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Annual Herb Garden Committee Report 2012

Committee Co-chairs: Jane Kraska and Jackie Johnson

Committee Members: Lesa Aldridge, Phyllis Alroy, Doris Arents

(committee Secratery), Diane Bartfield, Elana Berlinger, Chris Danser,

Claudia DeFino, Karen Fridkis, Debra Grasso, Gayle Henkin, Jackie

Johnson, Jane Kraska, Lorraine Mackersie, Anna Marty, Marjorie Meriam,

Dottie Prudhomme, Grace Rarich, Cecilia Smith, Angela Topley (trips

coordinator), Linda Turner-Rostron, Bruce Young.

Committee description: The Herb Garden Committee meets at Extension,

on the third Tuesday of the month, from 10AM for at least an hour and a

half. During the winter months we choose specific herbs and/or topics to

research and discuss. We usually make recipes using the herb that is being

discussed that month. Cooking with various herbs help us learn first hand

about the herbs.

During the gardening season we meet at MEG. Our gardens have been

divided into four sections; culinary, tea, ornamental and medicinal. This

organization allows us to study the herbs by their separate uses. We also

maintain the Sundial/Thyme garden.

Committee Goals for the Year:

1. To actively involve all committee members, getting their input and

giving them opportunities to feel comfortable speaking in front of a

group.

2. Have a successful Herb sale for Plant Expo.

3. To present an herbal Learn More for Master Gardeners.

4. To create a new, hands on game for the Insect Festival.

5. To continue our knowledge of herbs through research, gardening and

cooking.

6. To add new members to our committee.

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Accomplishments for the year:

1. We studied 11 specific herbs, as well as harvested and dried them

through the growing season. This year long project culminated in the

committee presenting an Herbal Learn More in October, at MEG.

Everyone participated in some way for this project.

2. Community Ed. Program- Mid-Summer in the gardens. Led by

Jane Kraska, we spoke to the public on harvesting & drying herbs.

3. Successfully selected, maintained and sold herbs for the Plant Expo,

as well as using the opportunity to answer questions from the public

on growing and using herbs.

4. A new game was introduced for the Insect Festival – Attracting

Beneficial Insects Using Herbs. This project was led by Jackie

Johnson.

5. Under the leadership of Angela Topley, we enjoyed some “herbal”

trips, including Colonial Gardens to learn more about roses (2012

Herb of the Year), the NY Botonical Gardens and an end of year tour

of Drumthwacket and Morvan in Princeton.

6. We added some new members to our committee.

Items purchased or donated

Materials were purchased that were needed for the new Insect Festival

Game.

Numerous plants for our gardens at MEG were purchased.

Plans for next year

1.Our major goal is to present an Herbal Program for the Community

Ed. Program in June at MEG.

2.We also plan on supporting the newly formed Trent Project with our

knowledge of growing, harvesting and drying herbs.

3.We will continue to encourage members to take leadership roles for

our committee projects and for heading up as coordinators for the five

gardens we maintain at MEG.

4. We will actively encourage new members to join, especially

through announcements at general master gardeners monthly meetings,

through the monthly newsletter and through word of mouth.

Herb Garden Committee Annual Report for 2013

Committee Chairs Jackie Johnson Jane Kraska

Committee Members Lesa Aldridge, Phyllis Alroy, Maureen Amter, Doris Arents, Diane Bartfield, Pat Beckman, Elana Berlinger, Claudia DeFino, Pat Frawley, Debra Grasso, Gayle Henkin, Jackie Johnson, Jane Kraska, Lorraine Mackersie, Jean Mahoney, Anna Marty, Marjorie Meriam, Marilyn Orland, Dottie Prudhomme, Grace Rarich, Cecilia Smith Angela Topley, June Vester

Committee description The Herb Garden Committee meets on the third Tuesday of the

month through out the year at MEG, weather permitting or at Extension during the winter months. We increase our knowledge of herbs through research, gardening and cooking. We share this knowledge with the public through a number of Community Ed Programs. Our gardens at MEG are divided into five sections; culinary, tea, ornamental, medicinal and thyme/sundial. This organization allows us to study the herbs by their separate uses.

Committee goals for the year Our major goals were to present the Community Ed Program –

Herbs in the Home and Garden and to support the newly formed Trent Project. We also encouraged members to take leadership roles within the committee. We actively encourage MG’s members to join our committee.

Accomplishments for the year Successfully presented a Community Ed Program – Herbs in the

Home and Garden Prepared & presented an herbal learning experience for children,

for the Trent House Project. Participated in two other Community Ed Programs

1. A Midsummer Night in the Garden2. Putting the Garden to Bed

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Supported both the annual Plant Expo and the annual Insect Festival

All of the above accomplishments provided our members with numerous opportunities to practice public speaking, with the goal of being comfortable speaking in public.

