THE HERB GARDEN CLUB by Kathy Stevens
My
name is Kathy Stevens. I am a retired teacher with a passion for
herbs. Twenty-four years ago I planted my first backyard herb
garden. Small specimens of lavender, mint, rosemary and thyme were
nestled in a raised bed not far from my kitchen window.
Watching
those herbs grow and prosper, I wondered... what shall I do with them? To
answer this question I read books, journals, took classes, and joined an herb
society. Lots of useful information. I learned dozens of ways to
use herbs in the kitchen and throughout my home. They scent my linen
closet and infuse the water in both my teacup and bathtub. I sprinkle
them on popcorn and in salads and they flavor both honey and butter.
Sometimes I tuck a little bundle of them inside my pillowcase to sleep
peacefully until morning.
Today
I continue to grow herbs and learn all that I can about them. During my
years as a classroom teacher, I planted a school herb garden with
students. Now in retirement, I continue to visit and care for the
garden. Fourth and fifth graders join me on Wednesday afternoon for the
herb garden club. Together we explore the countless ways we can use the
thirty plus herbs growing in our garden.
Last
year I wrote and published a book entitled The Herb Garden Club.
It is available for purchase in my online store. The book details all
that my students and I have learned about seven of our favorite herbs: lavender,
lemon balm, rosemary, chamomile, thyme, and rose. There are stories,
tasty recipes, herb crafts, and lots of ideas to inspire readers of all ages to
enjoy these herbs every day.
About
the author
Kathy
Stevens is a certified Master Herbalist, educator, and speaker. She lives
in Visalia, California with her husband, Stan, and orange tabby George.
In addition to the work she does with the Crestwood Elementary Herb Garden
Club, Kathy also gives lectures and workshops about herbs. She enjoys
teaching others to live a healthy, herbal lifestyle. Kathy is past
president of the San Joaquin Herb Society. The Herb Garden Club is her
second book. In 1990, she published Going Beyond Words, the art and
skill of visual thinking with Zephyr Press.
Visit
Timelessherbaltraditions.com to purchase the book or to see a slideshow of the
Crestwood School herb garden.
Comments
Because you write mysteries, I thought that perhaps this was another mystery book, similar to the Susan Wittig Albert's China Bayles mysteries, but what a surprise!
I began a novel about 3 sisters, one of whom grew a huge herb garden and developed a small business selling them as teas, bouquets, and for recipes. How an evil man for her past compromised her large, hillside garden by introducing MJ, was part of the suspense.
I think I will use Kathy's knowledge for my own home... and perhaps to heighten my novel's setting! Thank you!