Pelargoniums Talk at Strawbery Banke

Just in time for spring, the NorthEast Seacoast Unit of the Herb Society of America and Strawbery Banke Museum areteaming up to co-sponsor a presentation on the lovely fragrant plants called Pelargoniums or more simply known as Scented Geraniums - though they are actually not geraniums at all. Event is March 29, but register TODAY due to limited space. (Continued below)

 

 

John Forti, curator of Historic Landscapes at Strawbery Banke Museum notes, "Scented geraniums enjoy a long history of offering flavor, scent and beauty to homes and landscapes.  There is historical documentation for them being grown and enjoyed in Portsmouth including mention of "Lady Plymouth" geranium grown by Sarah Goodwin (wife of the Civil War era governor of NH)."  Scented geranium can offer a wide variety of wonderful scents including: apple, apricot, coconut, lemon, lime, peppermint, spice, and rose to name just a few and have many uses in the garden, kitchen and crafting arenas.  

Featured speakers Caroline Amidon and Joyce Brobst, both authors and former Presidents of the Herb Society of America will share their experience with researching, collecting and growing Pelargonium. They will also be showcasing over thirty plants from their extensive collection. Audience members will have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of these plants - it is said that Thomas Jefferson grew several varieties of Pelargonium while at the White House - and also learn helpful tips from the experts for growing and using this fascinating group of plants. "This presentation will offer a breath of fresh air for all gardeners longing to make connections to the past...and the gardening season ahead," states Forti. 

The NorthEast Seacoast Unit of the Herb Society of America and Strawbery Banke Museum invite the public to this very special lecture which is being held on Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 from 7pm - 8pm in Stoodley's Tavern at Strawbery Banke Museum. There is an $8.00 registration fee for this event with Strawbery Banke members receiving a discounted rate of $5.00.  All proceeds are being donated to Strawbery Banke Museum. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.  Please register by March 24^th, 2011 by contacting Riekie Sluder at 603-642-7034 or by email. 

About the NorthEast Seacoast Unit of the Herb Society of America

The Northeast Seacoast Unit, one of forty-five regional units of the Herb Society of America, was established in June 1987. This local organization is dedicated to promoting the knowledge, use and delight of herbs through educational programs, research, and sharing the knowledge of its members with the community. Volunteer activities include the maintenance of herb gardens at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, NH and Great Bay Services in Newington, NH.  For more information about the NorthEast Seacoast Unit, please contact Riekie Sluder at 603-642-7034. 

About Strawbery Banke Museum

Connect with the Past! Step into 400 years of living in our neighborhood. Strawbery Banke provides the opportunity to see how people lived for four centuries of New England.  Through restored furnished houses, exhibits, historic landscapes and gardens, and role players, Strawbery Banke interprets the living history of generations who settled Portsmouth, NH, from the late 17th century to the mid-20th century. Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, NH, is open May 1 through October 31 daily; and November through December for guided walking tours and special events. Call 603-433-1100 or visit the SBM Web site. 

About Caroline Amidon

Caroline Amidon is a past president of The Herb Society of America, and has been a fully active member in The Philadelphia Unit for 34 years. In addition to lecturing about pelargoniums, Caroline and Joyce Brobst (with whom she holds an HSA collection) have published several articles about them in The Herbarist (a publication of The Herb Society of America) and The Green Scene. They also collaborated with Pat Crocker on a book, Pelargonium, 2006 Herb of the Year.  Ms. Amidon has received two awards from The Herb Society of America; The Helen de Conway Little Medal of Honor and The Nancy Putnam Howard Award for Excellence in Horticulture.  

About Joyce Brobst

Joyce Brobst is from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania and holds B.S and M.Ed. degrees in Biology from Bloomsburg University, and an M.S. degree in Education from Marywood College. She is a past president of The Herb Society of America and has been a member of the Pennsylvania Heartland Unit for twenty-five years.  She has been honored with inclusion in Who's Who Among America's Teachers for 2005, as well invited to participate in The Oxford University Round Table on Science and Religion in 2007. She received the Helen de Conway Little Medal of Honor from The Herb Society in 2006.