Welcome
Minnesota Herb Society is an organization of herb enthusiasts who come together to encourage the study, the growing, and the use of herbs.
As volunteers, we plant and maintain the designated herb gardens at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Meetings are the 4th Tuesdays of January, March, May, August and October. Contact us to learn more.
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1 week 4 days ago
Did you plant fennel in your herb garden this year only to discover it is now inhabited with green and black striped caterpillars? Those are black swallowtail caterpillars! Soon they will form a chrysalis and turn into a beautiful butterfly. And your fennel will grow back quickly! The beauty of nature 😊 🐛 🌱 ❤️
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1 week 5 days ago
This was such a fun time …
1 week 6 days ago
We had a kettle; we let it leak:
Our not repairing made it worse.
We haven’t had any tea for a week . . .
The bottom is out of the Universe.
—Rudyard Kipling, “Natural Theology,” 1889
According to Chinese legend, the first cup of tea was brewed about five thousand years ago by Shen Nong, aka The Divine Cultivator. One day, he was boiling water outdoors when leaves of a nearby plant (it happened to be Camellia sinensis) blew off a bush and plopped into the water. The Divine Cultivator tasted the brew and found that it hit the spot. A cup of tea was soon on everyone’s table.
The Buddhists explain things differently. The monk Dharuma practiced meditation all day long. One drowsy afternoon, he found his eyelids drooping. So keep this from happening again, he sliced them off and threw them away. A tea plant sprang up where they fell, and after a little trial and error, Dharuma discovered the secret of brewing its leaves into a drink that would keep him awake—although one has to suppose that he learned to sleep with his eyes open.
Tea became known in Europe in the 1600s, as merchant ships made their way to the Orient and back again The sprightly stimulant became immediately popular and a brisk trade developed. Tea helped to precipitate at least one war (the American Revolution began with the Boston Tea Party), served several governments as currency, and helped to build the British Empire. Americans have done their fair share, too. They invented iced tea (first served at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904) and the tea bag (first used in 1908 in New York City by Thomas Sullivan). The origins of instant tea are a bit more murky. The Old Foodie offers one peek into its history.
Tea isn’t just a delicious stimulant. In the last few decades, scientists have compiled a convincing dossier of its medicinal virtues. Tea is reported help to protect the arteries against cholesterol clogs; inhibit the growth of cancers of the colon, stomach, and breast; reduce inflammation; and neutralize many viruses. You can drink black tea or green tea, hot tea or iced tea, with or without caffeine. But do drink brewed tea; scientists say that bottled tea and instant tea don’t have as many antioxidants. Herbal teas have different health benefits; you’ll want to check them out, as well.
And Kipling was right, of course. No tea for a week would turn our world upside down!
3 weeks 2 days ago
4 weeks 1 day ago
Tuesday, May 25th, we held our annual Spring plant exchange. It was also our second annual book exchange! Some of us have had more time on our hands the past year so it’s been fun to add something new!
We packed our own lunches and enjoyed catching up with each other.
Our President, Elly Hanson, gave us an update on what’s in store for us this summer and fall. Yay for field trips and end of the year sales!
1 month 1 day ago
Happy Monday Herbies!
1 month 1 week ago
Emily Dickinson - 12/10/1830 — 5/15/1886
This is the only proven photo of Miss Dickinson. She is just 16 years old. She attended reputable schools in Massachusetts but spent most of her life in isolation and corresponded by mail. She was a very gifted poet but her poems were not discovered until 4 years after her death by her sister Lavinia.
1 month 1 week ago
It was a great day to dig, plant and prep for our plant sale this week. Don’t forget to visit and find some great plants for your yard or garden.
18190 Duck Lake Trail in Eden Prairie. Thursday and Friday May 13&14. 9-5 both days. 🌱🌸
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1 month 3 weeks ago
Happy May Day Herbies!
What a beautiful May Day it is! ❤️
Whether you are watching the Kentucky Derby, working in your garden or yard or gathering with family or friends make sure you do something to celebrate this beautiful day.
Traditionally people deliver May baskets - usually a paper basket or cone filled with treats and fresh flowers - and leave them on neighbors or friends front porch or front door handle. Children will dance under the Maypole. Singing songs and holding on to colorful streamers. These traditions were most common in the 19 & 20 centuries. Today celebrations are held any way we want! After a year of COVID-19 isolation it is finally safe to celebrate outdoors! Be creative and enjoy the day. 🌸
2 months 2 days ago
TODAY IS EARTH DAY 🌎 !!
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day and make a difference in your environment.
Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Earth
Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Cut down on what you throw away. Follow the three "R's" to conserve natural resources and landfill space.
Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in your community. You can get involved in protecting your watershed, too.
Educate. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.
Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean.
Choose sustainable.
Shop wisely. Buy less plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag.
Use long-lasting light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also flip the light switch off when you leave the room!
Plant a tree. Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change.
Don't send chemicals into our waterways. Choose non-toxic chemicals in the home and office.
Bike more. Drive less.
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