The annual Herb Harvest Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, September 30 and October 1, 2011, in the Ozark Folk Center’s White Oak Auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. The timely theme connects herbs of the Middle East to Western herb gardening and cultural traditions. We are much honored to host writers Jigs and Jo Ann Gardner all the way from their farm at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains in New York State. They will be presenting “Gardens of Use & Delight”, based on the book of the same name. Lori Spencer, notable author of Arkansas Butterflies and Moths will lecture and conduct a book signing. “Capturing the Essence of Roses—Herb of the Year 2012” will be demonstrated by the International Herb Association’s Herb of the Year editor, Susan Belsinger. Extraordinary gardeners, Kathleen Connole and Paul White will co-present “Creating the Garden of Your Dreams in the Ozarks”.
On Saturday, Jo Ann Gardner will present “Solomon’s Garden: The Biblical Roots of Holy Land Flora”. This lecture offers unique insights into the plants’ acquired associations in Judaism and Christianity, from the bitter herbs of Passover to the Madonna lily, and from the cedar that grows in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows from the wall. Mary Nell Jackson, who is a member of The Herb Society of America-North Texas Unit, will present “The Secrets of Saffron” and Tina Marie Wilcox will introduce calamus, a useful wetland plant that is native to both Arkansas and the Middle East.
An herb-inspired noonday meal is included in the workshop fee. One day only: $60 prior to September 23rd; $70 after September 23rd. Both days: $110.00 prior to September 23rd; $120.00 after September 23rd. For further information about the speakers, the topics and schedule go to the herb page at www.ozarkfolkcenter.com for mail-in registration or call 870-269-3851.
