2025 Herb Meetings and Events

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A Wild Winter Wellness Pantry: Staying Healthy in Winter with Foraged Ingredients

by Lisa M. Rose

Expert Forager and Ethnobotanist

Via Zoom

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

This lecture explores how to stock a winter wellness pantry using foraged and culinary herbs to support health and resilience during the colder months. Guided by expert forager and ethnobotanist Lisa M. Rose, participants will learn sustainable foraging practices, the medicinal and culinary uses of wild plants, and practical techniques for creating remedies like elderberry elixirs, herbal teas, and infused oils. This session combines storytelling, scientific insight, and hands-on knowledge to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world and seasonal self-care.

Lisa M. Rose is an ethnobotanist, wild foods chef, and author specializing in the intersection of plants, health, and culinary traditions. With a background in anthropology and community health, Lisa's expertise spans sustainable foraging, herbal medicine, and the cultural significance of wild foods. She is the author of acclaimed works including Midwest Foraging and Midwest Medicinal Plants and has been featured by NPR, CNN, and Martha Stewart Living. A passionate advocate for conservation and wellness, Lisa leads workshops and lectures nationwide, helping others build meaningful connections to the natural world through foraging and herbalism.

Watch your MHS newsletter and email 

for the Zoom link. 

An Introduction to Cooking with Herbs - Video Demo 

featuring Marge Snyder, 

Founder of MHS

Via Zoom

9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Marge shares tips and tricks on cooking seasonal herbal dishes with a simple menu, assisted by MHS members Joyce Pohl and Rosemary Stenback. The cooking demonstration was pre-recorded in Marge’s home kitchen, and the video was produced and edited by MHS member Andy Pohl. 

Look for recipes in the February MHS newsletter. 

Marge Snyder is a founding member of the Madison Herb Society, long-time cooking teacher, and story teller.

Feb. 7-9

Visit our MHS booth 

at the Garden Expo!

Mushrooms in the Kitchen 

& Apothecary

by Linda Conroy

Moonwise Herbs

In Person at Olbrich Gardens

9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Learn to incorporate mushrooms into your daily life for food and medicine. In this presentation, Mycoherbalist Linda Conroy will offer information about sourcing mushrooms, as well as cooking with them for health and wellness. An overview will also be provided on the healing qualities of mushrooms and how to prepare them for medicine, including for topical applications. 

 Linda M. Conroy, MSS, MLSP dedicates her life to connecting with the green world. She is a practicing herbalist, providing herbal education, workshops and apprenticeships, as well as individual consultations and her herb store. Linda also holds two masters degrees: MSS (Master of Social Service) and MLSP (Master of Law and Social Policy). Linda is a community organizer and the founder of the Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference. 

CBD & Me- The plant, the Cannabinoids, and the Terpenes

by Debbie Jacobs

Mokosh Herbal Products

In Person at Olbrich Gardens

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Deb Jacobs from Mokosh Herbs will share with us how she grows legal hemp in a backyard setting. She will take us from seed to processing products and talk about the cannabinoids and terpenes and why they matter. 

Watch for details in your newsletter!

MHS Board Elections | Seedling Exchange | DIY - Terra Cotta Herb Garden Markers

In person at Olbrich Gardens

9 a.m. - 11 a.m

MHS Board Elections

See the May newsletter 

for board candidates.

Seedling Exchange

Bring a small box to take home the herb seedlings that our member volunteers have grown for us to share. 

Craft - Terra Cotta Herb Garden Markers

Join us for a fun craft! Program co-chair Lesley Johnson will teach us how to make terra cotta herb markers for our gardens.  

You must RSVP to ensure we have enough supplies for everyone. 

Watch for details in your newsletter!

Carpool Field Trip to Vitruvian and Carandale Farms

Watch for details in your newsletter!

Starting Herb Seedlings with Winter Sowing 

by Heather Lynch

Green Haven Gardens

Via Zoom

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Learn about the Winter Sowing method of growing herb seedlings to simplify your seed starting this year. Winter sowing involves sowing seeds in a recyclable container and keeping the container outdoors during winter. We will explain the process and care of these mini greenhouses, and Heather will share her tips and tricks from years of starting herbs this way. 

Heather Lynch is a plant lover, seasonal food enthusiast, and gardening educator from Brooklyn, WI. She is a Certified Master Gardener through UW Extension and helps lead a local food pantry garden, and is also closely involved in the non-profit group Soil Sisters. On her rural property she has installed a large kitchen garden, a culinary and medicinal herb garden, a food forest, a native pollinator garden, and is always looking for more plants or seeds to collect. 

