all CIETY O President’sCIETY OMessage: CIETY O O F O F O F S S S B A B A B A R M R M R M

E E E

E E E

R R R

H H H

I I I

E E E C C

HoldingC On To Summer

A A A

H H H

T T T If only we could hold onto summer for a little learn more about na- longer… the weather, the warm temperatures, tive herbs and plants, 1933 the incredible1933 produce, and above all,1 9the33 pollinators and our sheer beauty of the season. Even though fall environment. is my favorite time of the year, when we can Plans are being begin to slow down in our gardens and enjoy made for our first Table of Contents Ththee HERB magnificent SO colorsCIE ofT fall,Y I will miss sum- Annual Meeting of omer.f AMER This yearIC hasA been quite the trial for many Members using the President’s Message...... 1 of our members, with the challenging weather new one day meeting patterns that have plagued all of us in some way format in a destination Asheville Presenters...... 3 or another. location. The event This summer has been a busy one for HSA will take place on Friday, April 29, 2016 in HSA News...... 4 th THboardE HERB and staff. SOCIET We hostedYO FtheAMERICA 4 Annual Asheville, NC. Over the next several months we Business Spotlight...... 5 Coalition of American Plant Societies (CAPS) will be featuring additional activities that you in June at our headquarters in Kirtland. Ten and your family can take advantage of while in Connecticut Unit...... 6 horticultural societies attended the two-day the area. Dava Stravinsky, our new Education Celebrates 60th! event. The group attended lectures and visited Chair, is hard at work with her committee con- Thlocale HERB gardens. S TheOCIE topicsTY were social media, firming speakers and activities. Be watching Gardens of HSA...... 7 oattractingf AMER millennialsICA to our respective organi- Facebook, HerbalBytes, and the HSA national zations, and the future of plant societies. newsletter as different activities are featured. Hibiscus An Excerpt...... 8 The hot topics in the horticultural arena are If you have any questions, concerns, or just native plants, increasing pollinator habitats, want to talk, please feel free to contact me In Memoriam: ...... 12 Thande HERB the declining SOCIE beeTY population. One anytime. It’s always fun to hear from our Art Richardson ooff AMER HSA’s noItableCA programs is GreenBridges. exciting members across the country. Be sure to download the new brochure online, if Herbally yours, HSA Event Calendar...... 13 you didn’t get one at the Educational Conference in Williamsburg. Consider supporting this THE OF Susan importantHERB and SOCIET timely programY byAMERICA joining and

