsummer’s Day to harvest herbs destined for apothecaries, kitchens and home remedies. Some traditions even held that plants picked at dawn carried protective or healing properties that couldn’t be found at any other time of year.
Sitting at the crossroads of folklore and practical knowledge, to this day, people rely on the natural world to support wellbeing. Buoyed by extended daylight hours, plants get a growth boost in the run up to solstice, making it the ideal time for harvesting, with essential oils at their peak, substantial leaf mass, and plenty of time for regrowth over summer.
One herb strongly associated with solstice is St John’s Wort (best harvested nude!), thought to protect against ailments and evil and bring an abundant harvest. Ladies Bedstraw, a sweet-smelling wildflower, was used to stuff mattresses and aid in childbirth, with some believing that the flowers transformed into fairies on solstice night. Mugwort, mullein and chamomile also appear in traditional folklore, all prized for their medicinal and mythical properties. Whether rooted in science, symbolism or both, these species embody the longstanding relationship between people and plants.
At The Newt, that connection is alive and well in the Spa’s Medieval Herb Garden. Inspired by the physic gardens once cultivated by monks, it’s planted with herbs known for their therapeutic and aromatic qualities. Many of the botanicals grown there are incorporated into spa treatments, and some experiences invite guests to harvest their own herbs, blending time in nature with relaxation.Â
The solstice reminds us that gardens have always been more than places of beauty. They are repositories of knowledge, tradition and lore. At midsummer, when herbs are abundant and the days at their longest, that relationship feels especially tangible.
A Botanical Diversion
To experience the Medieval Herb Garden for yourself, don’t forget that members can enjoy exclusive spa days throughout the year, with access to botanical-led treatments and spaces designed for rest and restoration.
