Herb Garden Day

The N.Y. Unit of the Herb Society of America is revamping its traditional Herb Fair for 2019. Instead of having the traditional Herb Fair in September, this year’s special event(s) are a series of Herb Garden days, coinciding with Saturday John Jay Homestead Farm Market. Upcoming dates for these special herb days are Saturdays on June 15, July 20, August 17 and September 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

The theme herb for the June 15th event is sage, and visitors will learn about every aspect of this popular herb and be inspired by its many uses and benefits. Herb Society member Wendy Podell is leading a children’s activity for the day—making a bird of clay using sage as feathers.

Over 700 varieties of sage exist, and it is a drought-resistant plant that features tall spikes of tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Visitors will also be treated to herbal tastings, including sage cookies, and take-home recipes.

This event is a great opportunity for visitors to chat with Herb Society members in the garden or at their Farmers’ Market table, and to learn more about herbs in general. Information will be distributed about the Herb of the Month for each month during this series.

The N.Y. Unit’s herbal theme for July 20 is lemon herbs; for August 17, basil; and for September 21, rosemary (since the Unit usually gives rosemary samples at the Fair). In addition, Herbs of the Month selected by the national Herb Society of America, will be featured —dandelion for June; lemon verbena in July; galangal for August; and chicory in September. All the specified herbs will be used for tastings, baked goods and family activities. For more information, email herbsocietyny@gmail.com.