Scott Conservancy to hold herb growing workshop
It’s time to spice things up this spring as Scott Conservancy presents “Flavor Your Life: Growing Your Own Herbs and More.” Allegheny County Penn State Master Gardener Joan Kugler will be at the Scott Park Lodge on March 25 to discuss all aspects of herb horticulture, from selection to harvest.
Jane Peart, Scott Conservancy’s community education chair, said that people are cooking differently than in the past and using more, and more varied, herbs. Herbed vinegar, herbed butter and salsa are just a few popular foods that use herbs, said Peart, and lavender is a wonderful addition to chocolate or shortbread cookies.
Besides adding flavor and fragrance in cooking to baking, herbs can also be a beautiful addition to the landscaping of your home. While adding attractive color to the garden landscape, Peart said most herbs are deer resistant. “Typically they move on after a bite.”
Peart said that Kugler, who is in charge of the herb bed at South Park, is excited about giving the presentation. “Joan makes herbs part of her landscaping, so people can learn by seeing how she’s done it in her yard.”
In addition to learning about how to incorporate herbs in the landscape, attendees can learn how to grow, maintain, propagate, and extend the growing season, both outdoors and indoors. There will be discussion on new varieties and best varieties of herbs, as well as uses for them. Recipes will be provided, along with handouts for home reference.
Soil test kits will be available for purchase, and free literature will be on hand.
The adults only program is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 25 at the Scott Park Lodge. Cost to attend is $5, and the fee will be collected at the door. Space for the event is limited, so pre-registration is required by emailing or calling Jane Peart at scottconservepa@yahoo.com or 412-788-1361.