An Herbal Treat in Store for You

The Mecklenburg County Master Food Volunteers, as part of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, present “Herbs:  From the Garden to the Kitchen Table” by Southside Master Gardener Kathy Conner Cornell.  The program will be held at the Clarksville YMCA, Room 126-A at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 10th.  The presentation is open to the public and free of charge.  Call the Mecklenburg County Cooperative Extension Office at 434-738-6191 X4371 to make a reservation.  Registration deadline is October 7.
Mexican Tarragon is a fall bloomer and one of the herbs to be discussed on Monday, October 10th at 11 a.m. at the Clarksville YMCA.  Call 434-738-6191 X4371 for reservations.
            Herbs are easy to grow here in Southside.  Most culinary herbs are from the Mediterranean  area so have no problem with our hot, sticky summers.  Many are hardy and will survive whatever winter brings us.  Small flowers are
common on culinary herbs and this gives an added benefit of providing nectar for small beneficial insects that help protect our gardens from pests.  They also are beautiful additions to the landscape border. 
            In the past, herbs were often tucked away in their own garden.  However they freely comingle with perennials and shrubs like bee balm, daylilies and boxwoods.  Herbs can even provide protection.  For example, rue deters Japanese beetles and chives repels aphids.
            Herbs add wonderful flavors to our food.  You don’t have to be a gourmet cook to use herbs in the kitchen.  If you know Kathy, you know she isn’t a cook (that is her husband Bill’s passion).  But she will share with you some easy ways to bring herbs into your menus.  There will even be a few tasty tidbits made by the Southside Virginia Herb Society for you to sample after the presentation.

            Come on out and join the fun on October 10th at 11 a.m. at the Clarksville YMCA, 1567 Noblin Farm Road in Clarksville.  All are welcome and there is no charge.  Call the Mecklenburg County Cooperative Extension Office at 434-738-6191 X4371 to make a reservation.  Registration deadline is October 7.  Hope to see you there.