Growing, Using and Sharing Herbs & Native Plants

ELKINS, W.Va. – The West Virginia Herb Association’s Spring Gathering is scheduled for May 20, 2023 at Davis & Elkins College, Madden Center / Timms Lounge, 100 Campus Dr. in Elkins.

The theme is “Gardening for Health: Growing, Using and Sharing Herbs & Native Plants.” 

Presenters will include:

Aine Slabaugh of In the Nook Farm, Burnsville, WV
Hydrosol Demonstration
Ms. Slabaugh will be demonstrating the process for creating hydrosol from freshly harvested plants to fragrant floral water utilizing a copper alembic still. Participants will learn about steam distillation and many uses of hydrosol. Samples of hydrosol will be available for smelling, including different varieties of lavender, old fashioned garden roses and herbs.

Jody Carpenter of West Virginia University
Beneficial Pollinators
As we face the challenges of changing climates, it is important to support the beneficial insects which pollinate our gardens. Learn how to support these delicate creatures through structures and plantings.

Lewis Jett, West Virginia University, Agriculture Sciences
Cold Frames and High Tunnels
Learn how to build, use and maintain cold frames and high tunnels with Mr. Jett. These structures allow you to extend your growing season and even grow crops that are more challenged by weather extremes. They also give you a place in the winter to see signs of spring and provide food year-round.

Elaine Ferry of Arcadia Retreat and Herb Farm
Pet’s Health, Herbs and Homeopathy
Ms. Ferry will discuss inexpensive, effective herbal and homeopathic remedies that have no side effects to treat animals, as well as humans. Many doubters of homeopathic remedies think healing is due to a placebo effect, but this is not the case with treating animals. Animals are one of the proofs that homeopathy is not a placebo effect. Homeopathy is an organized system of medicine based on the principle of like cures like. A small amount of a remedy is diluted in water, and the energy of the remedy works to stimulate healing.

Lunch & Plant Exchange, Networking/Sharing session

Focus Topic: Growing and Using Medicinal Herbs facilitated by Joan Beard, M.A. & Sierra Cox of Herbs for WVDA, Veterans & Heroes.

Ask questions and share answers in this round-table networking time and plant exchange
Consider questions about organic gardening, methods and herbal medicinal plant uses. What worked for you and what didn’t? Also bring a plant or seeds to exchange with others and bring your questions and knowledge as well as a bag lunch. Sit and talk, share and enjoy each other’s company during this networking time with other herbalists and plants people.

Eve Von Deck, CH, WVMN, WVMG, WVHA President
Plant and Herb Identification Walk
Take a walk around the D&E Campus with Eve and identify medicinal, edible and other wild plants.

Vendors Include

In the Nook Farm, Burnsville, WV
Hydrosols, dried lavender products (sachets, lavender wands), dried tea blends, crafts (garden signs, baskets, ornaments, other), plants and seeds.

Herbalists Without Borders
Barbara Volk brings us herbal remedies, consultations, flute meditations and plant conversations, as well as activities for children. 

Appalachian Chronicle

The Appalachian Chronicle offers experienced, independent reporting & analysis on the vital topics facing Appalachia. It is an online periodical with a preferential concern for the poor, vulnerable, marginalized and disenfranchised of Appalachia. It is a Social Enterprise, meaning its first focus is ensuring that its work benefits society. Any profits are directed to people and events that are used to serve some other social need. Owner Michael Barrick will have his latest book, “Fractured Sanctuary: A Chronicle of Grassroots Activists Fighting Pipelines of Destruction in Appalachia,” available, as well as several watercolor prints by Myra Bonhage-Hale, a past president of the WVHA.

Cost, Registration & Contact Information

Online registration is open. Click here to register and pay online. online in advance. Become a member and save $5. If you want to mail a check please email info@wvherbassociation.org for a registration form.

Registration the day of the event starts at 9:00 am; the Conference begins promptly at 10:00 am.

Cost is $10 for non-members;  WVHA Members pay $5. Cash only at the door. Children 12 or under are free with a paid adult. Register and pay at event email: info@wvherbassociation.org

Email info@wvherbassociation.org for a registration form, or to request a vendor registration form. Register by clicking here. Free passes for volunteers. More will be posted on the website as we get closer to the event and watch our Facebook page.

Courtesy submission.