The Heartland Thymes
The Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Heartland Herb Society
The Herb Society of America
Vol. 32
March/April 2016
No. 102
Heartland Unit Website: www.paheartlandhsa.org
Mission Statement: The Herb Society of America is dedicated to promoting the knowledge, use and delight of herbs
through educational programs, research, and sharing the experience of its members with the community.
Website: www.herbsociety.org
Co-Chairwomen's Report
Marcia Fehl and Mary Ellen Johnston
It is a cold February morning with a beautiful sun illuminating the snow-covered landscape. My plant friends are
happily snoozing below the ground building up energy to reenter the above ground world. At the bird feeder, a
squirrel defied our baffle and managed to gorge itself on seed until I spotted it and urged it on. I love this time of
our garden year in which to enjoy other pleasures that life offers like this cup of green tea that I’m sipping as I
organize my thoughts. I get my nature fix watching the birds at the feeder as well as those flying in and out of the
nesting boxes for shelter. My winterberry holly shrubs light up my yard with Valentine red berries. The tracks in
the snow are evidence that life in my garden is happening without me witnessing it.
“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle.” Barbara Winkler
Life in our Unit is not sleeping as we organize and plan for tours, participate in the sub groups, commit to days
for garden cleanup (Unit garden) and garden planting (National Herb Garden), work on Symposium planning, and
investigate travel options around National and Mid Atlantic events. Each week delivers new emails about
opportunities within our Unit. Thank you to those working behind the scenes to plan an event that we all can benefit
from. We are one group of very busy women.
I’ve had a long chat with my Co-Chair, Mary Ellen this morning. We reviewed news of our Unit and discussed
what leadership responsibilities we need to be thinking about. We’ll soon be turning over the leadership gavel to
Amy who has already been planning events for late April and onward. Our Unit is well positioned for the future
with Amy as our Chairman.
Marcia Fehl and Mary Ellen Johnston
From the Program Co-Chairwomen
Barbara Mills and Gail Seeley
Our program year is soon coming to an end. We hope you have enjoyed those presented so far for the 2015-16
year. Our last program should make us think of the gardening season when Marcia Fehl, our own PHHS member
and Co-Chair, presents “Visual Delights of Amazing Nature in the Garden.” Wear green, not only for St.
Patrick’s Day but for the color of spring, which will begin just a few days afterwards. You’ve guessed it – the
meeting will be on Thursday, March 17th at 7:00 PM. Hope to see all!
Saturday, April 21, at 9:30 AM will be our annual business meeting, which will include Election and
Installation of Officers for 2016-2017. Our meeting will be followed by a luncheon. Please bring a dish to share
and a place setting.
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From the Treasurer
Diane Schuster
All committee chairs, please plan your budget needs for the 2016-17 year and submit your request, with
explanation, to Diane Schuster by March 15th. Send your budgets to [email protected] by March
15th.
Donation requests must also the submitted to Diane Schuster by March 15th. A local group, school or nonprofit organization can request financial support of a project related to herbal education. Donations may be
considered for any organization each year provided that a request is submitted each year. Requests should be
specific as to need and the planned use of the funds. The finance committee will review the requests and then
present them to the board at our April board meeting. Requests must be in writing and mailed to: Pennsylvania
Heartland Herb Society, P.O. Box 47, Wernersville PA 19565. Additional information about PHHS donations is
online at: paheartlandhsa.org, under activities, donations.
Unit Trip
Pat Hansbury
Good News!
We have a place to park our cars overnight for our PHHS Unit Garden Trip on May 18 &19, 2016. The
Church of the Brethren (2200 State Hill Road, Wyomissing) has given us permission to park there overnight. It is
across the street from Wal-Mart.
Our trip is filled! There is a waiting list, should we have any cancellations.
In mid-March, you will be contacted with a final payment figure. Final payment will be due April 16 at our
annual unit meeting.
In order to come to the final figure, since there are two separate admission prices for the gardens (one price for 62
years and above and one for below that age) kindly email me ([email protected]) which group you/your
guest belong at your earliest convenience.