Winter Sowing Resources

Watch your MHS newsletter 

for the Zoom link. 

Growing Herbs Indoors for 

Flavor, Fragrance & Fun 

by Susan Betz

Via Zoom

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Whether your green thumb is weathered and worn or shiny and new, get ready to branch out and step into the world of growing your own herbs—indoors!. New techniques, efficient grow lights, and herb varieties specifically bred for compact spaces offer those in urban situations a better and easier way to grow these lovely plants indoors. In this presentation, you’ll learn: which herbs perform best indoors, how to care for them, and even how to harvest and use your homegrown herbs for culinary creations, household cleaning products, herbal teas, handmade crafts, and more. 

Susan Betz has been actively involved in growing and using herbs to educate the public about gardening and the natural world for more than 35 years. 

Read more about Susan 

at Fresh Start Herbs.

Watch your MHS newsletter 

for the Zoom link. 

Feb. 9-11

Visit our MHS booth 

at the Garden Expo!

Fun, Easy Ways to Use Herbs 

in Your Skin Care

by Melody Karklin Knudson of the Undaunted Herbalist

In Person at Olbrich Gardens

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Join us as we talk in-depth about a few great skin care herbs! Then, Melody will show us a few fun, easy ways to incorporate the herbs into some skin care products.  An informative handout will be provided. Melody will also bring a few of her skin care products for you to try/smell after the presentation.

Melody Karklin Knudson (of The Undaunted Herbalist) is a certified Clinical Herbalist and Health Coach who has worked in alternative health care for 23 years. She is a Mom and "Mum Mum," a life-long plant lover, an avid gardener, and a longtime Forager with a Horticulture degree. 

She is president of The American Herbalist Guild - Southern WI Chapter, and runs a Foraging and Gardening Facebook group with over 14,000 members . She offers consultations, personalized recommendations, health coaching, classes, edible and medicinal plant walks, and handcrafted herbal medicines and products.

Follow Melody on Facebook. 

Weeds for Spring Cleansing 

and Detoxification 

by Kyle Denton

In Person at Olbrich Gardens

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

In this class taught by herbalist Kyle Denton, we will explore the powerful potential of wild weeds that have an affinity towards metabolic support, detoxification, and health in line with the season. We will delve into the properties of familiar plants, their traditional uses, and applications to discover their virtues. Get ready to discover the amazing potential for spring cleansing your body and landscape, and to empower yourself with knowledge that can positively impact your well-being.

Culinary Uses of Herbs: 

A Cross-Cultural Approach

by Chef Kevin Appleton

and 

Board Elections, 

Herb Seedling Exchange

In person at Olbrich Gardens

9 a.m. - 11 a.m

MHS Board Elections

See the May newsletter 

for board candidates.

How do herbs, spices, roots, and aromatics contribute to flavor? We will learn how to use herbs within a dish and across a meal, and practical strategies for how to use herbs to get the most out of them when cooking including:

• Selection and storage
• Processing and preparing them for cooking and beverages
• Dried vs fresh
• Ground vs. whole
• Chopped rough vs. chopped fine vs crushing
• Infusions, extractions and fermentation
• How and when to add them in the cooking process
• Sweet vs. savory applications

Chef Kevin Appleton currently teaches cooking classes at Vom Fass Madison DelecTable. He has always had a passion for teaching and sharing his love of cooking with others.

After many years of experience in the culinary industry, he became a culinary instructor at Robert Morris College in Chicago. He began teaching in the Culinary Program at Madison College from 2009-2017. From 2016 to 2019, Chef Kevin became the Food and Beverage Program Director for Madison College Continuing Education. There, he designed and ran the West Side Continuing Education Kitchen, developed the Craft Brewing Program, and a Wine Appreciation program.

Chef Kevin’s wife, Jeanette, is an avid gardener and every year 

they grow an herb garden along with several other local edible plants and trees.

Download Kevin's presentation.

Carpool Trip to Spring Green to Learn About Foraging

MHS member Richard Lyons has invited us to his property in Spring Green, WI, to learn more about wild foraging. Walking shoes/boots strongly recommended.

Since this is a carpool trip, consider visiting the downtown Spring Green area, Peck's Farm Market, and the many shops in the area. 

We're having lunch in Spring Green at a farm-to-table restaurant ($25/person). 

This outing is a great opportunity to get to know other MHS members. 

Watch for details in your newsletter!

MHS Member Garden Tours

A new lavender farm near Sun

Prairie, an herbal shop in

Waterloo, an herbal

potluck in a nearby park, and a tour of a member’s garden.