We increased our knowledge of herbs through educational trips to Well -Sweep Herb Farm and Peace Valley Lavender Farm, earning C.E. credits. We also broadened our herbal knowledge through research, gardening, and cooking with herbs projects.

Maintained our 5 Herb gardens at MEG For our 3rd year in a row, we planted sunflowers and supported

the Hunt for Bees project. Provided herbal refreshments for the MG monthly meeting in

September Provided lavender wash cloths for MEG events Continued our “grow garlic” project in our home gardens We added 8 new members to our committee this year.

Items purchased or donated We spent $190 on numerous plants purchased for our gardens at

MEG. The materials needed for the Trent Project were donated.

Plans for next year 1. Continue educating committee members with talks on different

herbs and their uses. Selected topics for 2014 are: Artemisia, Herbof the Year; herbs use in appetizers, desserts and breads,respectively; and the topic of herbs attracting beneficial insects.

2. Plan on several educational tours.3. Support the Plant Expo and promote herbs to the public.4. Assist with Community Educational Programs at MEG.5. Support the Insect Festival with our herb game.6. Prepare an “Enriching Your Holidays with Herbs” program for a

November meeting.7. Lastly, and most important, maintain our gardens to put our best

foot forward for the public.

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Report  of  the  Culinary  Garden  Committee  for  2014  

After  reviewing  the  successes  and  comments  on  the  previous  year’s  plantings  in  the  2013  report,  the  culinary  group  decided  to  try  planting  some  unusual  herbs  as  well  as  the  most  common  ones.    

Some  plants  were  purchased  at  Russells  on  April  22nd  and  at  the  Delaware  Valley  HSA  plant  sale  on  May  17th.***see  below.      These  later  purchases  were  far  superior  to  the  earlier  ones  at  Russells.  All  were  planted  on  May  20.    In  addition,  we  replanted  a  large  Lemon  Grass,  large  Bay  plant,  and  large  Lemon  Verbena,  all  of  which  had  been  overwintered  in  the  homes  of  herb  committee  members.  

Herbs  purchased  at  Russells  on  4/22/14  Basil,  Genovese  Basil,  Mexican  Cinnamon  Spice  Basil,  Purple  Osmin  *EpazoteLavender,  Hidcote  Lavender,  Phenomenal  Lemon  Verbena  Marjoram,  Sweet  Mint,  chocolate  (3)  Nasturtium  Oregano,  Italian  Oregano,  Hot  and  spicy  Rosemary,  Upright  

Herbs  purchased  at  HSA  sale  on  5/17/14:  Basil  Greek  Basil,  Cinnamon  Basil,  Genovese  Basil,  Lemon  Basil,  Pesto  Perpetuo  Basil,  Purple  Ruffles  Basil,  Spicy  Globe  Basil,  Thai  Sweet  Borage  Calendula  Dill  Fennel,  Sweet  Marigold,  Lemon  Gem  Marigold,  Tangerine  Gem  Marjoram,  Golden  Nasturtium  Oregano,  Greek  Oregano,  Italian  

Oregano,  Mexican  Parsley,  Italian  Rosemary,  Barbecue  Rosemary,  Gorizia  Rosemary,  Tuscan  Blue  Sage,  Berggarten  Sage,  Pineapple  Savory,  Winter  *SteviaTarragon,  French  Thyme,  Lime  Thyme,  Spicy  Orange  

The  plants  at  the  HSA  sale  were  far  superior  to  the  ones  purchased  at  Russells  earlier,  and  there  was  a  much  greater  variety  available  (see,  for  example,  all  the  Basil  and  Oregano  types).      *Of  particular  note  were  two  new  plants:  *  Stevia,  a  natural  sweetener,  and  *Epazote,  an  herb  used  in  Mexican  cooking.      

We  were  very  pleased  with  the  success  of  all  these  plants.    Regular  watering,  weeding,  and  tending  of  the  garden  by  the  entire  herb  committee  contributed  to  the  success  of  the  garden.  

Recommendations:      Purchasing  plants  too  early  is  not  advised,  due  to  the  need  for  sheltering  them  until  planting  time.    The  HSA  sale  is  mid-­‐May  and  has  an  excellent  variety,  provided  one  gets  there  early  in  the  morning.    Russells  also  has  a  good  supply  even  if  purchased  in  mid-­‐May.      

