Bell County Master GardenerTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Herb Study Group

Herb Study Group – Purpose

The Herb Study Group is Coordinated by Master Gardener Tracy Brown.  This group brings together volunteers who have a special knowledge or interest in herbs and provides ample opportunity for lifelong learning and creating educational programs, both important components of being a Master Gardener.  All interested Master Gardeners are invited to join one or more meetings of the Herb Study Group.

Herb Study Group –  Overview

  • Monthly educational meetings – The herb study group invites all individuals with interest in herbs to pursue greater knowledge through regular meetings with other herb lovers.  The Coordinator, Tracy Brown, arranges meetings and topics, with all participants expected to lead one or more topics.  Regular members research the monthly topic in advance and share what they’ve learned with other participants. Attendees are encouraged to bring a food or drink featuring the monthly culinary herbs.  Sharing a specimen plant, photogragh, craft project or medicinal and/or cosmetic concoction is also appreciated.
  • Seminars and Workshops – In coordination with the Outreach Director, members of the herb study group may plan, prepare and present herb related topics to community organizations, Bell County residents and Master Gardeners.  These events are an excellent way to educate participants on herb propagation, cultivation and use.  Seminars and workshops may be lecture style or hands-on.
  • Support Fund raising events – In coordination with the Plant Sale committee, the herb study group provides recommendations and sourcing support for herbs at the plant sale.  They may provide further support in creating planted herb mixes or other merchandising efforts to educate shoppers on the propagation, cultivation and use of herbs for sale.
  • Educational tours – This group may arrange for educational tours relating to herbs or other horticultural topics.  Tours are generally in the Central Texas area and are open to any Master Gardener. Tours will be publicized in advance and costs, if any, will be the responsibility of each individual.

Herb Study Group – Meetings

The 2025 meeting scheduled is available below.  Regular meetings take place in the AgriLife classroom.

2025 Date Time Seminar Topic
January 9 6:00 – 7:30 pm Herb of the Year – Chamomile – Round Table
January 15 10:00 am – noon
February 13 6:00 – 7:30 pm Making Your Own Culinary Herb Mixtures
February 19 10:00 am – noon
March 13 6:00 – 7:30 pm Shea Stinson, Owner, Sol Life: Herbs
March 19 10:00 am – noon
April 12 TBD Thistle Farmacy – Field Trip
April TBD TBD Dr Anderw King – Texas Herbs
April TBD TBD Westphalia Roots – Tour/Workexchange
May 8 6:00 – 7:30 pm Lemon Balm – Round Table
May 14 10:00 am – noon
June 12 6:00 – 7:30 pm How to Make Herb Infused Vinegar, Oils and Powders
June 18 10:00 am – noon
July 10 6:00 – 7:30 pm Oreganos – Round Table
July 16 10:00 am – noon
August 14 6:00 – 7:30 pm Gotu Kola – Round Table
August 20 10:00 am – noon
September 11 6:00 – 7:30 pm Elder – Round Table
September 17 10:00 am – noon
October 9 6:00 – 7:30 pm Decorating with Herbs
October 15 10:00 am – noon
November 13 6:00 – 7:30 pm Pot Luck and Gift Exchange
November 19 10:00 am – noon

During Round Table meetings attendees take turns sharing researched information (including chemical properties, growth habit, harvesting, etc.) on one or more topics.  Each session will be led by one or more volunteers. Meetings are open to Master Gardeners, Master Gardener Interns, and the general public.

Herb Study Group Documents (coming soon)

Disclaimer

Herb Interest Study Group is for informational and study purposes only. We are  adherent to the A & M Agrilife Extension Office and Master Gardener policies.  We learn about Herbs and their uses.  At NO time do we insist anyone use what we have learned.  Or offering any kinds of medical, culinary, etc. advice.  It is left to the individual to further research, should they choose to use, anything studied.