Watch for details in your July newsletter. 

Tomatopalooza!

Heather Lynch’s herb garden,

tomato tastings, & potluck.

Membership Reminder - all memberships expire in August. 

Get ready to renew your membership!

There are two ways to join:

• Pay Online or
• Download our membership form to fill out and mail with your payment to:

Madison Herb Society

P.O. Box 8733

Madison, WI 53708-8733

The Garlic Guy: Growing Garlic!

In Person at Olbrich Gardens

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Terry Aitken aka "The Garlic Guy," will tell us all about growing and using garlic, as well as its history.

Terry is a recently retired pharmaceutical chemist who has been growing various varieties of garlic for more than 20 years.

Garlic Handout

It's time to renew your membership!

There are two ways to join:

• Pay Online or
• Download our membership form to fill out and mail with your payment to:

Madison Herb Society

P.O. Box 8733

Madison, WI 53708-8733

Nature's Powerhouse: Harnessing Raw Foods, Superfoods, Superherbs for Nutritious Elixirs 

by Aubree Saia of Inspired Alchemy

In Person at Olbrich Gardens

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Mushroom Tea Elixir Handout

Discover the incredible benefits of raw foods, superfoods, and superherbs in "Nature's Powerhouse," a talk that explores how to create nutritious elixirs that boost health, vitality, and enhance well-being. Will close the event with Inspired Alchemy superfood truffle samples with superfood elixir tasting!

Aubree Saia is a certified raw chef and a holistic sacred living arts practitioner. Her raw nutrition studies, creative flair, love of nourishing artistic cuisine and living a healthy lifestyle sparked the creation of her raw cacao truffle company, Inspired Alchemy.

Aubree creates those

amazing raw-foods truffles we

all love at the Herb Fair.

If you haven't already done so, please renew your membership today!

Annual Herb Fair!

In person at Olbrich Gardens

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Theme: Cultivating Wonder

Our featured speakers will present varied perspectives on Cultivating Herbal Wonder.

The 2024 Herb Fair Speakers 

will be:

Jane Hawley Stevens

Four Elements Herbals

Kyle Denton

Tippecanoe Herbs

Chef Kevin Appleton

Vom Fass

See the Herb Fair page for complete details. 

Holiday Potluck

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Goodman Community Center - Ironworks Building

Members' guests are welcome. Please bring an herbal dish to share. 

Watch the newsletter for complete details.

A Handful of Herbs

by Shannon Renne

of Herbal Artisans

Via Zoom

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Five herbs for a home apothecary.  Learn the medicinal properties and how to utilize five powerhouse plants to  support yourself and loved ones body, mind and spirit!  In this short discussion we will cover basic herbal preparations you can make at  home with yarrow, peppermint, plantain, burdock and thyme.

Watch your MHS newsletter for 

the Zoom link. 

Growing Herbs Indoors for 

Flavor, Fragrance & Fun 

by Susan Betz

Via Zoom

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Whether your green thumb is weathered and worn or shiny and new, get ready to branch out and step into the world of growing your own herbs—indoors!. New techniques, efficient grow lights, and herb varieties specifically bred for compact spaces offer those in urban situations a better and easier way to grow these lovely plants indoors. In this presentation, you’ll learn: which herbs perform best indoors, how to care for them, and even how to harvest and use your homegrown herbs for culinary creations, household cleaning products, herbal teas, handmade crafts, and more. 

Susan Betz has been actively involved in growing and using herbs to educate the public about gardening and the natural world for more than 35 years. 

Feb. 10-12

Visit our MHS booth 

at the Garden Expo!

The Celestial Garden, 

a Guide for Gardening with 

the Rhythms of Nature  

Jane Hawley Stevens

Four Elements Herbals

at Olbrich Gardens

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Celebrate with Jane the publication of her first book The Celestial Garden, A Guide for Gardening with the Rhythms of Nature,  This ancient agricultural practice of gardening by the moon gives clues on when to be most effective in your activities. There is the best time for planting, weeding, harvesting, and living. The guidance is there, hidden in the stars. Nature's natural rhythms are opening and closing doors all the time. Come join Jane to learn the planetary flow from her 35 years of experience in the field.

Jane Hawley Stevens began specializing in herbs in 1981. 

She founded her business in 1987. Four Elements Organic Herbals is based on plants grown in her cultivated fields, Chakra Garden, prairie, and woodlands on her farm in the pristine Baraboo Bluffs.

