Green herbs

Previous Next

The scent of nature: Sonya Ruegg works with some 60 different plants and herbs on her farm. swissinfo.ch

She relies on old recipes and their medicinal value. swissinfo.ch

Ruegg learned the basics from her mother, who grew up in the Bernese Oberland, and then continued to teach herself. swissinfo.ch

Crystals and gentle music create a relaxing mood in the office. swissinfo.ch

Swissherbs offers ointments, oils, jams and spices. swissinfo.ch

Thyme and bay leaves. swissinfo.ch

Ruegg's business logo combines the wide-open rural spaces of South Africa, or veld, with the Swiss Alps. swissinfo.ch

Drying garlic. Paper sacks catch the seeds. swissinfo.ch

So-called elephant popcorn from a South African tree. swissinfo.ch

The farm includes 8.5 hectares of land. swissinfo.ch

With her medicinal training, Ruegg is also active as a healer. swissinfo.ch

Acupuncture in an open field: the glasses generate positive energy and direct it to the plants, Ruegg says. swissinfo.ch

Subtle beauty can be found all around the farm. swissinfo.ch

Water comes from the farm's own well and is collected in a reservoir. swissinfo.ch

The site is built on a former orange grove. swissinfo.ch

These plants smell of animals and keep fruit flies away from the peach trees. swissinfo.ch

Conditions of the southern climate. swissinfo.ch

Poinsettias explode against the deep African sky. swissinfo.ch

Dandelion tea, reportedly good for indigestion and even arthritis. swissinfo.ch

• Picture 1
• Picture 2
• Picture 3
• Picture 4
• Picture 5
• Picture 6
• Picture 7
• Picture 8
• Picture 9
• Picture 10
• Picture 11
• Picture 12
• Picture 13
• Picture 14
• Picture 15
• Picture 16
• Picture 17
• Picture 18
• Picture 19

Sonya Ruegg is one of a few organic farmers in South Africa.

Ten years ago Sonya Ruegg started a family business, swissherbs, and sells her goods to local markets namely in Johannesburg. (Bilder: Christoph Balsiger; Text: Urs Geiser, swissinfo.ch)