***Please  note:    HSA  sale  did  not  provide  a  receipt  for  proof  of  purchase,  and  so  there  was  a  delay  of  several  weeks  for  reimbursement  .    We  are  grateful  to  the  RMG  board  for  providing  reimbursement  on  a  one-­‐time  basis,  and  also  to  the  HSA,    for  the  assurance  that  receipts  would  be  available  at  their  sale  in  the  future.  

A  better  labeling  system  should  be  developed.    This  year  we  didn’t  have  time  on  planting  day  and  so  we  just  used  the  signs  that  were  available  at  MEG.    Labeling  should  be  done  at  the  time  of  planting.  

I  wish  to  thank  Pat  Beckman  for  her  work  as  co-­‐chair  of  culinary  herbs.    She  was  an  enormous  asset,  both  with  advising  about  plants,  and  especially  in  purchasing  the  plants  at  the  Herb  Society  of  America  sale,  where  she  was  a  salesperson.      I  also  would  like  to  thank  the  culinary  team,  who  were  so  active  in  caring  for  our  garden.  

Respectfully  submitted,  Jean  Mahoney  November  30,  2014  

TEA GARDEN REPORT – 2014 

Jane and Elana prepared the garden for planting and applied a heavy woodchip mulch to stop 

weed growth.  

This year, we purchased all our plants at Russell’s.  We bought: white Provence, hidcote and 

lavender phenomenal, lemon verbena, variegated lemon thyme, lime thyme, chocolate mint, 

Kentucky Colonel hybrid mint, mentha, cinnamon basil, lemon basil, red basil and Bergemont 

sage.  We stopped at the garden on the way home to plant. 

Plants that survived our rough winter were:  lemon balm, elderberry, anise hyssop, German 

chamomile, monarda, Rugossa rose, Louise Odier rose, lemon mint, apple mint, spearmint and 

mother of thyme.   

Thyme—The mother of thyme is very hearty.  We removed it from the Louise Odier rose bed 

and planted variegated lemon thyme and lime thyme.  The thyme growing between the 

stepping stones was kept trimmed and produced a carpet of pink flowers for the pollinators. 

Lavender—When we planted the new lavender plants, we lined the holes with gravel to 

improve drainage.  By August, the white Provence lavender was looking poorly, but it rallied 

and survived.  The hidcote and lavender phenomenal were doing well. 

Mint—We divided the old mint plants and potted them up for sale.  The new mint was planted 

in pots to continue to contain the roots.  All the mints did well. 

Basil—The cinnamon basil and lemon basil did moderately well.  The red basil showed signs of 

the virus affecting basil this year.  Fortunately, the basils survived the virus and thrived later in 

the summer.  

Bee Balm (Monarda)—We placed supports around the plants to keep the flowers standing 

upright.  There were twelve pots of flowers sent to Plant Expo.  We left the dried seedheads for 

the birds.  We expect to pot up monarda again next year for the plant sale. 

Lemon Balm—We kept the plants trimmed to prevent going to seed. 

Roses—Both roses were pruned in spring.  The Louise Odier rose had been eaten down, but it 

sprang back and bloomed by summer. The Rugosa rose is still battling horseradish in its roots. 

Anise hyssop—We are hoping that as the hyssop reseeds and gains strength, it will be stunning 

next year.  The roots had to recover from too much rain in 2013. 

Peppermint Scented Geranium—Last year’s plant overwintered indoors and made it to the tea 

garden again.  We are overwintering it indoors again this year. 

German Chamomile—This year, the chamomile stole the show.  It finally established itself and 

looked beautiful in spring.  We trimmed the dead stalks, and new growth followed.  We chose 

German Chamomile because it is a sweeter tasting herb for tea. Roman (English) Chamomile 

may grow 12 inches long, but it lays down like a groundcover.  It is more bitter. 

Elderberry—Our plant is thriving.  We will have to transplant it in the spring as it wants to be 

twelve feet tall.  Moving it two feet farther in and keeping it pruned should be sufficient. 

Sunflower—We included our sunflower to participate in the bee counting. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Jane Kraska and Elana Berlinger, 

Tea Garden Coordinators 

End  of  year  report:  Ornamental  Herb  Garden  2014  Submitted  by  June  Vester  and  Pat  Frawley  

Perennials  in  garden:  Nepeta  Dianthus  Yarrow  Gas  Plant  Agastachia  Thyme(Fr?)  Lavender  Lambs  ear  Rose  Monarda  (Jacob  Kline)  Coreopsis  Artemesia  St.  John’s  wort  Peony  Betony  Stacychs  Verbena  Bonariensis  Echinacea  Baptisia  Stonecrop  Ladys  Mantle  Black  eyed  susan  Senna  

Annuals:  Scented  leaf  geranium(lemon)  Bronze  Fennel  Pineapple  sage  Oregano,  

Comments:  Baptisia  is  shading  out  sun  loving  plants.The  Echinacea  needs  to  be  moved  as  does  the  lavender.    The  passion  vine  was  moved  out  of  the  Ornamental  garden  but  its  runners  continue  to  pop  up  everywhere.    Nasturtium  did  well  but  need  to  be  placed  in  a  location  

where  they  will  not  be  crowded  out  or  deprived  of  sunshine  by  more  intrusive  plants.  