1 HSA Grant Deadlines The Donald Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grant October 1, 2015 Grant Awards will be announced December 1, 2015 HSA Board of Directors Info or apply: 2015–2016 herbsociety.org/resources/samull-grant.html Susan Liechty President HSA Grant for Educators Rae McKimm Vice President December 31, 2015 Rie Sluder Secretary Grant Awards will be announced April 1, 2016 Linda Lange Treasurer/Finance Info or apply: Pat Greathead Central District herbsociety.org/resources/educator-grants.html Membership Delegate HSA Research Grant Bonnie Great Lakes District st Porterfield Membership Delegate January 31 , 2016 Cindy Meier Mid-Atlantic District Grant Awards will be announced May 1, 2016 Membership Delegate Jen Munson Northeast District Membership Delegate Sara Holland South Central District Crafting the Herbal Garden By Dava Stravinsky, Education Chair Membership Delegate and Using Herbs with Children Asheville Presenters September 24 | 4:00pm Eastern P.J. Stamps- Southeast District Don’t miss the next webinar! istory, lore and science will be the focus of our educational spent over twenty-five years developing Kitchen Membership Delegate By their own curious nature, children are drawn to plants; programming on Friday, April 29, 2016 at our first-ever one the programs, landscapes and facilities at Jody Lacey West District left in a backyard or garden children will quickly choose a day HSA Annual Meeting and More in Asheville, NC. Join the Arboretum. Mr. Briggs is a landscape Membership Delegate plant to play with. H architect who began his tenure at the Jackie Johnson Publications Chair us as this very special group of presenters–who have deep roots NCA in 1987 with a determination to As a mother and an educator, Brooke presents unique projects for Karen O’Brien Botany & Horticulture kids which she uses to teach children about plants. Every hands-on in western North Carolina–reveal the past, present and future include economic development as part of Chair activity is broken down by interests and varying levels of difficulty. of useful plants in this beautiful and bountiful portion of the the core mission of the NCA. He will give Carol Schmidt Development Chair With a few basic supplies and your own imagination and creativity, learn about how herbs can be teachers for us all. Appalachian range. us a virtual tour of the North Carolina Dava Stravinsky Education Chair Arboretum, including the newly unveiled Pat Sweetman Membership Chair To register for the Webinar: www.herbsociety.org/members/index.html After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about Charlie Williams of Charlotte, NC is Appalachian mountains foraging for sculpture of Frederick Law Olmsted, whose Debbie Boutelier Nominating Chair/ joining the webinar. with Brooke Sackenheim a retired librarian, longtime member of the wild herbs. His illustrated talk Medicinal vision for the development of the Biltmore Past President Southern Appalachian Botanical Society Plants–A Human Connection will intro- landscape and the surrounding environs Debra Knapke Honorary President and chair of the André Michaux duce us to the variety and importance continues to impact the area. STAFF Donate while you sho p and search online! International Society. His work organizing of the useful plants of western North conferences, writings and presentations Carolina as well as the people who have Joe-Ann McCoy, Ph.D. was recruited Katrinka Morgan Executive Director You Give. HSA Receives. has illuminated the legacy of eighteenth- shared their wisdom and knowledge of to head the Germplasm Repository (one Amy Rogers Office Manager Each and every purchase online through Amazon or GoodShop benefits HSA when you century French botanist and explorer André the plants with him through the years. of the institutions established by George Chris Wilkinson Librarian select The Herb Society of America as your designated charity. (Recently one of our Michaux, who traveled throughout eastern Mr. Elliott received numerous awards for Briggs within the North Carolina Arbor- Karen Kennedy Educator members purchased a new stove through Amazon and HSA received a portion of the sale!) North American, including western North his storytelling including his induction etum) in 2008, and under her leadership Laurie Alexander Membership Carolina, in the 1780s and 1790s. More into the National Storytelling Network’s and collection a seed bank holding www.goodsearch.com as your search engine of choice Brent DeWitt Editor/Visual AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way and designate “The Herb Society of America” as your than one hundred audiences of all ages and Circle of Excellence for his exemplary representatives of the native flora of the Communications for you to support your favorite charitable organization charity in it’s shopping partner Goodshop. Goodsearch backgrounds across the south have learned contribution to the art of storytelling. He area has been preserved. Dr. McCoy’s every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at works with popular browsers like Internet Explorer, The Herb Society of America smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, more about Michaux’s contributions to has appeared on PBS as well as the History doctoral studies were on black cohosh Firefox, Chrome or Safari! ph: 440-256-0514 | www.herbsociety.org vast selection and convenient shopping experience as at botany through Williams’ one man play and National Geographic Channels. His and she holds the national collection of 9019 Kirtland Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094 Amazon.com. An added bonus is that Amazon donates a Shop at more than 2,800 participating stores (from “André Michaux Live”. We look forward to book Wild Roots, An Underground Botany Actaea racemosa at the NCA. Dr. McCoy portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable Amazon to Zazzle) and a percentage of what you spend is meeting Michaux who will set the stage for and Forager’s Guide is a cult classic. Doug will tell us about her numerous ongoing organization. donated to your charity of choice at no cost to you. our own exploration of this unique region Elliott’s books and CDs will be available for research projects including her work It is the policy of The Herb Society of America not to smile.amazon.com advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health Oh, and by the way, there’s a big added bonus here too. and its rich flora and history. sale and signing. with the Cherokee to conduct nutritional use. This information is intended for educational Goodshop lists more than 100,000 coupons and deals so analyses of their traditional food plants purposes only and should not be considered as With Goodshop, HSA earns approximately one you could save money while giving back to HSA. is an herbalist, storyteller, the Executive Director and medicines. a recommendation or an endorsement of any penny for each and every search you make. Just establish goodsearch.com/goodshop Doug Elliott George Briggs, particular medical or health treatment. basket maker and author who has of The North Carolina Arboretum (just a spent much of his life in the southern twenty minute ride from our hotel), has Find more Asheville cont’d on pg. 7 information on page 7