Celestial Gardening Handout

  Herbs in the Kitchen or The Botanical Kitchen 

by Christy McKenzie of 

Pasture and Plenty

at Olbrich Gardens

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

From the garden space to the kitchen table, herbs fill an important role in creating excitement and depth in aroma and flavor. Learn how to preserve the harvest and make crave-worthy dishes that highlight fresh and dried herbs with Christy from Pasture and Plenty.  

Utilizing Plants in Professional Skin and Hair Care Products 

with Maria Henry 

of Luminous Rose

9 a.m. - 11 a.m

MHS Board Elections

See the May newsletter for board candidates.

Seedling Exchange

 We expect to have sturdy seedlings of sweet Italian basil, globe basil, holy basil, lemon basil, Thai basil, Genovese basil, purple basil, summer savory, parsley, and cilantro. Joyce Pohl has also ordered a flat of chocolate mint starts, and there may be some other surprises. 

Join Maria as she shares her journey into natural skin care and the benefits of utilizing plants in her formulations. 

8:30 a.m.

Bus Excursion to Northwind Perennials, Alice's Garden Urban Farm, Honeybee Sage Apothecary & Cafe, and Tippecanoe Herbs

Bring a $40 check or cash (exact change, please) to the May 20 meeting if you'd like to reserve your seat on the bus. Please note: no cancellations/refunds unless your seat can be filled. The trip fee includes bus, fuel, driver tip. 

Bring your own bag lunch and beverage. 

See your MHS May newsletter and emails for complete details! 

Excursions to Mazomanie: member garden tour, and Hedge Meadow Herbs and Apothecary!

See your May MHS newsletter for complete details! 

Iced Tea Party and Potluck at Dean House

Come and enjoy some 

herbal teas and shrubs. 

Bring brunch-themed sweets and savories, as well as tea 

dainties to share. (Try to bring your recipes and/or list of ingredients.)

Bring your own table setting and favorite iced tea glass and straw. 

See your MHS newsletter for complete details! 

  Creating Herbal Cleaning Supplies for Your Home

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

MHS Members Joan Lawrence and Carrie Wilkey will share their knowledge of herbal cleaning solutions and show you how to make simple and effective cleaners for your home. 

Be sure to renew your membership this month!

Watch your MHS newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for complete details! 

 Herbal Crafts and Gifts

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Note: Craft and gift demonstrations will begin at 

9 a.m. and the business meeting will be later.

Be sure to renew your membership if you haven't already done so!

Watch your MHS newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for complete details!  

 Annual Herb Fair

Herbal Seasons and Cycles

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Information coming soon

Watch your MHS newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for complete details! 

Holiday Potluck

Monday, December 4

5-8 p.m.

Goodman Community Center

Iron Works Building

149 Waubesa St.

Theme and program TBA.

Reservations required.

Watch your MHS newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for complete details! 

Road Trip to Tour Four Elements Herb Farm in North Freedom

and Potluck Lunch

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Jane will lead us on a farm tour from 10 a.m. to noon, showing us her Chakra/ Planetary Garden and herb production fields, followed by our potluck lunch and an option to visit the Four Elements Apothecary Shop in the nearby village of North Freedom.

Watch your MHS newsletter/email for complete details! 

Road Trip to Old World Wisconsin and Northwind Perennial Farm

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

$10  Fee

Bring herbal treats to share, including utensils and a picnic lunch and beverage.

Watch your MHS newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for complete details! 

  Wreath-Making 101 Demonstration

with Bonnie Kulke

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

at Olbrich Gardens

 Learn to make herbal wreaths, and perhaps donate one or more for MHS to sell at the Herb Fair in November. This program is a demonstration, not a hands-on workshop. 

Watch your newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for details about our monthly meetings! 

 Packaging Party for the 

Herb Fair

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

(Note: this is the second Saturday rather than the third Saturday of the month.)

Watch your newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for details about our monthly meetings!  

 40th Annual Madison Herb Fair

 at Olbrich Gardens, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 

Watch your newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for details about our monthly meeting! 

Holiday Potluck and 

40th Anniversary Celebration 

at the Goodman Center 

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Organized by Jane Gahlman  

Please email Jane to let her know you will be attending. See your October/November newsletter for Jane's email and complete details. 

Set-up crew - 5 p.m.

Socializing - 5:30 p.m.

Dinner Line Begins - 6 p.m.

What to bring: 

• A “red” or “green” dish to share, incorporating herbs or spices, with serving utensil 
• Your own plate, napkin, cup, and cutlery 
• Optional donations for the Goodman Community Center Food Pantry 
• If you bring guests, bring more food to share and additional place settings 

Wear your festive red and green clothing, hats, antlers, etc.! 

The Herb Society will provide cold punch and hot herbal tea. 