In general, it was an easy season, with abundant rain and little temperature fluctuations. Having a work hour prior to our meetings at MEG made our gardens much more manageable. The herbs purchased at Russell's were healthy and did well until they were shaded out or crowded out The perennials like baptisia, peony and yarrow did very well. We had an invasion of monarda, again from the medicinal bed, which moved into prime ornamental real estate. It was healthy and attracted lots of pollinators but would have done this if it had stayed at home.

The artemisia was difficult to control and our one and only rose was downright pitiful. The scented leaf geraniums got lost in the shuffle. The thread leaf coreopsis is becoming unruly, wandering into the walkway and should be thinned. The nasturtium tried to climb the trellis but was shaded and was bullied by the passion vine and the witch hazel. The pineapple sage had a banner year. It was great having the help of new members to the herb committee and especially two strong gentlemen, both very helpful and willing.

I do not know if it worth replacing the rose as the site seems to be too shady and it has been beset by a variety of problems over the past few seasons. The scented leaf geraniums could have done better if they had more space. The bronze fennel was lovely, but took up too much space and there are so many others at MEG I think we can forego this plant next year. Our lavender just never seems happy; maybe it is too wet or again, too shady.

Our mystery plant, still unidentified by either helpline or BB, has vine like foliage and stems, flowers that look nightshade-like, and ovate baseball-sized fruit, pale yellow-green, with "honeydew" light green flesh, a seed cavity with many seeds that look similar to small squash seeds. One riper fruit was an orangish color. When cut open, there was a slightly sweet fragrance. We know not from whence it came, but it sure seemed happy.

For next season, I think we should prune, thin, and remove some plants to improve sun exposure and air circulation, and put in fewer plants.

Consider  for  next  year:  Salvia  officianalis  Roman  Campanile  Salem  Rosemary  Cardoon  Sweet  Cicely  Tutt  Frutti  anise  hyssop  Allium  tuberosum  silver  Thyme  

MEDICINAL  HERB  GARDEN    REPORT  2014  

The  Medicinal  Garden  did  well  again  this  year..  We  added  the  Vicks  plant  which  grew  very  large.    A  cutting  is  being  over  wintered.    The  Aloe  also  did  well  and  gave  us  several  new  plants.    The  Aloe  is  also  being  over  wintered.      It  has  been  noted  that  the  Witch  Hazel  should  be  pruned  after  blooming  in  February.      

Three  Sun  Flower  plants  were  planted  for  the  bee  count  again  this  year.  

Thank  you  to  Grace  for  her  help  in  the  garden  again  this  year.  

Submitted  by,  Doris  Arents  Garden  Coordinator  

Artemisia  2014  Herb  of  the  Year  

Planted  in  Thyme  Garden:  

Artemisia  abrotanum  southernwood,  lad’s  love,  old  man  lemon/citrus  southernwood      up  to  48  inches  height  Fine,  lacy  green  leaves.    Citrusy  scent  with  a  dash  of  pine.  Dried  leaves  repel  moths.    Leaves  can  be  used  in  sachets,  potpourris  &  moth  repellent.  

Varieties  of  Southernwood:  Common   3-­‐4  feet  (good  hedge  herb)  Tangerine   5-­‐6  feet  (good  back  of  boarder  herb,  fruit  scented)  Lemon   3-­‐4  feet  (nice  lemon  scent)  Camphor   2  ½  feet  (strong  camphor  scent,  slow  grower)  

Artemisia  schmidtiana  Silver  Mound      10”  by  15”  Woodworm  Very  fine,  silky,  silver  foliage  mound.  

Artemisia  stelleriana  Silver  Brocade      12”  by  24”      Looks  like  Dusty  Miller  Can  be  cut  back  in  midsummer  after  it  flowers.  

Xeriscaping/  very  little  water/  Drought  smart  plants  

The  above  three  Artemisia  plants  were  added  this  year.  

Springtime  was  intense  with  weeding  and  adding  some  purchased  thyme  plants  to  fill  in  bare  spots.    These  newly  added  plants  were  removed  late  in  the  season  because  they  were  not  part  of  the  original  design  for  the  garden.  

Recommendation:    Seek  out  the  original  design  for  the  garden  so  the  committee  has  a  copy,  ensuring  that  in  the  future  we  don’t  experience  such  a  waste  of  time,  energy  and  money.  