2 3  HSA News  Business Member Introducing the Newest Members of the Board of Directors Spotlight Jen Munson Northeast District Membership  Flowerfetti  Delegate 2015–2018 2015 Martha Stewart AmericanMade Crafts It’s quite by accident that I stumbled onto the Herb Society of America (HSA). It was just under 15 years ago that I was looking Finalist for a gardening group that met in the eve- erbs create a wedding day that is beauti- ning as I worked full time. Unfortunately, Hful from beginning to end. Since medieval all the groups I researched met during times, herbs have been used symbolically in normal business hours. It was on a chilly weddings. Alice Brown, owner and founder blustery Saturday in May that I attended the Jen Munson Sarah Holland Dava Stravinsky Pat Sweetman of Flowerfetti, is a pioneer of biodegradable annual herb and plant sale being held by the flower confetti. Wedding Lavender™ has NorthEast Seacoast Unit (NESU) based out trict membership delegate position is much Sara Holland Committee. A new duty is to identify Initiative, and served on that board for started a new wedding tradition, by offering of the seacoast of New Hampshire. While more manageable, particularly for someone South Central District Membership the presenters for our monthly webinar three years. We recently bought a house fragrant lavender as an elegant alternative to purchasing plants I noted that the unit held like me who works. So, I took the plunge by Delegate 2015–2018 series. These committees have impressive in Sarasota, FL where we will spend our tossing rice or bird seed. evening meetings and so I grabbed a mem- filling out my application and crossed my histories and are vital to the programming winters. I look forward to learning more bership flyer. It took me until the following fingers that the district would vote for me. Sara Holland tends a two-acre culinary of The Herb Society of America. I admire about gardening with herbs in Florida. March to attend a meeting and join and the My hope is that during my term I can con- herb garden in Central Texas (Wimberley, the members who have served in this ca- Please contact me at any time with your rest is history. tribute to the efforts of the prior delegates Texas) and presents herb programs through- pacity before me, many of whom have ideas and suggestions for educational My years as a member of NESU have been on building camaraderie of the district out the southwest area. She has volunteered made unique contributions to programs programming. I look forward to the next enjoyable. I’ve held a number of board po- members and helping the members at large at Festival Hill in Round Top, Texas and is still with us today. It is my aim to keep three years! sitions within the unit and always make an to have a voice and be more connected with a member of the Hill Country Unit of HSA these committees functioning at a high effort to pitch in to help out. Currently, I am HSA. One way I hope to achieve this is by and has served as chair of the HSA research level, to enlist talented members in these Pat Sweetman the membership chair. It’s been wonderful to broadening the district’s financial support grant committee. She is a member of the Pio- efforts, and to work closely with the com- Membership Chair 2015–2016 watch our unit grow. While I wish I could say by supporting the National Herb Garden neer Unit and affiliate member of the South mittees, the board of directors, and our It all began with her passion for herbs and that our growth is due to my amazing powers intern program, including a district spon- Texas Unit of HSA. In her spare time, Sara dedicated staff at headquarters to produce I have been a member of The Herb Society love of herb gardening. Alice was inspired by of persuasion or due to the NESU lecture sored ad in The Herbarist and sponsoring a co-authors a monthly column in the local high quality educational programming. of America for over fifteen years, starting The Language of Flowers. Wedding Lavender™ series, it really goes back to the NESU mem- speaker at an HSA Educational Conference. newspaper entitled “Healthier Cooking with I have been a member of the Long out as a member at large. I later joined the confetti begins with an herbal mix featuring bers who are excited to be a part of HSA Inspired by other district membership Herbs” and is co-author with Henry Flowers Island Unit since 1992 and will join Pennsylvania Heartland Unit. Feeling a English lavender for devotion, and rosemary and are sharing that excitement with their delegates, I’d like to increase the delegate’s of The HSA Essential Guide to Savory. the Rosemary Circle at our annual need for a more localized connection to for fidelity and remembrance. The confetti is friends and the community. Our growth visibility and approachability by generating In her role as South Central District meeting and educational conference in HSA, I founded the Mason-Dixon Unit in accented with ivy for wedded love, rose petals created a need for additional learning periodic e-newsletters that are informal, Membership Delegate, Sara will serve as Little Rock, AR in 2017. I have served 2004. In addition, I have been a member for love and purity and pansies for friendship. opportunities and so I started our monthly brief and include a listing of HSA activities the connection and voice of the district as chair, program chair, and recording of a local herb club for over twenty-four herb study group. This September will mark within the district. Perhaps a member who membership to the Board of Directors secretary as well as organizing our unit’s years and I helped initiate a public herb Flowerfetti’s website includes the symbolic our 2nd anniversary. If that doesn’t already doesn’t have the opportunity to partici- of HSA. herb symposium for the last 23 years. garden at a local nature center. meaning of herbs and flowers. On the web- keep me busy enough I manage the NESU pate in a unit newsletter will feel inspired On the national level, I have served as Other activities that I have been involved site you will learn more about wedding herbs Facebook page (Facebook.com/NESUnit) to contribute an herbal tidbit or maybe Dava Stravinsky Promising Plants Committee Chair, in include serving as president of my local and how to incorporate herbs as decorations throughout a wedding. which has been a wonderful way to expand a member will be encouraged to attend Education Chair 2015–2018 Grant for Educators Chair, and have federated garden club and as a Penn State my own herbal knowledge and to learn another unit’s event. most recently served as the Northeast Master Gardener for nineteen years. Flowerfetti and Alice Brown have been about the amazing activities of other HSA My term has just started but already I’m I am thrilled to have the opportunity District Membership Delegate. I reside I am looking forward to serve on the chosen as a 2015 Martha Stewart American- units across the country. busy at work and looking forward to the to serve as Education Chair for the coming with my husband John in Bellport, NY HSA Board of Directors as membership Made Crafts finalist, based on entrepreneurial Despite my involvement within NESU, 2016 District Gathering which will be at term. The Education Chair oversees the where we raised our two sons, Louis chair. My goals are basic: to recruit spirit following her passion for herbs and I’ve felt that I didn’t truly understand all that Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie, NY on Research Grants and Grant for Educators (27) and Charles (25). I was a founding new members and to retain our current creating a thriving business. The Herb Society of America offers and there July 21 and 22, 2016. It will be the best Committees, including the Donald Samull member of the South Country Education membership; to work with our units and really is only one way to learn more–jump opportunity for me to connect with the Classroom Herb Garden Grants, the Foundation serving on that board for members at large to bring any issues to the To learn more, visit: in and volunteer. Under the new biennial many members of our district. Educational Program Committee, and fifteenTransplant years. ISociety also helped form another board; and to encourage and recognize www.ecoflowerfetti.com format of the district gatherings, the dis- See you at Locust Grove! the Educational Conference Advisory nonprofit, the Long Island Native Plant our membership.