Lastly, at your earliest convenience, please email me ([email protected]) if there are any dietary
considerations you/your guest may have. Thank you! Any questions? Feel free to email or call me 610 698-4327
From the Symposium Bus Tour Co-Chairwomen
Anita Bradley and Wendy Steensland
The June 13 Lancaster Bus Tour is ready to go. We are really excited about this year’s event.
Brochures are at the printers and soon you will find all of the details at our new unit website:
http://www.paheartlandhsa.org/ Diane Schuster already has some general information there but the actual brochure
will be available to print from the site midMarch if you need more copies.
To see how you can get involved or if you just want to know what’s happening, come to our next meeting on
Monday, April 4 at 1PM at Anita Bradley’s home.
We still have no one to take over the bus tour for the coming year. Neither Anita nor Wendy are available so
there will not be a tour in 2017 if no one offers their time to get it together for the unit. This is our biggest money
raiser and it would be a shame to let the tours end now due to lack of interest.
Wendy, Anita and Nola will be available to help the next chair or co-chairs in the planning and execution, but we
need someone to step up in time to start looking at gardens this coming summer. It is a fun project and you get to
choose the area you want to visit. We have wonderful committee chairs that usually work from year to year, so it is
just a matter of having a chairperson to pull it all together.
CENTERPIECES - VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
WHO: Creative PHHS members to Adopt a Table
WHY: 27 Centerpieces needed to complement the unique, green, eco-friendly Lancaster gardens
WHERE: PHHS Lancaster Garden Tour Luncheon. Tables seat 8-9 people.
WHAT: "Repurposed" basement/garage treasures to be used as vessels for fresh
flowers, herbs, sedums- or members' other creative ideas.
A heartfelt thank you to all those PHHS members who already volunteered!
To volunteer or find out more, contact the committee or sign up at the meetings:
Debra Schwenk 610-468-4745 [email protected] or
Maureen Majka 484-557-6056 [email protected]
Below are the stops on our June 13 Tour. The first 6 city locations will be made in just 2 stops, with a few short city blocks
to walk in between…nothing strenuous and no elevations.
Susan Gottlieb’s mature trees and shrubs grace a winding path and charming pergola. This composition was designed
approximately 35 years ago and was originally just a patch of grass with a concrete path down the center. The re-design also
included many other trees and shrubs, now long gone. Andy and Susan took over this property in 2006 and have enjoyed adding
more color and textures with a mind for longevity and little water usage. Perennials and shrubs are contrasted with potted annuals
and hardscape elements that Susan collects on outings. Do not forget to have a peek behind the fence; Susan’s secret garden is
there.
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Mary Lou Weaver Houser’s tiny backyard garden is transitioning from its previously selected traditional plantings to a
design incorporating more native plants, trees and shrubs. Rod and Mary Lou Weaver Houser moved here from extensive
gardens on an ancestral farm in the fall of 2011. In this city oasis, they are enjoying the secluded, familiar beauty of established
trees and their farm’s trademark hardy begonias—which were already all here to welcome them! Presently Mary Lou is
transitioning the gardens’ design to include more native plants to support bio-diversity. It is her dream to promote more “native
corridors” through backyards for migrating species.
Wolf Museum of Music and Art Mary Lou Weaver Houser, who thrives on “blumenlust” garden therapy, is privileged to
oversee the Wolf Museum Native Plant Garden. She has managed to involve the local community to work under her direction
and has replaced the non-natives with Pennsylvania natives, including collections of hydrangea, viburnum and more. Most plants
are strategically noted with botanically accurate markers. There is a wonderful rain garden and rain barrels that help with run-off
on this and the adjacent properties.
