All Season Herbal Apothecary Garden by Ana Dushyna

Thank you to Melanie for providing the photos and write-up for our wonderful June Speaker!

I’m sure the members particularly enjoyed getting to taste some of Ana’s creations!  I’m sorry I missed it! 🙁

Ana Dushyna has a Master of Science in Pharmacy, and is a specialist in Apothecary gardening.

On Wednesday June 19, we had an informative presentation about the “All Season Herbal Apothecary Garden”.   Ana explained the history and many uses of several plants growing in a Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn garden.  Among them were Nettle, Borage, Coriander, Dill, Rosemary, Guilder Rose, Grapes, Linden, Dog Rose and Schisandra.

Summer time is the best for harvesting Nettle, Borage, Coriander, Dill, Rosemary and Linden.  Harvest during dry sunny weather, when medicinal plants are starting to bloom, and choose healthy plants without diseases or insects.

One of the ways to use herbs is in the preparation of a herbal infusion.  The recipe may differ from herb to herb, but the simplest recipe is to use either 1 tablespoon of dry herb, or 2 tablespoons of fresh, per serving.  Put the herbs in a mug, pour 200 ml. of boiled water over them and cover with a lid, to steep for 10-15 minutes, and consume while warm.

After Ana’s presentation we tried five tasty samples of herbal infusions: Linden, Lavender, Thyme, Sage, and Floral Herbal Blend.