4 5 Asheville Presenters cont’d from pg. 1  HSA News  Greetings from the Herb Association of WNC! The Connecticut Unit Celebrates 60 Years! ince the Asheville Herb Festival began in he Connecticut Unit has much to Marilyn Sly served as 1990 with half a dozen local growers in a celebrate on its 60th anniversary. Its Second Vice-President Sparking lot at the WNC Farmers Market, Troots run deep in The Herb Society of to Betty Stevens from we now have grown to more than 60 vendors America history, with many notable and 1990-1992 and served each year. During my seven years of involve- influential members dating back to The on various committees ment, I’ve watched the Festival become the Society’s early days. Elizabeth Wade White including the Awards largest herb event in the United States, attract- was the first “new” member invited to join Committee. Marilyn Sly ing 35,000 to 40,000 visitors over three days. The Herb Society’s founding members helped with establishing We’re looking forward to having the in December of 1933 and later became a the CT Unit’s garden HSA in Asheville for your convention and member of the Connecticut Unit after it at Elizabeth Park in joining us over the weekend of April 29– was formed. Hartford, CT as well May 1, 2016. Visitors have been flocking The Connecticut Unit (CT) was founded as the addition of the to Asheville, many to benefit their health, in 1955 when HSA President, Mrs. Gertrude B. Foster HSA celebrated its 50th anniversary and CTU celebrated its 10th at the 1964 HSA Annual Meeting of since the late 1800s, when its reputation as Sargent Wellman (1955-1957) asked Edna Award for Excellence Members which was held in Connecticut. Shown here are CTU board members (L–R): Mrs. Walter Thwing, a restorative community began. We’ve been Cashmore to form a unit in Connecticut in Herbal Literature Ms. Millicent Jones, Mrs. Percy Cashmore, Mrs. W.S.Passmore, Mrs. Edgar Ryan, and Mrs. J Olaf Olson. honing our skills in welcoming tourists which would be more accessible to the to The Society’s awards programs. This programs and exhibits including our annual and others ever since, and the entire members at large and members from award was established in 1998, in memory educational symposium. Two traditions are community is ready to offer you our best the New England and New York units. of “Bunny” Foster, an eminent herbalist annual events. Each summer tussie mussies southern hospitality. Edna Cashmore served as Editor of The and treasured CT Unit member. The award are assembled for hospice patients. And at Gardens of HSA Project Additionally, WNC is home to a lively and Herbarist and went on to become the honors those who have published a scholarly our fall annual meeting, members bring Please join us in this special project designed to feature one of our engaged community of “herbies”: growers, President of HSA (1964-1966). During her study of herbs. The Gertrude B. Foster petals for a giant potpourri which is mixed valuable HSA resources...your unit’s garden! We want to share the manufacturers, healers, and educators. term, Edna Cashmore casually proposed Award for Excellence in Horticultural and divided so each member can take home Gardens of HSA with herb garden lovers far and wide. The unit gardens We’re also in the heart of a thriving sus- to Betty Rea the idea of an herb garden Literature remains an enduring legacy of a sample to enjoy throughout the winter. will be featured on our HSA website and social media with short stories tainable agriculture movement and enjoy in Washington, D.C. in 1965 and more the Connecticut Unit. Founding Chairman Edna Cashmore and photos. a reputation as a locavore’s paradise, so we formally at an HSA board meeting in Numerous other members have served expressed the wish in her first annual report expect that every one of you will find fun, 1966. Edna Cashmore went on to chair the HSA in various capacities. District Delegates that the infant unit would go on to make its A sample questionnaire and more details can be found on the website under educational, and delicious opportunities National Herb Garden Committee and have included Elaine Livingston (1996–1998), parent organization proud. Hopefully that Members Only > General Membership Resources > Unit Chair information (located at while you’re visiting with us. was awarded the Helen de Conway Little Lory Doolittle (2001–2003), Susan Schumann- has happened. Membership in The Herb the bottom of the page). This should assist in guiding you with filling out the form and As planning goes forward, we’ll let you know Medal of Honor in 1968. Skehan (2003–2006), and Claudia Van Nes Society of America has been a privilege and returning the completed document to headquarters. of events and activities you can sign up for. The National Herb Garden has been a (2009–2012). Both Elaine and Susan were will continue to connect us and inspire us to Please contact HSA Headquarters for more information at: — A.D. Reed Connecticut Unit priority with many of also elected as membership chairs of HSA contribute to the mission of The Society. 440-256-0514 or send your information and photos to: [email protected] Event Organizer its members contributing substantially, as well. Lory Doolittle served on the national — Marilyn Sly including Eunice Vanderhoff who donated board for a number of terms, in multi- Rosemary Circle Member the armillary in the Rose Garden and Sally ple capacities. The Connecticut Unit Conference info on HSA website: Thwing (recipient of the HSA Certificate The Connecticut Unit maintains two herbsociety.org/events/conference-16.html of Achievement in 2000) sponsoring the gardens. The Ann Pinto Memorial Garden The GreenBridges Medicinal Garden. Today, Rosemary is at Elizabeth Park in Hartford, CT over- program facilitates the Link to DoubleTree reservation page: Circle members Kathy and Jack Donahue looking the oldest continuously operating Special Offer! safe passage of plants tinyurl.com/HSAashevillereservations continue to represent the district on the municipal rose garden in the country. From our friends at and pollinators while Hotel Reservations are now open! National Herb Garden committee. This garden offers many educational diminishing habitat The unit’s dedication to HSA has opportunities for the public. The second fragmentation. Each DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville-Biltmore GreenBridges garden is continued since its formative years. Unit garden is more “private”, located within Herb Society of America 115 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803 a link in the chain across member Betty Stevens served as HSA the grounds of the York Correctional Members get 1.828.771.2277 until September 30, 2015 the nation, providing safe Membership Chairman and later served Institution in Niantic, where a small group Culinary Herb Sets movement for the plants When making telephone reservations as HSA President from 1990-1992 and was of unit members work with women inmates. Culinary Herb Sets and pollinators that please use HSA as the group code! additionally awarded the Helen de Conway This garden was formerly a biblical garden Simply enter Discount Code make great gifts! help maintain healthy Rate $130 plus taxes per night Little Medal of Honor in 1988. Betty designed by Betty Stevens and is now an herb HERB20 Just visit: AT our online checkout! ecosystems. Guest room reservations must be made by Stevens is credited with implementing the garden with an adjoining vegetable plot. myseedneeds.com/seed-shop/herbs/culinary-herb-assortment/ April 12, 2016. current HSA district structure. Members have long produced innovative

