Get Growing at an Awesome Herb Sale

Spring brings the garden bug. No, not that kind of bug – the itch to plant, to sow, to grow. And if you enjoy growing herbs to cook with or use in other ways, learn where you can get your garden-gloved mitts on top-quality herb plants.

By Peg Cameron Gill If basil beckons, chamomile calls, and thyme tempts, don’t miss the St. Louis Herb Society Herb Sale at the Missouri Botanical Garden April 28–29.  The sale takes place in the east parking lot, and both Missouri Botanical Garden members and non-members can shop more than 6,000 herb plants, representing more than 125 varieties.  Members can shop on Thursday, April 27 from 5–8 pm. Non-members can shop on Friday, April 28, from 9 am –5 pm, and Saturday, April 29, from 9 am–noon, while supplies last. Shoppers can also get plant care tips and information about the herb society from members who will be on hand and who are happy to share their knowledge.  Herbs are incredibly versatile. Of course, they’re wonderful for cooking. Whether savory or sweet, herbs can add a different dimension to dishes. They’re also great for garnishing.  You can also use herbs to infuse oils, and make tea, as well. Or, use dried herbs to create decorative DIY projects.  The St. Louis Herb Society™ was the first volunteer organization given access to the greenhouses and allowed to work in the herb garden. At the time, all plants for the annual herb sale and herb garden were propagated in the greenhouses by society members, with assistance from the Horticulture staff. All proceeds from plant sales went specifically to benefit the Garden’s Horticulture Division.

Today, in addition to caring for the herb garden, The St. Louis Herb Society holds fall and spring herb classes for adults, hosts an annual Herb Days event each spring and sponsors a speakers’ bureau. Its fourth cookbook, “Herbal Cookery: From the Kitchens and Gardens of the St. Louis Herb Society,” and other publications written by the Herb Society are available for purchase from the Garden Gate Shop or online at www.stlouisherbsociety.org. Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark. The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, historic architecture, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered flora. For over 163 years, the Garden has been an oasis in the city, a place of beauty and family fun – and also a center for education, science, and conservation. Want to get the dirt on another gardening topic? Check out our article on growing native plants. For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.