Suzy Hoover’s home is a Thomas Roberts-Charles Reissinger three-story townhouse, built in 1787,which was completely
restored in 2010. Elements of a formal English garden, including the traditional cross, are visible throughout. More than fifty
percent of the hard materials were recycled from the property. The garden includes three distinct venues: shaded entertainment
seating with a fountain, informal group seating at the patibulum of the cross with a formal herb garden and “beyond the gate”
formal and lighthearted gardens. Disbursed within the garden are several unique finds. The property features the largest Kentucky
coffee tree in the city. The garden color scheme changes annually to suit the owner’s vision.
Sarah and Mike Lutz’s summer entertaining summarizes the function of this unusual shaded garden in the heart of the City
of Lancaster. The outdoor dining area is covered by a large pergola. You are struck by the sound of the rippling water from a
raised natural stone waterfall that flows under a walkway bridge, developing into a contained babbling stream filled with koi. The
fencing on either side of this garden provides privacy for frequent dinner parties. The many large trees offer draped shading,
challenging the owners to use unusual plants and features. As you go further into the garden you are greeted by a large sculptured
slate seating area that overlooks a charming brick garage that resembles a carriage house. As you walk through this narrow
garden, your eye is entertained with many small focal points including an herb garden. Keep your eyes open so you don’t miss
the details, as this property fulfills the essence of a city “secret” garden.
Joni Soost’s“secret garden’” is hidden behind an intricate wrought iron gate which opens into a shady area adorned with
boxwoods. Inside you will find a redstone and brick walkway that meanders past perennials, birdhouses, fountains and eating and
lounging spots. Enjoy the many seasonally decorated urns and window boxes.
Dennis Denenberg’s home and garden is a sanctuary of ‘Oz’-stonishing enchantment. A full acre of gardens planted with
love and care create a unique, natural delight where touches of whimsy and thoughtful words reflect a sanctuary of respite. There
are plants and flowers everywhere but not a blade of grass to be found within these gardens of sun, shade, healing and
remembrance. There is peace all around. Follow the pathways and explore at your own pace. An all pink garden honors everyone
battling breast cancer. Enjoy a tour of his home, filled with Wizard of Oz memorabilia and lots of art deco items.
Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SEAREC), home to Penn State’s applied field research program
is located in Lancaster County in the heart of the most intensive farming area in Pennsylvania. The center is host of over 50
research projects a year, including a variety of testing areas of annual and perennial flowers, fruits and vegetables. Docents will
be on hand to guide you through the Lancaster Master Gardeners’ Idea Garden, where you will observe various thematic areas,
including native plants, vegetables, herbs, raised beds, butterfly gardens and small backyard fruit gardens. You will have the
opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the perennial trial area and the large Pollinator Trial Garden.
Stauffers of Kissel Hill is a growing and innovative group of Supermarket and Home & Garden locations, offering high quality
foods, garden, floral and nursery products and services in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Their vision of a sustainable future means
they will take steps to reduce, reuse and recycle their resources in order to protect our world for future generations. They are
sensitive to environmental issues and have made changes at their stores and offices as part of their long-term commitment to
environmental responsibility and sustainability. Today, the board of directors and the entire Stauffers team is delivering the
dream of Roy Stauffer Sr. to offer the customer high quality food, home and garden products and services in central Pennsylvania
under the brand that has become known as Stauffers of Kissel Hill.
Member Birthdays
March
5 Etta Boettger
11 Priscilla Plucinsky
12 Marniece Lepore
18 Joyce Mears
20 Barbara Jefferis
April
6 Gail Seeley
16 Diane Schuster
18 Patricia Beissel
21 Marydel O’Flaherty
28 Hermine Henderson-Weidner
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From the Interest Groups
Culinary Group
The Culinary interest group met at Sherry Davis’ home. The topic was nuts and there were 9 members in
attendance. The next meeting will be at Winnie Hayik’s home on April 20th. The topic will be Spring Vegetables
and Herbs.