6 7 Cultivation: Even though hibiscus is a cus for tea, I recommend coarsely chopping tropical shrub, it can be grown as an an- the calyces and spreading them in a single nual in temperate climates, as far north as layer on loose baskets or screens. They have Vermont. I recommend getting a head start a propensity to mold in humid climates, so on the season, planting roselle in the green- you may want to place them in a dehydra- here are several hundred house, or under lights, at the same time you tor or dry them with extra heat and airflow. — An excerpt from Juliet Blankespoor’s forthcoming book — species in the Hibiscus genus, start your tomatoes. Plant the seedlings Roselle’s flowering rhythm is aligned with Hibiscus out in the field after the danger of frost has the cycles of day and night—specifically it is many of which are medicinal passed, taking care to not disturb its finicky a “short-day” plant, which means it begins roots. Weed assertively when the plants are flowering in the early fall. This is not so great or edible, but only Hibiscus young, as they can become stunted with if you live in an area that regularly freezes, Tsabdariffa (roselle) produces a fleshy heavy competition. As hibiscus matures, as the pickings will be slim in the narrow it will take on a vase-shape habit, and pri- window between flowering and frost. The red calyx. Roselle is a rare bird in marily occupies the upper areas of a garden good news is certain varieties flower earlier, bed, leaving the ground layer open for low- such as ‘Thai red roselle’, which typically a flock of showy tropical shrubs– growing, sprawling plants. Try undersowing begins flowering in July. ‘Thai red roselle’ hibiscus with gotu kola (Centella asiatica) or (the variety pictured here) has a compact its native origins are shrouded in spilanthes (Acmella oleracea)—they make form and bright red stems. Roselle will Hibiscus Hibiscus sabdariffa mystery; with early ties to agricul- great neighbors. Roselle is wind tolerant, and produce right up until the first hard freeze, Malvaceae, Mallow Family can also withstand temporary waterlogging. and even longer, if it is offered protection Other names: Roselle, rosella, flor de Jamaica, ture, human migrations and trade, The plants will produce fewer flowers and from light frosts with row covers or blankets. agua de Jamaica, Jamaica sorrel, Indian sorrel, fruit with heavy applications of nitrogen, but In the tropics of the Northern Hemisphere, Florida cranberry, and lemon bush it is challenging to determine where they still appreciate fertility via compost or most varieties of hibiscus will flower and Crimson crowns, both succulent and tart, adorn it first came into domestication. We aged manure. Mulch heavily to retain soil fruit from September through February. the glossy stems of this tropical shrub. Hibiscus moisture and irrigate in drier climates. Problem Insects and Diseases: Root-knot may be at home in equatorial regions, but it can do know that it has been cultivated When the petals fall off, the receptacle nematode can be a problem in warmer also be grown in cooler climates as an annual (flower base) and calyx (sepals) remain on climates; rotate plantings to avoid infesta- by planting the right variety and getting a head for thousands of years as a food, the stem, appearing as fleshy red crowns. tion. Scale insects and aphids can also affect start on the season. Brewed as a puckery red tea, Hibiscus is enjoyed as a refreshing and medicinal medicine and fiber crop in northern This is the primary part of the plant used, the plants. both medicinally and as a food. Har- beverage throughout the world. Africa.1 Roselle has been grown vest the calyx when it is still pliable Tender perennial shrub; grown as an annual and red, a few days to a few weeks in temperate climates: Native origin unclear– in Jamaica since the 1700s, likely after the petals have fallen off. I like perhaps northeastern Africa, India and south- eastern Asia; cultivated throughout the tropics to wait until the calyx is 2” long to brought from Africa by slaves. It worldwide. maximize the yield when harvest- ing for tea. When they reach this Zones: 9–11 as a perennial; grown as a frost- became a popular edible ornamental tender annual in colder climates; full sun size, you will need pruners to cut in Florida in the 1800s, giving rise them from the stems. If you will be Soil: pH 4.5–8; fertile, moist, yet well-drained preparing the hibiscus as a food, you loam to the name Florida cranberry. may want to pick the calyces (plural Size: 3–4’ tall, 3–4’ wide as an annual; 6–9’ of calyx) when they are less mature, tall and 3–5’ wide as a perennial; size varies by and they will snap off the plant easier. L) Calyx (red fleshy sepals) R) Hibiscus Mint Tea cultivar After you pick the calyx, separate it from the Part used: Calyx (red fleshy sepals) Propagation: Scarify the seeds and soak overnight before planting. Plant the seeds This is an excerpt from Juliet Blankespoor’s forthcoming book: green ovary in the center. This task quickly Preparation: Tea, honey, syrup, chutney, becomes tedious and is best achieved by vinegar, wine, jam, fire cider, and margarita in 4 to 6” pots as the seedlings do not like to Cultivating Medicinal Herbs–A Guidebook To Growing Healing be transplanted, and consequently do not bribing local children or corralling ap- Actions: Diuretic, hypotensive, anti-inflam- Plants In The Home Garden. Slated to release in December, tolerate being “stepped up.” The seeds can also this innovative and vibrant reference is more than a guide to prentices. Some ingenious souls, perhaps matory, cardiotonic, astringent, cholesterol- be directly sown in the garden after soaking. growing herbs–it also covers medicine making, wild foods, with more humanitarian sentiments, have lowering, antioxidant, antimicrobial, Germinates in 5 days to 2 weeks at 75-85° F. edible flowers, and detailed medicinal uses. devised makeshift hibiscus pokers that demulcent Plant out seedlings after the danger of frost simply force out the ovary. No matter how Medicinal: Hibiscus has been widely ad- has passed. Take semi-hardwood cuttings, the ovary falls, picking the calyx regularly opted by tropical people around the globe with a heel, in summer. encourages consistent flowering and keeps as a refreshing medicinal beverage tea. It is the plants perkier. If you are drying hibis- quite popular in the Caribbean and Cen-