RUTGERS MASTER GARDENERS OF MERCER COUNTY

HERB COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2015

1. Who are the committee chairs?

January-March: Angela Topley and Grace Rarich

April-December: Grace Rarich and Claudia DeFino

2. Who are the committee members?

Lesa Aldridge, Phyllis Alroy, Maureen Amter, Doris Arentis, Pat Beckman, Elana Berlinger,

Paola Blelloch, Cindy Capritti, Terry Cooper, Chris Danser, Jacjue Davis, Claudia DeFino, Pat

Frawley, Debra Grasso, Denise Hansson, Gayle Henkin, Sarah Hollister, Jim Hurly, Jane Kraska,

Clare Kowalak, Mary Loetscher, Jean Mahoney, Anna Marty, Marjorie Meriam, Sonya Nagele,

Marilyn Orland, Dottie Prudhomme, Grace Rarich, Keith Sagers, Stephanie Slaboda, Cecelia

Smith, Angela Topley, June Vester, Mary Wagner

3. What is the description of the committee? (If the description on the private website needs

to be updated, the time is now! Committee Descriptions are under “View MG specific

info.”

The Herb Committee meets on the third Tuesday of every month throughout the year at MEG,

weather permitting, and at the Extension office during the colder months. Our goal is to increase

our knowledge of herbs through personal research, concentrating on areas of gardening practices,

companion plantings, cooking with herbs, and medicinal usages, to name a few. We share this

knowledge within our group through presentations by members at our meetings. Information is

also shared with the public at MEG educational programs and with written literature for the

community outreach programs. The gardens at MEG are divided into five sections: culinary, tea,

ornamental, medicinal and thyme/sundial. With this organization it allows us to display many

different herbs and demonstrates how single herbs have many uses.

4. Did the committee goals for this year reflect the RMGofMC mission and goals stated

below?

a. Mission Statement of RMGofMC: To excite, inspire, and encourage the residents of

Mercer County to participate in the rewarding experience of responsible gardening and

pest management.

We encourage our members to take leadership roles within the committee. We have two

members as heads of the five herb gardens: Culinary - Jean & Marilyn; Tea - Jane & Elana;

Thyme - Denise & Debbie; Ornamental - June & Pat F.; and Medicinal - Doris & Stephanie.

They coordinate the planting and maintaining of their respective gardens, enlisting help from the

rest of our members.

We also have members investigate and suggest herbal tours for our group. Stephanie, our tour

coordinator, researched and planned three tours this year. We have a member, Elana B, who

writes and submits articles for the newsletter. And, as stated earlier, our meetings generally have

an educational presentation on a specific herb. That herb is also incorporated into delicious snack

items for us in the form of appetizers, soups, bread, main dishes or desserts. We can then share

our new knowledge and new recipes with friends and the public.

b. Goals of RMGofMC: To expand the public’s knowledge of responsible gardening and

pest management through horticultural and environmental programs and through

community service activities.

Our committee participated in the following MG programs that directly reflected the goals of

RMGofMC:

Plant Expo: We divided some of our hardy herbs and put them in small pots with

identification for the plant sale. Several members signed up to work with the set-up,

organization and day-of activities of the plant sale.

Mid Summer Night in the Garden: We set up a table displaying an herbal bouquet

with cuttings from the five different gardens. On this table were handouts from Rutgers

Cooperative Extension which included, 1) Planting an Herb Garden, 2) Herbs to Repel

Insects, and 3) How to Start a Windowsill Herb Garden. We encouraged the public to

take copies of this literature.

Insect Festival: Our members made several display boxes of insects, butterflies

and moths that were labeled. They also made two display charts of Orders of Insects that

were absolutely beautiful. Bouquets of fresh herbs were made along with pictures of the

beneficial insects that these herbs attract. Adults and children really enjoyed all these

educational pieces.

5. What are the accomplishments and challenges this year, including projects in progress?

Accomplishments:

Presentations by Members:

Peppers (with power point) by Marilyn O.

Savory (Herb of the Year) by Terry C.

Ginger and turmeric (included planting these rhizomes to bring home and

overwinter) by Stephanie S.

Tours Organized by Stephanie S.:

Hidden Spring Lavender Farm in Skillman, NJ (1 CE granted),

Blue Moon Acres in Pennington, NJ,

Fields without Fences (Medicinal Herb CSA) in Frenchtown, NJ

Educational Projects within the Committee:

Starting herb seeds in six-packs using salad containers as mini-greenhouses

Making herbal, salt-free dressing and taking home in small jars

Learning about and combining herbal ingredients to make curry powder for home

use

Cutting and arranging fresh herbal bouquets from blooming fragrant herbs

Making potpourri with dried herbs provided by Jane K.

