Orchard Park Community Education. Four Wednesdays, 3/29 - 4/26. (No class 4/12).       Click here to register.

Whether you have a spacious backyard or a stoop for a few containers, you can enjoy beautiful, easy-to-grow plants at home that are edible or medicinal. Sarah will introduce you to a range of common edible and medicinal plants, including tips for cultivation and use after harvest. You may be surprised by which garden plants you can cook up for dinner or make into tea! 

Each class includes recipes and instructions for harvesting and using these plants. Participants will prepare and take home an herb-infused vinegar, oil, and supplies to prepare your own tincture. No experience necessary.

Week 1: Houseplants and Garlic.  Aloe, rosemary, catnip, thyme. Honorable mentions. Intro to plant-based medicine. Activity: Making Infused Vinegar/Honey.

Week 2: Full/Part Sun Outdoors. Discuss edibles (Daylilies, Jerusalem artichoke, groundnut, rose, nasturtium) and medicinals (Calendula, Cayenne, St. John’s Wort, Comfrey, and rose). Activity: Making Infused Oil.

Week 3: Full/Part Sun Outdoors Part 2. Discuss medicinals (Bee Balm, Echinacea, Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, Marshmallow root, Motherwort, Feverfew) plus honorable mentions. Tea Activity: Infusion vs. Decoction.

Week 4: Shade Outdoors. Discuss edibles (Ramps, Hostas) and native woodland medicinals (Bloodroot, Goldenseal, Black Cohosh, Solomon’s Seal, Wild Geranium.) Activity: Making Herbal Tinctures.

Cost is $68. Fee includes all supplies, samples, garden seeds and handouts.