8 9 Hibiscus ice cubes tral America as a cold herbal tea mixed with sugar; this drink is called sorrel in the islands and agua de Flor de Jamaica in Mexico. Roselle has been used traditionally as a medicinal for its diuretic, hypotensive, and antimicrobial properties. In Mexico, roselle is highly regarded as a natural liver and kidney tonic, and weight-loss herb. It is also revered for its beneficial effects on the heart through helping to lower choles- terol levels and high blood pressure. High in antioxidant anthocyanins, hibiscus has been the focus of many recent studies for its anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neu- roprotective, and hepatoprotective quali- ties2. It is a good tonic tea for people with heart disease and high cholesterol, and it is a general preventative against free-radical stress in the body. In an overview of animal and human studies conducted with hibis- cus tea, it was determined that hibiscus was as effective in lowering blood pressure as the blood pressure medication Captopril. Hibiscus sabdariffa flower For further reading: These studies also demonstrated favorable www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/roselle.html effects on lipid profiles, including reduced Juliet Blankespoor is the director and primary total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, as nearly sterile, and thus stay put. Chinese are used to staunch excessive menstruation instructor at the Chestnut School of Herbal well as increased HDL-C .3 hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis) is a shrub native blood and slow postpartum hemorrhaging. Medicine, where she teaches the traditional Culinary: Hibiscus is my kind of herb. It is to southeastern Asia, grown throughout the Additionally, the flowers are also used as a art of bioregional community herbalism. In easily prepared in a hundred different ways, tropics for its ornamental flowers, which common household cough and cold remedy. addition, she cultivates a diverse herb garden and it is incredibly safe (it is a traditional vary in color from cream to peach to the and apothecary, and enjoys dreaming up herbal food, after all) and highly medicinal. I will classic crimson. In India, the flowers are Cautions: Roselle has a high safety profile, concoctions in her free time. Juliet shares her plant readily admit to having developed more considered sacred to the Hindu deity Ga- as it is widely consumed as a food and daily obsession through her herbal articles and botanical recipes with hibiscus than with any other nesha. Both the flowers and tender, young beverage. However, like sour citrus, it can photography in her blog: herb. The tart young leaves can be eaten leaves are edible. In Central America and aggravate heartburn, and it may be too blog.chestnutherbs.com raw or cooked, and they are a popular food the Caribbean, hibiscus flowers and leaves cooling for folks who run very cold. in many tropical cuisines, especially south- ern India and Burma. The flavor of the -ca Endnotes lyx is often likened to rhubarb or cranberry. 1 Wilson, F.D. and Menzel, M.Y. (1964). Kenaf The calyx can be eaten raw or cooked, and One days’ harvest from eight hibiscus plants Cultivating Medicinal Herbs–A Guidebook To Growing Healing (Hibiscus cannabinus), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa). its tart flavor, coupled with a natural pectin Plants In The Home Garden is the companion guide to Juliet’s content, readily lends itself to jams, pies, optimally extracts the minerals, flavonoids, are edible and produces a red calyx, similar Econ. Bot. 18: 80–91. sauces and chutneys. Infused in honey, Hi- and Vitamin C. 4 in appearance to that of H. sabdariffa, but Upcoming Online Course on Cultivating Medicinal Herbs, 2 HIGH FLAVONOID HERBS AND VASCULAR HEALTH biscus makes a lovely garnet-colored treat Related species: Various species of hibiscus without the fleshy texture. Rose of Sharon offered through the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine. Dr Jillian Stansbury Medicines from the Earth 2011 with a delectably fruity flavor. Hibiscus can have edible flowers or leaves, and some are (H. syriacus) is an ornamental shrub, native 3 Hopkins, Alison L. “Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the also be fermented into wine and is used to used medicinally. Since it is a large and var- to eastern Asia, which is grown throughout Treatment of Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia: flavor beer in the Caribbean. With its bold ied genus, it is important to examine each warmer temperate regions of the world. It Members of the Herb Society of America A Comprehensive Review of Animal and Human color and sour flavor, roselle chutney is species individually for its traditional us- has edible flowers, which are slightly muci- will receive a 10% discount on the course! Studies.” Fitoterapia 85 (2013): 84-89. Print. one of my favorite condiments. Nutrition- age. In other words, we can’t generalize as laginous, but pleasant in flavor. The young HSA Members! ally, it contains Vitamin C and other heart- a whole about the group’s edible and me- leaves are also eaten fresh or cooked, but are 4 Bamishaieya, E.I. “Effects of Boiling Time on friendly compounds, such as soluble fiber dicinal usage. Cranberry hibiscus, or false a tad tough for my palate. Rose of Sharon For updates on the release of the book and course, Mineral and Vitamin C Content of Three Varieties and anthocyanins. Additionally, hibiscus roselle (H. acetosella), is a similar-looking often prances about the landscape, sowing sign up for her newsletter on www.chestnutherbs.com of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Drink in Nigeria.” World tea contains calcium, magnesium and po- species, grown as an ornamental throughout readily with overabundant seedlings. How- Journal of Agricultural Sciences (2011): 62-67. Web. tassium. Boiling the calyces for 10 minutes the tropics. It has red, maple-like leaves that ever, some of the multi-petal varieties are