Planting ginger and turmeric rhizomes to take home and overwinter

Identifying a mystery fruit and plant that was discovered in the ornamental garden

called Solanum muricatum or Pepino dulce.

Sharing books, magazines and periodicals through our own lending library

All members actively participated in maintaining (planting, weeding, watering,

pruning and harvesting) the five herbal gardens and some members are

overwintering tender herb perennials

Secretary:

Providing detailed minutes to members in a timely fashion by Doris A.

Challenges:

Expensive tile signs went missing from the herb gardens. After much discussion,

the committee decided to use inexpensive wire signs with computer-generated labels

sealed with clear tape, along with the remaining tile signs.

Some members developed a severe rash when brushing past the gas plant in the

ornamental garden; this resulted in irritation that lasted several weeks. It was

decided by the committee that it should be removed since more of the public is

exploring our gardens at MEG. Its original owner and donor was pleased to have the

plant returned to her home garden.

Due to the drought and bunny population, we lost some purchased herbs in three

of the gardens.

6. What are the plans for next year?

Continue educating committee members with presentations on different herbs and their uses. We

will start with pepper, the "2016 Herb of the Year". Plans are underway for new educational

tours. A mushroom log project is a possibility for April. Support Plant Expo, Insect Festival and

all MG community educational programs. Maintain the herb gardens for all to enjoy.

RUTGERS MASTER GARDENERS OF MERCER COUNTY COMMITTEE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT OUTLINE

Please include the following in your annual report:

1. Name of Committee: Herb Committee

2. Who are the Committee chairs? Grace Rarich and Claudia DeFino

3. Who are the Committee members? Attended multiple meetings this year: LesaAldridge, Phyllis Alroy, Doris Arents, Pat Beckman, Elana Berlinger, CindyCapritti, Terry Cooper, Chris Danser, Jacque Davis, Claudia DeFino, AngelinaDuggan, Pat Frawley, Debra Grasso, Denise Hansson, Sarah Hollister, Jim Hurly,Jane Kraska, Jean Mahoney, Anna Marty, Nancy Nicosia, Marilyn Orland, DottiePrudhomme, Grace Rarich, Keith Sagers, Linda Shorthouse, Stephanie Slaboda,Cecelia Smith, Angela Topley, June Vester, Bruce Young Attended onemeeting: Sonya Nagele-Jan, Jyoti Devnani-April, Sudi Solomon-April, IshrutBatjer-July, Sandy Kimbrough- Oct

4. What is the description of the Committee? (If the description on the private websiteneeds to be updated, the time is now! Committee Descriptions are under “ViewMG specific info.”The Herb Committee currently meets on the third Tuesday of every monththroughout the year at MEG, weather permitting, and at the Extension officeduring the colder months. Our goal is to increase our knowledge of herbs throughpersonal research, concentrating on areas of gardening practices, companionplantings, cooking with herbs, and medicinal usages, to name a few. We share thisknowledge within our group through presentations by members at our meetings.Information is also shared with the public at MEG educational programs and withwritten literature for the community outreach programs. The gardens at MEG aredivided into five sections: culinary, tea, ornamental, medicinal and thyme/sundial.With this organization it allows us to display many different herbs anddemonstrates how single herbs have many uses.

5. Did the Committee goals for this year reflect the RMGofMC mission and goalsstated below?

a. Mission Statement of RMGofMCTo excite, inspire, and encourage the residents of Mercer County to participate in therewarding experience of responsible gardening and pest management.

We encourage our members to take leadership roles within the committee. We have two members as heads of the five herb gardens: Culinary - Marilyn & Jim; Tea - Jane & Elana; Thyme - Denise & Debbie; Ornamental - Cindy & Pat F.; and Medicinal - Keith & Stephanie. They coordinate the planting and maintaining of their respective gardens, enlisting help from the rest of our members.

We also have members investigate and suggest herbal tours for our group. Stephanie, our tour coordinator, researched and planned three tours this year. We have a member, Elana B, who writes and submits articles for the newsletter. And, as stated earlier, our meetings generally have an educational presentation on a specific herb. That herb is also incorporated into delicious snack items for us in the form of appetizers, soups, smoothies, bread, main dishes or desserts. We can then share our new knowledge and new recipes with friends and the public.

b. Goals of RMGofMCTo expand the public’s knowledge of responsible gardening and pest managementthrough horticultural and environmental programs and through community serviceactivities.

