By Cassidy Tyrone
With savory cooking, cures, and crafts, the 20th Annual Herbal Forum at Round top explores new ways to utilize ancient plants. The forum will be held March 20 and 21.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn from experts and members of the herb society,” says Henry Flowers, Herbal Forum Director. “You can ask all kinds of questions about how to grow and use herbs.”
Flowers says there is a mix of people who attend the forum, some who come year after year and some first-timers just beginning their herbal hobby.
“We get attendees from all across the state, as well as locals,” says Flowers. “I know many people that have attended every year since it started [in 1996].”
Friday, March 20, workshops will be held at 1 p.m. and again at 3:30 p.m. Registered participants may choose among three different topics: “Cultivatin’ and Cooking with Herbs,” which includes a tasting and an educational session of using savory and other herbs in the kitchen; “Spa Herbs,” tried-and-true techniques for using herbs in everyday living; and “Creative Herbal Mustards,” a course to show you how to use an array of herbs to make homemade mustards.
On Saturday, March 21, everyone can enjoy the Blessing of the Garden, the Garden Buffet Lunch, and a variety of presentations. Presenters include Susan Belsinger, Lucia Bettler, Chris Crowder, Henry Flowers, Billi Parus, Ann Wheeler, and Tina Marie Wilcox.
Shopping opportunities will be offered on both Friday and Saturday. The annual Plant Sale, “Thyme Well Spent” Gift Shop, and the Herbal Forum Book Store will offer an array of garden goodies. Books and magazines will also be sold to support the Herbal Society of America.
Overnight accommodations are available for herbal enthusiasts who would like to attend both days. Located on the Festival Institute Campus, most rooms are within walking distance of the Herbal Forum activities.
Deadline to register is March 13. Donations of 8-ounce jam jars to the “Thyme Well Spent” gift shop and donations of books and magazines to the Herb Society of America National Herb Garden Internship will be accepted.
Forum proceeds benefit the Gardens of Round Top Festival Institute and The HSA- Pioneer Unit Educational Activities.
For registration, scheduling, and accommodation information call (979) 249-3129 or contact Henry Flowers at henryf@festivalhill.org. The forum itinerary, complete with times and program descriptions, is available at www.festivalhill.org.
What: 20th Annual Herbal Forum at Round Top
When: March 20 (Workshop Registration Required) 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; March 21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Festival Hill, Round Top
Registration: $75 registration fee; additional $35 fee for optional workshops
For more information, visit www.festivalhill.org.