Botany Horticulture Group
The January meeting of the Botany Horticulture Study Group had to be cancelled due to bad weather. Therefore,
the seed exchange and the same plants will be discussed at the next meeting. The meeting will be held at 10 AM on
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at the home of Mary Ellen Johnston. The plants to be presented will be Tomatoes
(Mary Ellen Johnston), Chinese Lantern (Peggy Manbeck) and Eggplant (Courtney Stevens). Please let Mary Ellen
know if you are planning to attend.
Herbal Crafts and Products Group
January’s workshop was presented by and at Priscilla Priscilla’s home. Bad weather canceled the original date
of January 13, but it was rescheduled and 13 were able to come at a later date. There was a hand out with directions
and two videos of two different types of papermaking. Each person made two paper molds and plan to finish them
together at the March meeting.
On Wednesday, March 9, at 10:00 am, those who made paper can learn to embellish and mount their handmade
molded papers and Lori Schaeffer will teach the group how to make herb/leaf imprint papers on gift bags. The
meeting will be held at Priscilla Plucinsky’s home, but please RSVP Lori by March 9 if you plan to do the
herb/leaf imprint project.
On May 11, we go to Gail Seeley’s home and she will teach participants how to paint moss on garden objects,
as well as providing printed information on using moss for other projects. Bring a porous garden item for this project
(no ceramics or shiny surfaces) if you want to make one. If anyone has moss available from their yard, please bring
some along in case we need more than Gail has.
July 13 is still in the idea stage. Making lotions or lip balms or herbal powders with rose, calendula or other
flowers or concrete hand planters are some of the ideas for the project. Other ideas still welcome.
On September 14 Joyce Mears will be doing either a make-and-take or will do a demo for a mosaic project for the
garden. Details to follow.
On November 9, we are planning a trip to Olio in Lititz for an informative talk on Olive Oils & balsamic
vinegars from around the world. Shopping and lunch will follow.
From the Herbal Craft Chairwoman
Sherry Heim
Lavender-Lemon Disinfecting Spirits Spray
This spray is a disinfecting dream without using chlorine and solvents. Hydrogen peroxide and vodka both
deliver strong antiseptic disinfection without noxious fume or toxic residue. The spray works superbly for giving
surfaces a quick once-over after deep or light cleaning, and it’s commendable for cleaning cutting boards. It’s good
for general use, but may not destroy all bacteria from meat and poultry. The scent of alcohol will quickly dissipate,
leaving sanitary conditions in its wake. Adding essential oils provide extra disinfecting power as well as a lovely
smell.
Ingredients: Yields 1 pint
¼ cup vodka
½ cup 3 % hydrogen peroxide
1 cup water
5 drops grapefruit seed extract (optioal)
10 drops essential oil of lavender
5 drops essential oil of lemon
In a spray bottle combine all ingredients and swirl to mix them. Do not shake the bottle vigorously or active
oxygen in the hydrogen peroxide will go flat and lose its action.
To use: Spray the surface and wipe it, or spray it and let it dry. It will keep indefinitely.
Herb Craft idea from “Easy Green Living” by Renee Loux
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From the Symposium Fall Luncheon CoChairwomen
Peggy Manbeck and Phyllis Stabolepszy
An initial meeting with Stephanie at Stokesay Castle was held January 20th and attended by Doris, Peggy and
Phyllis. Phyllis and Peggy, co-chairs, will need help from the Herbal Products group with flushing out the center
piece idea and the presentation of the favors. Peggy Manbeck is collecting wooden clementine boxes for the
centerpieces. Also we need some ideas for those mini stations that were well received at our previous symposium.
The next meeting will be Monday March 14th @ 10am at 115 Jessica Dr. Leesport for pulling together the
much appreciated and needed task group coordinators and any one else who may be interested in attending and
supporting the effort.
From the Membership Chairwoman
Pat Pitkin
Please welcome our new Provisional Members . . .