Our committee participated in the following MG programs that directly reflected the goals of RMGofMC:

• Plant Expo: We divided some of our hardy herbs and put them in small potswith identification for the plant sale. Several members signed up to work with the set-up, organization and day-of activities of the plant sale.

• Mid Summer Night in the Garden: We set up a table displaying an herbalbouquet with cuttings from the five different gardens. On this table were handouts from Rutgers Cooperative Extension which included, 1) Planting an Herb Garden, 2) Herbs to Repel Insects, and 3) How to Start a Windowsill Herb Garden. Weencouraged the public to take copies of this literature. We also gave out lavender wands that our committee made.

• Insect Festival: Our members made several display boxes of insects,butterflies and moths that were labeled. They also made two display charts of Orders of Insects that were absolutely beautiful. Fresh herbs were on display with photos of the beneficial insects that these herbs attract. Our members were volunteering in many areas of the Insect Festival and one member distributed refreshing home-made lavender wash cloths to help cool some of the warm guests.

6. What are the accomplishments and challenges this year, including projects in progress? Accomplishments: Presentations by Members:

• Capsicum Pepper "Herb of the Year" by Stephanie • Garlic "History, Mystery, Myth, and Facts" by Pat F • Herb Vinegars by Denise • Flax by Chris D • Sesame by Nancy N • Edible Flowers by Cindy C • Toothache Plant by Keith • Witch Hazel by Stephanie • Dehydrating Herbs by Jacque • Healthy Living Tips by Jane

Tours Organized by Stephanie S.:

• Oak Grove Plantation in April (1 ce granted) • Foraging on Bulls Run State Park in May (1.5 ce granted)• Gravity Hill-postponed until 2017 due to renovations

Educational Projects within the Committee:

• Shiitake Mushroom Project lead by Geoff Slifer from Rutger's Snyder Farm, organized by Pat B. (1 ce granted) • Essential oils mixed with epsom salts for bath or foot soak • Starting seeds in six packs to have a home herb garden • Learning about and combining herbal ingredients to make curry powder for home use • Cutting and arranging fresh herbal bouquets from blooming fragrant herbs • Making potpourri with dried herbs cut from our gardens at MEG • Making Lavender Wands with fresh lavender and ribbon organized by Jane • Sharing books, magazines and periodicals through our own lending library • All members actively participated in maintaining (planting, weeding, watering, pruning and harvesting) the five herbal gardens and some members are overwintering tender herb perennials

Secretary:

• Providing detailed minutes to members in a timely fashion by Doris A.

Challenges: Searching for a new co-chair for Grace who wanted to step down. Due to the rabbit and deer population, we lost some purchased herbs in two of the herb gardens. Heavy rains forced the rear brick edging to lean and warped some 6x6 landscaping ties. Extreme wetness caused an unidentified moldy fungus to turn the thyme black in the sundial garden. Maintaining the herb gardens was difficult due to members having injuries, aging and other situations.

7. What are the plans for next year?Transition Keith as the new co-chair to work with Claudia. Continue educating committee members with presentations on different herbs and their uses. We will start with Cilantro/Coriander, the "2017 Herb of the Year". Plans are underway for new educational tours. Amend wet condition in the thyme garden and fix brick erosion with the assistance of Nancy Putnam and the Parks Commission. Encourage more members by presenting at the new student breakfast and sending reminder emails inviting all MG members to attend the herb meetings. Support Plant Expo, Insect Festival and all MG community educational programs. Maintain the herb gardens for all to enjoy.

930 Spruce Street

Trenton, NJ 08648-4584

609-989-6853

Herb Committee Annual Report 2017

Committee Co-chairs

Claudia DeFino, Grace Rarich (January), Keith Sagers (February-present)

Committee Members

Phyllis Alroy, Doris Arents, Ishrut Batjers, Elana Berlinger, Terry Cooper, Stephanie Buhler

Daly, Chris Danser, Jacque Davis, Claudia DeFino, Angelina Duggan, Pat Frawley, Debra

Grasso, Denise Hansson, Lynne Harwood, Sarah Hollister, James Hurly, Jane Kraska, Jean

Mahoney, Marilyn Orland, Joanne Pannone, Dottie Prudhomme, Nancy Putnam, Grace Rarich,

Keith Sagers, Stephanie Sloboda, Angela Topley

Committee Description

The herb garden committee researches herbs, concentrating on gardening practices, companion

plantings, cooking with herbs, and medicinal usages. That knowledge is shared within the group

through member presentations. Information is also shared with the public via educational

programs at MEG and through written literature for the community outreach programs. The herb

gardens at MEG are divided into three sections; culinary, medicinal/tea, and a test garden. We

usually meet on the third calendar Tuesday of each month at the extension or MEG depending on

the weather.

