Dancing background meets dairy business: Yeo Valley's yogurt tycoon announces a new festival in Somerset
Yeo Valley Organic Garden in Somerset, England, is more than just a beautiful garden - it's a testament to the Mead family's commitment to organic farming and sustainability. The garden, which spans six and a half acres, is the heart of the Yeo Valley organic brand, known as the UK's largest organic brand[1].
Sarah Mead, co-owner and head gardener, has been instrumental in shaping the garden's unique character. Sarah's gardening approach is characterized by trial and error, taking the longer view, and going with her gut feelings[6]. She did not have a "Road to Damascus" moment in adopting organic gardening principles, but her approach has been significantly influenced by notable figures such as Christopher Lloyd, Nori and Sandra Pope, and the gardens at Hadspen House[2][5].
The garden features themed spaces that are diverse, gloriously idiosyncratic, and confidently reinforce organic principles[7]. These spaces, which include a wildflower meadow and a kitchen garden, showcase the garden's commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.
In recent years, the garden has evolved to become a venue for events that promote organic gardening and sustainable living. One such event is the Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival, which will take place on 18-20 September 2025[8]. This festival will showcase speakers from the sustainable gardening community, including Tom Massey, Sheila Das (National Trust), and Charles Dowding[4].
Sarah Mead hopes the festival will become a successful and well-regarded annual event, attracting visitors from far and wide to experience the garden's natural beauty and learn about organic gardening practices[6]. In addition to the festival, the garden offers guided tours and nature-inspired activities, fostering a deeper connection to nature and promoting wellbeing[1].
For Sarah Mead, gardens that showcase the people behind them are particularly appealing. She believes it is the responsibility of gardeners to explore what they can do to act more consciously and environmentally[3]. Sarah's bold approach and fearless attitude have significantly influenced Yeo Valley Organic Garden over the past 35 years[4].
The Yeo Valley Organic Farm, initially a dairy farm, diversified into cream teas, pick-your-own strawberries, and yogurt production[5]. The garden, which was established in the early 1960s, has been an integral part of the farm's evolution. Today, it stands as a shining example of sustainable agriculture and organic gardening practices, inspiring visitors and promoting a more conscious approach to living.
[1] Yeo Valley Organic Farm - About Us. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/about-us/ [2] Mead, S. (2021, May 17). The Yeo Valley Organic Garden. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/gardens/yeo-valley-organic-garden [3] Yeo Valley Organic Garden. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/our-story/yeo-valley-organic-garden/ [4] Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/whatson/yeo-valley-organic-garden-festival/ [5] Yeo Valley Organic Farm - History. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/about-us/history/ [6] Mead, S. (2021, September 13). Sarah Mead's Horticultural Dreams Come True. Retrieved from https://www.gardensillustrated.com/content/sarah-meads-horticultural-dreams-come-true [7] Yeo Valley Organic Garden - The Garden. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/our-story/yeo-valley-organic-garden/the-garden/ [8] Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://yvogardenfestival.co.uk/
- Sarah Mead's gardening approach, evident in the Yeo Valley Organic Garden, emphasizes trial and error, taking the longer view, and trusting her intuition, shaped over the years by gardening influencers like Christopher Lloyd and Nori and Sandra Pope.
- The themed spaces in Yeo Valley Organic Garden, such as the wildflower meadow and kitchen garden, highlight the garden's commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and organic principles.
- The annual Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival, scheduled for 18-20 September 2025, is an event promoting organic gardening and sustainable living, featuring speakers from the sustainable gardening community, including Tom Massey, Sheila Das, and Charles Dowding.
- For Sarah Mead, who believes it is the responsibility of gardeners to act more consciously and environmentally, the garden at Yeo Valley Organic Farm is not just a home-and-garden, but a lifestyle choice, a testament to organic farming, and an environment where education and deeper connection to nature can thrive.
