Printer Friendly Version - North Haven Garden Club Hosts an Eventful May Meeting

Organic gardener Caty Poole gave a presentation on culinary and medicinal herbs, as well as weeds, at the North Haven Garden Club’s May meeting. Photo courtesy of Cindy Golia, North Haven Garden Club

The North Haven Garden Club gave a warm welcome to new member Deborah Armitage at its latest monthly meeting. Pictured are Italia Avitable, the club’s membership chair, with Armitage. Photo courtesy of Cindy Golia, North Haven Garden Club

The North Haven Garden Club held its May meeting featuring the program, Herbs: with Caty Poole, at the North Haven Congregational Church on May 11. Poole is the executive director of Massaro Community Farm, an organic vegetable farm in Woodbridge that focuses on making healthy food accessible to all. Poole combines her 30 years of experience in organic gardening with her 10 years of experience at the farm. The focus of Poole’s presentation was on culinary and medicinal herbs.

In addition to speaking about all the herbs we all know and use, Poole spoke about a variety of what we call “weeds” and some of their nutritional value. One example is purslane, a weed that we all have in our yard. It can add it to salads and has also been used as a treatment for osteoporosis and psoriasis, as well as a purgative, cardiac tonic, emollient, muscle relaxant, and anti-inflamamatory.

Another weed that Poole spoke about during her presentation was the dandelion. Every part of the dandelion is edible. It can be used to make wine, and its leaves act as a diuretic, helping to stimulate the appetite and aiding with digestion. The dandelion flower has antioxidant properties and may also improve the immune system.

Poole also spoke about mullein, something that everyone has growing somewhere in their yard. Mullein is an expectorant, meaning that it helps the body expel excess mucus, making coughs more productive. It can also have anti-inflammatory by coating over mucous membranes.

At its May meeting, the North Haven Garden Club welcomed a new member to the club. The North Haven Garden Club is happy to introduce Deborah Armitage as its newest member. The hostesses for the evening were Brenda Howlett, Wini Colleran, and Mary Cameron. The table arrangement was designed by Carmen Sealy.

For information on the North Haven Garden Club including membership info, contact Italia at italia_@comcast.net.