10 11  In Memoriam HSA Calendar September, October & November Events Honoring Artemas (Art) P. Richardson II

rt Richardson II, HSA Central District South Central District cont’d… Southeast District cont’d… award winner, news- Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky Oct 6 10:00am Herb Society of America, New Orleans Unit’s education programs and letter contributor and The Herb Shop no current listings… Herbal Delights Symposium – other local gardening projects. AMember-at-Large, passed by Artemas P. Richardson II Pennsylvania Heartland Unit For further information contact Audrey Driscoll at driscoll@ away at his home in Exeter, The theme for this year’s symposium is “Herb for All driscollantiques.com. Great Lakes District Occasions” Featured speaker will be former White Where: 2202 General Pershing St., New Orleans, LA 70115 New Hampshire at the age The shop at the corner of Seventh and Main Ontario Canada, Western New York, Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania House Chef, John Moeller. In addition, there will be of 96. a herbal speaker, luncheon, workshop, educational Oct 22 6:30pm Oct 10 Save the Date! Mr. Richardson was a Was empty for months, but it’s open again displays and a raffle. Keeping a Garden Diary – Baton Western Reserve Herb Society’s Vendors will be available for your shopping pleasure. Rouge Unit Meeting talented landscape architect, 70th Herb Fair With a wreath on the door, a fresh coat of paint, Where: Stokesay Castle, 141 Spook Lane, Reading, PA 19606 Peggy Coates, Executive Director of the LSU Hilltop joining the Olmsted Brothers Info: www.phhs.homestead.com Arboretum, will share her online garden diary of her in 1948. In the course of And a sign that proclaims, with proper restraint, extensive gardens, in words, photos and drawings. Find Mid-Atlantic District inspiration through her experiences. Open to public; $5 his fifty-year tenure at the “THE VILLAGE HERB SHOP” in letters of gold Delaware, Virginia, Southern New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, Southeast District for non-members. Olmsted office he was key Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, D.C. Arkansas, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Where: Burden Center, 4560 Essen Lane , Baton Rouge, LA to the creation and Then pictures a nosegay that’s charmingly old. Louisiana, Tennessee, and offshore East No Events Noted Nov 11 9:30am development of hundreds At the windows are boxes of marjoram, rue, Sept 19 9:00am–3:00pm Baking Yeast Breads of designs credited to the Herb Day 2015 hosted by The Herb This special Saturday morning workshop will be lead Olmsted firm including portions of the U.S. Capitol grounds, borage and basil—geraniums, too— Northeast District Society of Nashville by Chef Christina Nicosia, Bakery Chef of the Louisiana Culinary Institute, who will explain how to work with the Jefferson Memorial, Rock Creek Park, the National lamb’s ears and tarragon, spearmint and dill, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Eastern Herb Day is HSN’s gift to the public each year – this New York, Connecticut, portions of New Jersey, Eastern Canada year’s focus is inspiration and ideas for garden parties, the living yeast and incorporate herbs and other things Cathedral, the National Catholic Cathedral, and the various like fruit into both sweet breads and lean breads. A Overflowing the boxes and crowding the sill! food demonstrations, floral design, crafts fair & music. campuses of the Mississippi College system, including the Sept 29 7:00pm Visit the Nashville Herb Society website to register and yeast-baking cookbook is included in the cost of the workshop. Registration online at www.hsabr.org campus master plan of “Ole Miss”. So strong is the magic surrounding this shop Exploring Victory Gardens; How for more information: www.herbsocietynashville.org a Nation of Vegetable Growers Where: Burden Center, 4560 Essen Lane , Baton Rouge, LA In 1981, Mr. Richardson transferred the buildings and Where: Cheekwood Gardens Botanic Hall, 1200 Forrest Park Each passing person is destined to stop! Helped to Win the War hosted by the Drive, Nashville, TN 37205 grounds of the Olmsted firm, including its fixtures and more NorthEast Seacoast Unit West District than a million