Herb Society Minutes July 19, 2008


Johnson County Herb Society Minutes, July 19, 2008 Seven members met July 19 at the Cleburne Public Library. There will be no regular meeting in August. Members are invited to hear Esther Chambliss do “Fun with Herbs” August 11 at 6 p.m. for the Johnson County Master Gardeners. Entertainment was a Chinese Gift Exchange. Ideas were discussed on how to increase membership. Ideas included members giving talks to other local groups, members being responsible for programs instead of only the vice president, ant giving a special price on dues. Ideas for programs included Van trips where members share in gasoline expense. Tentative programs include: September – field trip to Elm Mott; October – field trip to Lucy Harrell’s gardens in Arlington; and November – field trip to Patty Lockwood’s house to learn to make soap. Each 4th Tuesday the Fort Worth Organic Garden Club meets at 7 pm. At the Botanical Gardens. Esther Chambliss gave the treasurer's report. The club has $501.16 in savings, $1291.66 in checking, and $66.51 in petty cash for a total of $1859.33. Esther announced that the city wants the herb club to plant herbs underneath the roses after submitting a design for city approval. The city will water, and maintenance will be shared. The club's donation of a park bench for McGregor Park was discussed. Other gifts possible are an engraved paving stone for $50, an ornamental tree for $150, a shade tree for $300, or a birdhouse for $150. Sue Morgan gave a program on Tansy. Tansy has easily identifiable yellow button flowers, is easy to grow and can become invasive. It will grow up to 5’ tall in marshy areas and by the roadside. Tansy can be cut for leaves and flowers. The leaves look like the “leather” from florists. Tansy repels flies, ants and fleas. In the past it was used as a medicinal tonic for the system and the nerves in particular, for gas, as a vermifuge, for parasites, to reduce swelling and sprains. Roots were used for gout, and leaves were crushed to lay on sunburn and to rub on skin to repel mosquitoes. It can also be used in wreaths and for potpourri. Yellow dye can be made from the flowers and green from the leaves. It can be used to dye easter eggs and fabrics. Vinegar can be made from the leaves and used for head lice. Flowers dry well. Leaves get crumbly unless pressed. Tansy is propagated by dividing the underground roots. Plants should be spaced one inch apart. In the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Tansy pudding was made at Easter to accompany roast meat, especially lamb. The flavor is unpleasant to modern palates. Micki Nellis, Secretary

Johnson County Herb Society Minutes, July 19, 2008

Seven members met July 19 at the Cleburne Public Library. There will be no regular meeting in August. Members are invited to hear Esther Chambliss do “Fun with Herbs” August 11 at 6 p.m. for the Johnson County Master Gardeners.

Entertainment was a Chinese Gift Exchange.

Ideas were discussed on how to increase membership. Ideas included members giving talks to other local groups, members being responsible for programs instead of only the vice president, ant giving a special price on dues. Ideas for programs included Van trips where members share in gasoline expense.

Tentative programs include: September – field trip to Elm Mott; October – field trip to Lucy Harrell’s gardens in Arlington; and November – field trip to Patty Lockwood’s house to learn to make soap.

Each 4th Tuesday the Fort Worth Organic Garden Club meets at 7 pm. At the Botanical Gardens.

Esther Chambliss gave the treasurer's report. The club has $501.16 in savings, $1291.66 in checking, and $66.51 in petty cash for a total of $1859.33.

Esther announced that the city wants the herb club to plant herbs underneath the roses after submitting a design for city approval. The city will water, and maintenance will be shared.

The club's donation of a park bench for McGregor Park was discussed. Other gifts possible are an engraved paving stone for $50, an ornamental tree for $150, a shade tree for $300, or a birdhouse for $150.

Sue Morgan gave a program on Tansy. Tansy has easily identifiable yellow button flowers, is easy to grow and can become invasive. It will grow up to 5’ tall in marshy areas and by the roadside.

Tansy can be cut for leaves and flowers. The leaves look like the “leather” from florists. Tansy repels flies, ants and fleas. In the past it was used as a medicinal tonic for the system and the nerves in particular, for gas, as a vermifuge, for parasites, to reduce swelling and sprains. Roots were used for gout, and leaves were crushed to lay on sunburn and to rub on skin to repel mosquitoes.

It can also be used in wreaths and for potpourri. Yellow dye can be made from the flowers and green from the leaves. It can be used to dye easter eggs and fabrics. Vinegar can be made from the leaves and used for head lice.

Flowers dry well. Leaves get crumbly unless pressed. Tansy is propagated by dividing the underground roots. Plants should be spaced one inch apart.

In the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Tansy pudding was made at Easter to accompany roast meat, especially lamb. The flavor is unpleasant to modern palates.

Micki Nellis, Secretary