Linda Richardson Tyndall carefully places her handmade soaps, body rubs, and herbal teas on the table to sell at the Community Food Strategies Conference in 2023 at the Rocky Mount Conference center. 

The Richardson family has an herbal garden/farm located in Tar Heel, NC. The land was purchased over 80 years ago by Jeff Richardson (grandfather) and continues to be a source of healing and food access. Linda Richardson Tyndall and Naomi Richardson Simmons and their siblings: Katie Richardson Farmer, Jeanette Richardson White and Larry Richardson are responsible for the day to day operations on the farm including planting, growing, harvesting and they also run the business side of the farm.

When the Richardson family lost both of their parents, Dad in 2010 and Mom in 2020, they felt a responsibility of continuing their parents legacy by keeping the farm in the family and keeping the farm in production. Linda especially felt like she was “called” back to the land after walking away from farming when she was younger. It “felt like it was divine intervention,” Linda said. Linda was reminded that farming was a way of life when she was a child. Her family lived off the land. Linda’s father planted pecan trees and black walnut trees that are still producing to this day. When asked,“What do you grow? Linda explains that she grows herbs like mint, thyme, mullein, hibiscus as well as an array of seasonal fruits and vegetables. “The land is showing me what it likes to be grown. It’s gonna grow, whether I plant it or not.” Linda gives credit to the rich soil that was tilled and prepared by her ancestors. 

The Richardson Family hopes to continue stewarding the land that was passed down to them. They want their community to realize that health is important and that the land provides whatever is needed for them to heal themselves. 

Written with Linda Richardson of Richardson Herbal Farm

For more information on the products from Richardson Herbal Farm please email richardsonherbalfarm@gmail.com.