architectural drawings, to the National Park On entering then one is drawn by the scents Join Judith Sumner, guest lecturer, as she explores the Sept 24 6:30pm role of 1940s vegetable gardens, ration-book cookery, System. It is now maintained as the Fredrick Law Olmsted Cooking with French Flair – Baton Oct 15-19 26th Annual AHG Symposium: Of a mingling, delightful, herbal incense and food preservation in wartime victory. Lecture and Rouge Unit Meeting National Historic Site, in Brookline, MA. slide show, demonstration of hay box cookery, viewing New Horizons in Clinical Herbalism Noted Baton Rouge Chef, Jean French, will share his th Where lavender, roses, and cloves are related of original film footage of victory gardens, and time for The American Herbalists Guild presents their 26 After visiting the new headquarters building in Kirtland, experience and expertise, teaching and demonstrating Annual Symposium featuring keynote speaker Ethan Art created a plot plan for the property. He worked with a questions and discussion. his special dishes and techniques. Open to the public; In a fragrant sonata the shop orchestrated! Where: Tyco Visitor’s Center, Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Russo. Featuring over 40 lectures, as well as pre- and $5 charge for non-members. post-symposium intensive, with sessions ranging from local landscape architect to make his plans a reality. In 1992 Hancock Street , Portsmouth, NH Where: Burden Center, 4560 Essen Lane , Baton Rouge, LA Mr. Richardson received the Certificate of Appreciation for There are packets and pots and pomander balls beginner to advanced. Herbal practitioners, medical professionals, students and novices can interact his work. Oct 22 9:00am with renowned botanists on plant walks, join open And dried herbal sprays have been hung on the walls. South Central District New Orleans Plant Sale As a member at large, he contributed his love of poetry to discussion panels and meet with some of the leading Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas, Missouri The plant sale is held at a private residence allowing the member at large newsletter. There are herbs (thyme and bay leaf and garlic and sage) companies in natural head at the vendor showcase. attendees to see plants in their growing state. Herbs, This year offers a special track of diverse classes Oct 1 Herb Harvest Supper Artemas Richardson was born in Philadelphia, PA on You will find when consulting a cooking book page butterfly plants, annuals and perennials will be offered addressing chronic disease and herbal therapies. All Oct 2–3 Herb Harvest Festival 24 May, 1918. He was predeceased by his wife, Frederica for sale. At the sale, unusual varieties not readily classes are eligible for NCCAOM PDAs; select classes District Gathering at The Folk Center There are attars and powders and packets of seeds available in the local nurseries will be available for eligible for nursing credits. (McAfee) by more than ten years. He is survived by his Nationally known herbalists, local herbal merchants purchase. On hand will be members of the local Herb Where: YMCA of the Rockies, 1101 Co Road 53, Granby, CO 80446 and enthusiasts share their knowledge in this annual sister, Susan Richardson Hinkel of Markham, VA, and his And ointments as well—herbs for all of your needs— Society unit to help gardeners select plants for culinary Info/Reg: www.AmericanHerbalistsGuild.com five children, Steven M. Richardson of Winona, MN, David seminar. and ornamental uses. The sale will benefit the New Tussie mussies and wreaths, catnip mice for your cat Where: Ozark Folk Center, 1032 Park Avenue, Mountain View, Orleans Botanical Gardens, Longue Vue Gardens, The R. Richardson, of Exeter, NH, Ann R. Howland, of Danville, AR 72560 NH, Vida Nichols Butterfield, of Deerfield, NH, and Stanley And tansy to keep hungry moths from your hat! A. Richardson, of Bennington, VT. He is further survived by What a wonderful shop! What a treat for our street! eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. What a joy when we touch or we smell or we eat!

12 13 We hope you’ve enjoyed the HSA Fall 2015 Newsletter!

Remember our Winter Newsletter submission deadline is November 2, 2015

9019 Kirtland-Chardon Rd. | Kirtland, OH 44094 | www.herbsociety.org