Herb program at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Explore the delightful world of herbs during a comprehensive, one-day workshop, Herbs – Growing, Landscaping, and Using Them in Your Day to Day Life, slated for June 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Room. Bob Byers, Garvan Woodland Gardens’ own resident landscape architect, will tackle the topic of edible landscaping.  He will share information for helping you select the herbs most appropriate for your gardening style, as well as design ideas for making your landscape more attractive, fragrant, and flavorful with edible plants – whether you set aside a formal herb garden, tuck herbs among flowers in a bed, or grow them in a window sill. Expert herbalist Tina Marie Wilcox from Arkansas’ unique Ozark Folk Center State Park near Mountain View will share her vast knowledge of the aromatic plants with workshop participants. Wilcox is the head gardener and herb educator for the Ozark Folk Center, which is home to one of the most diverse organic herb gardens in the nation and recognized for its award-winning Heritage Herb Garden. Wilcox is also the co-author of The Creative Herbal Home, a guidebook for herb enthusiasts. It contains basic and detailed information about using common household ingredients combined with herbs and essential oils to make an array of herbal products for the home. She will touch on topics from the book, which will be available for purchase, and will sign copies during a luncheon that will include a menu of dishes and drinks fashioned with herbs. Herbs are among the easiest plants to cultivate when given the appropriate environment, and Janet Carson, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Horticulture Specialist, will provide an overview of basic herb culture:  determining where to plant herbs, how to prepare the soil, and caring for and maintaining the plants that add an element of excitement to the landscape by evoking the sense of taste, smell, and touch. Participants will learn how to identify and use herbs from Debbie Tripp of Rosemary Hill Herb Farm of Crystal Springs. The local herb grower will share her first-hand knowledge of planting, growing, and harvesting herbs, starting with easy-to-grow varieties such as mint and basil. She will share secrets for cooking with herbs as well. After the workshop, Tripp will have a wide range of ready-to-plant herbs available for purchase. Cost to participate in the workshop is $45 for Garden members and $55 for non-members.  Lunch is included. Advance reservations and prepayment are required.  To register, call the Gardens at 501-262-9300 / 800-366-4664.