Miranda Tringis

Fitness with Georgina Bell

BACK TO NATURE Lifestyle chats to botanical garden Cyherbia founder MIRANDA TRINGIS

In an interview by Amanda Moss

Cyherbia is situated in Avgorou and opened in 2012 and is set in 32000 square metres and was born from an idea after she brought the land with her husband as an investment. She said, “about six months after we got the land, my husband had the crazy idea to create a park for people to learn about the benefits of herbs for health and well-being and at the same time spend a nice day in the natural surroundings. I was dabbling in herbalism for years as a stay at home mum, using herbal remedies for my family, and I knew how powerful the herbs of Cyprus are in their therapeutic actions. When he had the idea for the park, after my initial fear of such a big project, I decided to study for a degree in herbal medicine. The park took 8 years to create, during those years I got my degree and some years of 10 working as a herbal practitioner. There are 9 themed herb gardens, 2 lavender gardens, a woodland planted in the shape of Cyprus where you can walk around the island and also see the fairy village, there is the famous 2000 sq.m hedge maze, and on site you can enjoy healthy dishes and herbal tea in the tea room, and find herbal products in the shop. Guests get a printed guide to read whilst they walk around the gardens. Cyherbia is currently expanding by building a new herbal apothecary for blending teas and making other products, a new reception and storage area. One of the most anticipated events on the calendar at Cyherbia is Halloween, with their tradition of pumpkin carving weekends throughout October, and the big family Halloween event on the last weekend of October. Miranda said: “Although Halloween is not that big on the island, many people love the spooky family fun we offer at the park, and the pumpkin carving has become a very popular activity for young and old. Last year as many as 1500 pumpkins were carved over 3 weekends! There wasn’t a pumpkin to be found anywhere on the island! The pumpkins are grown especially for us in other parts of the

island, and as many as we buy in, we are always short of them at the end of October!” Sipping herbal tea in the cafe, Miranda is the picture of contentment, which is hardly surprising in the beautiful, tranquil environment she has created with her family. She said: “What I love most about Cyherbia is how privileged I feel working alongside mother Nature in providing wellness to people. I never cease to marvel at how much healing there is in nature, not only in her gifts in the form of teas and medicines, but also just to spend time in nature, interact with the trees and plants. Often just to sit here in these natural surroundings is everything. I live and breathe this place.” Enjoy a relaxing walk and have fun whilst learning about the herbs of Cyprus. Children get a game sheet with educational activities to do in all areas of the park. After your walk you can sit back and relax in the tea room overlooking the gardens and enjoy a freshly prepared healthy meal or cakes. With your entrance ticket you get a cup of complimentary herbal tea.