Sandra Roush Bethel
Susan Haag
Reading
Help update our memberships files. Our current dues paying Charter Members are: Barbara Angstadt, Marion
Bates, Marian Bardman, Joyce Brobst 1985, Sherry Fillman, Dawn Fry, Pat Kline Hansbury, Winnie
Hayik,Margaret Hotchkiss, Susan Keller, Pat Kerber, Grace Kline, Sylvia Lloyd, Barbara Mills,Betty Jane Paris,
Gail Seeley, Yvonne Snyder (1981) , Norma J. (Peg) Walker. Some of these members were members before 1985.
If you are one of these members, please e-mail Pat Pitkin ([email protected]), and share the year you
became a member of Herb Society of America.
From the Culinary Chairwoman
Pat Kerber
We just passed Mardi Gras and The Chinese New Year celebrations. I would like to remember them with two fun
and easy dishes.
CHICKEN GUMBO using BAY LEAF and PARSLEY
¼ cup butter or margarine
1 tablespoon bacon drippings
(feel free to use a healthier alternative)
2 cups sliced okra (use frozen if desired)
1 small onion chopped
1/4 cup sliced green pepper
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups peeled, chopped tomato
(you can use 1 - 16oz. can )
1 bay leaf
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
½ cup uncooked regular rice
1 ½ cups diced, cooked chicken
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Melt butter and drippings in your favorite soup pot. Add okra, onion, and green pepper. Saute’ until onion is just
tender. Stir in broth, tomato, bay leaf, salt & pepper. Bring to a boil; stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20
minutes. Stir in chicken and parsley; cook until heated through. Remove bay leaf, Yield: about 7 cups.
SHRIMP EGG FOO YONG
2 cups water
½ pound medium shrimp
3 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup bean sprouts
½ cup chopped fresh mushrooms
¼ cup chopped green onion
Peanut or oil of your choice
Green Pea Sauce
Bring water to a boil; add shrimp, and return to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 4 minutes. Drain, peel, devein if
necessary and dice.
Combine shrimp, eggs, and vegetables. Let stand about 10 minutes, then mix well.
Heat small amount of oil in a large skillet. Spoon ¼ cup egg mixture into hot oil, shape into a 3 inch circle with a
spatula. Cook until brown, turn and cook until brown on reverse side. Repeat with the rest of the egg
mixture, adding more oil as needed. Serve with Green Pea Sauce.
GREEN PEA SAUCE
¾ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute of your choice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon soy sauce or Lite version
Combine, broth, cornstarch, soy sauce and sugar in a saucepan, stir until smooth. Continue cooking over low heat
until thickened, stirring constantly. Add peas and cook until heated through. Yield: 1 cup
Source: Recipes inspired by Southern Living--1983 Annual Recipes
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From the Horticulture Chairwoman
Justina Campbell
Herbs of Immigrant Ancestors continued. . .
The Netherlands is referred to as Holland. Due to central geographic location, the Dutch people originally
intermingled with many ethnic groups such as the Saxons, Franks, Slavs, the Celts and Gauls. Before the Middle
Ages, tribal structure was the norm. "During the Middle Ages, the tribes merged to form the Dutch race sharing the
same identity, language, culture and similar physical characteristics.”
During the days of exploration, although Henry Hudson was English, he sailed for the Dutch United East India
Company. In 1609 Hudson sailing to the New World, passed the Jamestown settlement in Virginia and reached the
mouth of the Hudson River, claiming the land for Holland.
Dutch immigration started as first explorers and traders arrived in the New World. The second colony established
was New Netherlahd (Nieuw Nederlandt). This land covered an area now known as New York, New Jersey,
Delaware, Rhode Island and Connecticut. The whole area used for trading purposes was backed by Dutch trade
companies. Dutch Trade Agreements were made with Native American Indians, the Algonquin and Mohican tribes.
Scandinavia being a close ally, immigrants from Scandinavia settled among the Dutch in the New World.
The Dutch West India Company established the Patroon System, a charter of Privileges and Exemptions offering
land grants to members who could take and settle fifty people in New Netherland. Members who actually took the
grant of land were given the positon of patroon, or ”lord of the land."
