The cultivation of garden herbs is an age-old, traditional, and sometimes mystical art stretching back to colonial New England and the Old World. The many diverse uses of herbs for culinary, fragrance-producing, medicinal and ornamental uses sets them apart from other plants and makes them a compelling choice for home gardens. This new series explores the many facets of the herb garden, from how to select and grow them to various methods for their practical use.

The first four classes will be held in the Bosarge Family Education Center; the final class will be in the Kitchen Garden Cafe. Sign up for all five classes at the discounted price of $150 for members/$190 for non-members, or simply pick and choose from the list below, where individual class prices are listed. Pre-registration is required. To sign up for individual classes, visit the calendar post for that date by following the links below. Each class listing post also has a link to sign up for the entire series.

Saturday, May 19
Cultivating Herbs: Selecting and Growing for Many Uses with Irene Brady Barber
When:      9 a.m.-noon
Price:       $30 members, $37 non-members (pre-registration required)

In this hands-on workshop, experienced herb gardener Irene Brady Barber will introduce you to the many ways herbs can be used and instruct you in the modern-day basics of herb gardening – whether it be establishing a new garden, expanding and rejuvenating an existing one or growing in containers.  From plant selection to tending techniques, Irene will make sure you have the best information for a thriving herb garden.

Irene Brady Barber is currently both a landscape designer for Cosmic Stone & Garden Supply and a seasonal horticultural educator at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.  With an academic and professional background in communications: human behavior and in horticulture studies, Irene is presently working to complete a professional certification in the field of horticultural therapy, which is the focus of much of her teaching at the Gardens.  Each year she plans and tends many types of herbs in the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses.

Saturday, June 23
Safe and Simple Herbal Remedies with Gail Faith Edwards
When:      9 a.m.-noon
Price:       $50 members, $60 non-members (pre-registration required)

Herbs have long been valued for their healing and medicinal properties. Join well-known teacher and herbalist Gail Faith Edwards as she explains how to gather herbs both from the garden and in the wild for the preparation of traditional and effective home remedies.

Gail Faith Edwards is the founder and director of the Blessed Maine Herb Farm and the author of three books on the subject of herbal medicine.  She and her family cultivate more than two acres of medicinal herbs and offer an array of MOFGA-certified organic tinctures, compound formulas, herb tea blends and bulk dried herbs. Their farm is also home to an active herbal-learning center.

Saturday, July 28
Herbs with Scent: Making Potpourri and Sachets with Lauriejane Kelley
When:      9 a.m.-noon
Price:       $30 members, $37 non-members (pre-registration required)

In this hands-on workshop, Lauriejane Kelley will provide a brief history of true potpourri making followed by instruction on how to make your own potpourri at home. Learn what herbs to grow and gather in your gardens and which additional materials to purchase to make your fragrant blend last. Together, the class will make a potpourri from moth-repelling herbs to create a sachet that each student will take home. 

Lauriejane Kelley is the owner of Steeplebush Farm Herbs in Limington, Maine. She has grown and worked with herbs for more than 30 years, accumulating a collection of 350 varieties of herbs & heirloom perennials. Her days are filled with the care of her many gardens, harvesting, and the crafting of culinary products, dried flowers, wreaths, potpourri and bath and body care products.

Saturday, August 11
Preserving the Herbal Harvest with Betsey-Ann Golon
When:      9 a.m.-noon
Price:       $30 members, $37 non-members (pre-registration required) 

Traditional air drying is only one way to preserve the herb garden’s bounty. Join “Betz” Golon to learn how to “salt” herbs, create herb pastes, dehydrate vegetable/herb blends and produce beverages (like witchel, liqueur and small beers) all from your own garden.  Everyone will participate in demonstrations and leave with a recipe book and samples!

Betsey-Ann Golon is herbalist for the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village and a guest Interpreter/herbalist at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon Estate and Gardens in Virginia. She is also a master preserver with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and co-owner of Common Folk Farm Herbs, which produces herbal products for museums, botanical gardens and L.L. Bean.

Thursday, September 13
Cooking with Herbs and Spices with Kathy Savoie
When:               6-8 p.m.
Where:    Kitchen Garden Café
Price:       $30 members, $37 non-members (pre-registration required)

Liven up your meals with flavorful herbs and spices! Join Kathy Savoie to learn how to increase taste (and reduce your salt intake) by using garden herbs and spices in your favorite recipes. This enjoyable evening cooking class will help you make the most of your culinary herb garden and will include delicious samples prepared by Kathy and class members.

Kathy Savoie is the food preservation specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Cumberland County.  She also directs the “Master Food Preserver” program. Returning to the Gardens by popular demand, she brings a wealth of knowledge and an entertaining teaching style to every class.