Don't Miss: HerbFest

HerbFest 2008 celebrates medicinal uses, aromas and flavors

Lavender lemonade, herbal iced tea and other herb-infused goodies will be offered along with merchandise including books, cookbooks, dream pillow kits and more at HerbFest 2008 from noon-3 p.m. Aug. 3 at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

The Evening Herb Study Group will present guides to walk with visitors through the Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden, a modern interpretation of a 16th-century Tudor garden style featuring herbs of Asian, Mediterranean, African, Native American and European descent.

Peter Stark, owner of Renaissance Acres Organic Herbal Farm in Whitmore Lake, will speak at 1 p.m. Stark and his family study, use and propagate more than 300 varieties of culinary, medicinal and ceremonial herbs, along with heirloom vegetables and scented geraniums.

At 2 p.m. attendees can choose from one of three demonstrations featuring herbs for cooking, relaxation and enjoyment. Learn how to create a dream pillow, find out how to reproduce scented geraniums or get tips for making herb-infused vinegars.

Admission is $8 for Matthaei Botanical Gardens Nichols Arboretum members and $10 for non-members.

For more information call (734) 647-7600 and/or go to www.mbgna.umich.edu.