In the mid -1600's, Britain's Duke of York sent military to the New World. The skirmish caused the Dutch to
surrender New Netherland and it was renamed New York. During the 1700 and 1800's many immigrated due to
economic, political and religious conditions in Holland. In the late 1800's, due to an agricultural crisis throughout
Europe, there was massive migration to the United States. In 1892, Ellis Island Immigration Center was opened and
restrictive immigration laws were passed.
The cookbook, De Verstandige Kok (The Sensible Cook) published in 1669 included recipes for roast goose
with turmeric root and queekoeckjens (candies made from quince paste). At Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, many of
the still life art works show that the Dutch were proud to show off their cuisine. The most popular cookbook in the
19th century called Aaltje, die volmaakte en zuinige keukenmeid (Aaltje, the Perfect, Frugal Kitchen Maid). Girls
of all classes were sent to Huishoudschool where efficiency and frugality were taught putting together simple,
nutritious meals. Various fish and meat dishes were main courses with pies and pastry following. Preserves, cheese,
nuts with a sweet spiced wine called 'hippocras' comprised the main meal. Warm buttery vegetables were used with
salads, and cold cooked vegetables were dressed in olive oil, vinegar, garden herbs or edible flowers.
As in the past, many Dutch today eat two pieces of brown bread, cheese, a glass of buttermilk and a piece of fruit
for lunch. A meat and two vegetables are considered the "holy trinity” of cooking. Root vegetables, celeriac, black
salsify, kohlrabi, and parsnips are a staple in Dutch cooking. Stampot is a mash consisting of one or more vegetables
served with gravy. Pannenkoken, Dutch pancakes, are eaten with bacon, apples, cheese, raisins, stroop (a syrup),
chocolate, smoked salmon, powdered sugar and nuts. Poffertjes, small pancakes made with yeast and buckwheat
flour have icing made with powdered sugar, butter and sometimes stroop syrup. Oliebollen is the Dutch version of
doughnuts. Brown bean, pea and lentil soups are staples. Erwtensvep, pea soup, is made from split green peas,
celery or celeriac, onions, leeks, carrots and potatoes, cuts of pork and smoked sausage. Left over one day soup is
called Snert.
From the Garden Co-Chairwomen
Nola Gildin and Sherry Davis
It’s planning time for the new garden season. It will be interesting to see how the herbs managed with this past
winter’s crazy weather. Nola Gildin has been busy contacting the bedheads for the Penn State Berks Herb Garden to
ask about their willingness to care for their portion of the garden. As a reminder, working time in the garden fulfills
the unit’s requirement for public garden service.
Thursday, April 21, will mark the beginning of the new season and all are invited to work in the garden.
Starting time is 9:30 AM and a light lunch will be served. Maintaining our beautiful, award winning garden requires
us all to pitch in and do our part. Please consider helping the bedheads and coming to the spring planting day on
April 21 .
Volunteer Hours for PHHS Members
PHHS Members: Your Volunteer Hours Record Sheets are due now. Our wonderful community efforts need
to be tabulated and reported to HSA in March. So far 14 records have been received by mail, e-mail, or at the Unit
Meetings. We need many more.
You may hand them in to Kay Pfautz at the Unit Meeting on March 17, e-mail them, or send them snail mail. We
are an active unit and need to share this with HSA to help them with grants and other funding.
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Herbal Coming Events
Sat.
March 12
8 am – 3:15 pm
Home Gardener’s School
Keynote Speaker: Kirk Brown
Includes Workshops, vendors, raffle, and lunch
Penn State Berks Student Center
Mon.
March 14
10:00 a m
Herbal Delights October Luncheon Planning Meeting
At the home of Phyllis Stabolepszy RSVP: [email protected]
Tues.
March 15
Wed.
March 16
10:00 a m
Thurs.