Did the committee goals meet the RMG of MG goals?

The Herb Committee provides docents, knowledgeable guides, at MEG during major events and

outreach events to explain herb propagation, culinary tips/recipes, and medicinal uses.

Accomplishments and Challenges for 2017

1. Transition Keith to replace Grace as committee co-chair – done

2. Speak to new student breakfast and find new members – Claudia spoke at the breakfast

and we have two new members this year, Joanne Pannone and Stephanie Daly.

3. Early in the year we voted to enter into a project with the MEG committee, Mercer

County Parks Department, and Anton Kupek (former MG and current professional

landscaper) to amend the wet soil conditions in the Thyme/Time Garden. The objectives

930 Spruce Street

Trenton, NJ 08648-4584

609-989-6853

were to remove the phytophthora contaminated soil, raise the bed with a stone wall, and add

new soil over a bed of stone. A sign was created to explain the changes to the public. Work

commenced in February and in short order we realized that additional drainage would be

needed. A field drain was added under the bed and extended so the other two gardens could

be connected in the future if desired. Six people contributed 125 hours of construction labor;

David Soncrant had the most hours. The project cost $2,717.16. MEG paid for the project,

Parks Department provided the heavy equipment and labor to excavate and remove the

contaminated soil, and Anton Kupek donated $937 worth of supplies and did the overall

planning. After completing the paver wall and adding the soil we encountered several

additional problems. The first problem was that the sundial no longer would fit into the new

raised bed. The second issue was the height of the stone wall (a little over 20 inches)

presented a potential safety hazard for people accessing the garden and young people

jumping from the wall. The third concern was the high expense of this project and the

wisdom of expanding it to two more gardens.

A passionate discussion continued into the summer trying to determine the best solution to

the existing problems and developing a vision for the future of the garden. The new garden

was never planted in 2017. By autumn we had decided to remove the sundial from the herb

garden and store it for potential use at the new extension garden. We also felt that there was

little public interest in the ornamental garden. Culinary and medicinal herbs were the main

areas of public interest. Accordingly, we have chosen to eliminate the Ornamental garden

along with the Thyme/Thyme garden and move the Culinary garden to the new raised bed.

The Culinary garden will be our major focus in the future. Following a positive test for

phytophthora in the #1 garden it was decided to move the Tea Garden to the #3 garden

(formerly Medicinal and Ornamental) and incorporate Tea (many teas are medicinal) and

Medicinal into a single garden. The old Culinary/Tea gardens in the lower bed will become

a test garden that will help us to learn how to live with the phytophthora fungus. A stringent

sterilization program for all tools has been implemented as well.

To address the expense problem the remaining gardens will be walled with a single layer of

pavers sunk to a two-inch depth. There will be no drainage added to the outer gardens. This

plan will also preclude the safety problems encountered with the new garden. We are

studying various options to reduce the safety concerns in the new raised bed garden.

930 Spruce Street

Trenton, NJ 08648-4584

609-989-6853

4. Our members provided strong support for all MG events including Plant Expo, An

Evening in the Garden, and Insect Fest.

5. Stephanie Sloboda arranged tours of Honeybrook Farms, the first Consumer Supported

Agriculture farm in New Jersey and the formal gardens at Tyler Hall in Newtown, PA.

6. Training was provided by; Terry Cooper on cilantro/coriander, Jane Kraska and Jacque

Davis conducted an exercise program geared to reducing gardening injury, Nancy

Putnam did several presentations on various subjects including invasive species at MEG

and proper watering, Angelina Duggan did a presentation on Echinacea, Stephanie

Sloboda and Keith Sagers discussed identification of medicinal herbs, Jane Kraska and

Elana Berlinger did presentation of plants in the Tea garden, Dottie Prudhomme did a

presentation on hops. During an unscheduled surprise, Marjorie Meriam attended our

July meeting and discussed the history of the Herb Garden and Herb Committee.

7. During the 2016/17 fiscal year our budget increased from $450 to $550. As we did not

plant the new raised bed garden we only spent $258.67. At the midpoint of the 2017/18

fiscal year we have spent $79.16. We expect to spend all of all budget this year.

Goals for 2018

1. Increase membership by increasing our visibility within the Master Gardiner group. This

will be done by holding events like the Valentine Tea Party. We would also like to

identify someone to take photographs of the herb gardens throughout the year. These

would be used with monthly submissions to the newsletter passed on to the website and

Smug Mug.

2. Improve our public education efforts by developing short presentations for MEG and

Outreach events. Longer presentations might be developed for the speaker’s bureau.

3. Reconstruct our gardens to be more educational and beautiful. This will be accomplished

by reducing redundant plantings, better signage, and better landscaping layouts.