
Click on the above image to hear the introductory music
(Zipped WAV format)
The Herbs was a superb children's' lunch time program shown around
13:30 on BBC2 in 1968. The animation was very much in the style of the Clangers
or Bagpuss and is on an equal level in terms of classic cult children's
television (my opinion will no doubt clash with others).
The Herbs concerned the adventures of a bunch of characters most of
which were represented by herbs. The stories had a core of individuals who were
always present but each story sometimes introduced new characters as it went
along. The adventures took place in a beautiful garden behind a large wall. We
are introduced to the characters and their garden world at the start of each
episode by the opening of a large door that shields the inside. Parsley the
lion usually said good bye at the end, always nearly catching his head in the
door as it closed.

Only by saying the magic word.......Herbidacious......do we get the door to open into
the world of the Herbs !

The Garden Door

The view through the Garden Door
The Herbs Character Guide
- Parsley the Lion - Parsley the lion always sat on the path
in front of the herb garden to welcome the viewers. He was very frightened of
strangers until he got to know them. He was usually very mischievous with the
other Herbs and was able to see the viewers along with Dill. He hated getting
his tail wet.
- Dill the Dog - Dill was forever in a hurry and always after
his tail. Like Parsley he was able to see the viewers. He loved Bones and was
often seen dreaming about them. He was considered to be a nuisance by Constable
Knapweed.
- Sir Basil - The King of the Herbs was keen on hunting,
shooting and fishing although he never ever caught anything. However, he always
carried a fishing rod and shot gun just in case they were needed. He was
married (presumed) to Lady Rosemary and she kept him in order.
- Sage the Owl - Was always in a bad mood and forever falling
out of his nest. It was suspected that he too could see the viewers but he
never let on to Parsley or Dill. He hated getting his feathers wet and could
not sing to save his life.
- Lady Rosemary - was the sensible herb and was often seen
trying to sort out problems that Sir Basil had got himself into.
- Bayleaf the Gardener - He was both gardener and odd job man
and was always tidying up the garden and at Sir Basil's and Lady Rosemary's
beck and call.
- Constable Knapweed - He patrolled the garden often seen
taking herbs names down in his little book.
- Signor Solidago - He was the music teacher and was not seen
often. His main role was when he tried to teach Sage to sing.
- Pashana Bedi - First appeared in the episode in which
Sage's nest fell down. Was often seen lying on a bed of nails.
- Bella Donna The evil witch - She was deadly nightshade a
very poisonous herb. She wanted to rule all the herb garden and have the herbs
under her control. She often appeared when the sky would go black for a second
and she would cast spells.
- Tarragon the Dragon - He was found at the top of a large
beanstalk plant that Parsley climbed. Everything he breathed on was instantly
vaporized.
- Mr. Onion - He was the school master but was also father to
the little Chives. He was married to Mrs. Onion. He wasn't a proper school
master but because he had so many Chives he took the lessons himself. He tends
to treat the chives like little soldiers whilst in the classroom.
- Mrs. Onion - Wife of Mr. Onion, she is always crying.
- The Chives - They were the school children but they
belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Onion. There were at least ten Chives.
- Aunt Mint - She knitted warm jumpers and was a kind herb.
She loved to knit and take care the other herbs. Give her a ball of wool, a
comfy rocking chair and a reason to knit and she is a happy as a clam. She
would often drop off though in midst knit.
- Miss Jessop - She was a very neat and tidy Herb who always
expects to find things in their proper place. Whilst in the herb garden she is
staying with Sir Basil and Lady Rosemary.
- Good King Henry - not much known about him as Sir Basil is
the King of the Herbs
Click below to go to the Episode Guides
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Guide One |
Guide Two |
Guide Three |