Herb Society of America
Hill Country UnitWho Are We?
The mission statement of the Herb Society of America is to “promote the knowledge, use and delight of herbs through educational programs, research and sharing the experience of its members with the community”. The Society is committed to protecting our global environment for the health and well-being of humankind and all growing things. We encourage gardeners to practice environmentally sound horticulture. The Motto of the Society is taken from the herbalist, John Parkinson: “For Use and Delight”
Herb Of The Month
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus).
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Versatile, fuzzy mullein is a gardener’s friend, an herbalist’s delight and an engineering marvel, all on it’s own.
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A member of the snapdragon family, mullein has flowers that are flat and open, unlike the irregular “dragon faces” of snapdragons.
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Mullein oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers and is used for many ailments; often used with other extracts.
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Some of the chemicals are: glycosides, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, saponina, which has an expectorant effect, and polysaccharides, which have a demulcent, for coughs and throat irritation..
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During the Civil War, mullein was used to treat respiratory illnesses and wounds, as it contains anti-inflammatory compounds and mucilage.
- Native Americans used it as a poultice.
- Mullein likes full sun and rocky, sandy soil.
Attention Members
We have a new permanent meeting place:
The Hill Country Unit meets the third Wednesday of the month, September through May, at 9:30 a.m.
in the Meeting Room of the Emily Ann Theatre & Gardens, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX.
Program Info
APRIL Meeting: Spring Picnic at Arnosky Farms
When: April 16, 2025
9:30am – Meet up and plan to carpool
Where: Emily Ann Theatre & Gardens
1101 FM-2325, Wimberley, TX 78676, then on to Arnosky Family Farm, 13977 RM-2325, Blanco
Join us for a fun field trip to Arnosky Family Farm (AKA the Blue Barn) as we welcome Spring with a potluck picnic and some herbal fun. Bring a dish to share, explore the beautiful flower farm, and enjoy the camaraderie.
Contact Lisa Valentine for membership or attendance information.
RSVP to Lisa Valentine at valentine_lisa@msn.com
Member Benefits
- Free or discounted admissions to participating gardens and arboreta nationwide though AHS Reciprocal Garden Program
- Specialized district and annual meetings
- Connection to fellow herb enthusiasts through the exclusive, online HSA Membership Directory
- Subscription to the annual journal THE HERBARIST as well as national and district newsletters
- Admission to the members-only section of HSA’s website, which includes special educational programs