March 17
7:00 p m
Tues
March 22
10:00 a m
Budget Requests and Donations Requests Are Due
E-mail Diane Schuster, Treasurer [email protected]
Herbal Products Study Group
“Herb/Leaf Prints”
Presented by Lori Schaeffer
At the home of Priscilla Plucinsky
RSVP Lori by March 9 [email protected]
PHHS Unit Meeting
“Visual Delights of Amazing Nature in the Garden”
Presenter: Maria Fehl, PHHS CoChairwoman
Herb of theMonth: Pulmanaria Officinalis
Berks County Heritage Center
Botany Horticulture Study Group
“Seed Exchange, Tomatoes, Chinese Lanterns, Eggplant”
RSVP: Mary Ellen Johnston [email protected]
March 30
Volunteer Hours Record Sheets Are Due
Return to Kay Pfautz [email protected]
Fri.
April 1
PHHS Dues are Due
Complete Form and mail to Pat Pitkin with your payment
Sat.
April 2
9 am to 4 pm
MidAtlantic Social Symposium
Hosted by Shenandoah Herb Society
Museum of Shenendoah Valley
See attached PDF for registration details.
Mon.
April 4
1:00 p m
Herbal Delights Bus Tour Planning Meeting
At Anita Bradley’s Home [email protected]
Mon.
April 11
1:30 p m
PHHS Board Meeting
At the home of Marcia Fehl
Thurs.
April 14
7:00 p m
Berks County Horticulture Club “Vertical Gardening”
Presenter: Tina Ehrig, Master Gardener
Berks County Agriculture Center
Sat.
April 16
9:30 a
PHHS Unit Meeting
“Election and Installation of 2016-2017 Officers”
Luncheon: Bring dish to share and place setting
Berks County Heritage Center
Wed.
April 20
10:00 a m
Culinary Study Group
“Spring Vegetables and Herbs”
RSVP: Winnie Hayik [email protected]
Thurs.
April 21
9:30 a m
Garden Workday
Penn State Berks Herb Garden
Includes light lunch
RSVP : Nola Gildin [email protected]
Sat.
April 29
Destination Asheville
2016 Annual Meeting of Members and More
Asheville, NC
See HSA Website for details.
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Burdock
By Billie M. Beadle
There are many herbs that grow wild and free,
They flourish and thrive as happy as can be.
Burdock may be one while on a walk you may see.
It is a plant that is big and hearty as can be
It produces a seed pod that is a sticky, clinging burr
That hooks itself on anything passing-clothing or fur.
The seeds drop from the burr to the ground here and there
To hopefully grow a new plant robust and fair.
It is an alien plant that has made itself at home here
Along roadsides and streambeds both far and near.
For cooking the tap root can be used only the first year
It is often used in Italian recipes –a nut-like flavor I hear.
It’s use as a medicine goes back to Hippocrates days
It was used for liver, cuts, and digestion and so many ways.
It was planted on roofs to keep lightning away
Or strung over doors to keep evil at bay.
It was held sacred to the Norse God Thor
It is an interesting plant-medicinal, culinary and more.
On a walk with his dog a Swiss engineer made a find
That the burrs in his dog’s fur really did bind
In the lab he found the hooks were unique
and could be handy
In keeping things closed they would be just dandy.
By trial and error something useful was found
Velcro—a tape that will keep things bound!
From the Membership Chairwoman
Pat Pitkin
2016-2017 Pennsylvania Heartland Herb Society - Annual Membership
Name ___________________________________________________________________________________
Street ___________________________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________State _________ Zip ________________________
Telephone (Home) __________________________________Cell ____________________________________
E-Mail Address _____________________________________________________________________________
Membership Standing (Please check all that apply)
_____ Active Member
_____ Charter
_____ Lifetime
_____ Associate
_____ Sustaining
_____ Provisional
Dues owed for Regular members: $65
_____ Leave of Absence
Lifetime Member Dues: $10
Leave of Absence dues: $50
For Leave of Absence status, a request must be made in writing to the Board on an annual basis.
After April 16, 2016, add $5.
Please make check payable to PHHS and send/give your dues to Membership Chair by April 1.
Pat Pitkin, 12 Von Zech Way,Mohrsville PA 19541
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