Watch your newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for details about our monthly meetings! 

Old World Wisconsin Gardens: Heirloom Vegetables and Herbs

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

via Zoom

Our business meeting and socializing will be 9–10 a.m., and our speaker will start at 10 a.m. 

Chelsea Tegel, the Historic Gardens coordinator at Old World Wisconsin, will be our presenter. 

Introduction to Chinese Herbology

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

via Zoom

Our business meeting and socializing will be 9–10 a.m., and our speaker will start at 10 a.m. 

Laurel Redmon, M.S.L.Ac, of Red Sage Health in Madison will join us to provide an Introduction to Chinese Herbology with a Winter/Spring focus. Laurel studied Chinese traditional medicine, including acupuncture and herbology, at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco and Five Branches Institute in Santa Cruz, California. Her study of herbalism was conducted over a period of 30 years, several of which she spent in Hong Kong. For more information, visit Red Sage Health. 

 Creating Your Home Apothecary, with Clare Kritter of Winter’s Sister Herbals 

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

via Zoom

Creating your own home apothecary is a fun and rewarding process but knowing where to begin can be overwhelming. In this talk, Clare Kritter will discuss strategies for building a home apothecary for personal use and supporting your family, as well as common, easy-to-grow herbs and their benefits.

Clare Kritter is a practicing clinical herbalist and gardener living in the rolling hills of Vermont Township. Through her business, Winter’s Sister Herbals, she provides in-depth herbal consultations, small-batch herbal goods, astrology readings, and more. She also serves on the Madison Herb Society Board of Directors as Membership Chair.

 Excursion! Morning Tea in Mazomanie & Herbal Apothecary Visit Old Feed Mill Restaurant in Mazomanie, followed by a visit to Clare Kritter’s home apothecary Times and carpool details to be announced. 

See your newsletter/email/for complete details and to sign up for the tea!  

 Creating Flavor with Pakistani and Mediterranean Herbs and Spices, with Huma Siddiqui-Seitz of White Jasmine Cooking School at Olbrich Gardens, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 

Watch your newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for details about our monthly meeting! 

 Potluck Garden Party & 

Garden Tour with Kate McFeeley 

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 

A potluck garden party at Kate McFeeley’s medicinal herb gardens in Fitchburg, WI. 

Watch your newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for details about our monthly meetings! 

Watch your newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for details about our carpool trip to local lavender farms and more!

Watch your newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for details about our Harvest Potluck!

What We Did with Herbs This Summer

Watch your newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for details. 

Location: Zoom meeting.

Herb Fair Packaging Party

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Meet at the Olbrich Gardens Atrium at 9 a.m. for a business meeting and packaging. Plan to wear a mask. MHS will supply surgical gloves and supplies. 

We will be able to have tea for members to enjoy, but we cannot have homemade treats due to new Olbrich rules. You may bring individually packaged, commercially made treats to share. 

39th Annual Herb Fair

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Visit our Herb Fair page for complete details, or visit us on Facebook.

  Join Erin Ulrich from Telsaan Tea of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, as she speaks about teas, herbal tisanes, and tea blends. She’ll talk about the types of tea, where they originate, and how you can get started exploring flavors and blends from this wide and wonderful world.

  During the pandemic, chef Patrick O’Halloran (Lombardino’s Restaurant) and partners started The Deliciouser, a Madison business that creates small-batch blends of herbs and spices and specialty salts. Patrick will demonstrate how you can use herbs and spices to create delicious meals at home.

Join herbalist Linda Conroy from Moonwise Herbs (near Stoughton, Wisconsin) for an outdoor botanical walk through the Olbrich Gardens grounds. While the plants may seem dormant, there is still plenty to observe and marvel at. Linda will introduce you to herbs and wild plants useful in the kitchen and for wellness.

Join herbalist Jane Hawley Stevens from Four Elements Herbals in North Freedom, Wisconsin, as she speaks about herbal nervines. Nervines are herbs that support the nervous system, reducing stress, muscle tension, and insomnia and promoting healthy nerve function. Jane was honored as the 2020 Midwest Organic Farmer of the Year.

The Herb Fair Marketplace features regional small businesses and organizations with such offerings as dried herbs and spices, live plants, terrariums, and holiday baskets; herbal neck wraps and dream pillows; soaps, balms, scrubs, and other body products; essential oils, sprays, smudges, potpourri, and other aromatherapy products; herbal and mushroom teas, raw superfood and CBD cacao truffles, syrups, preserves, and baked goods; tinctures, salves, and western and Chinese herbal medicines; catnip toys and dog-care products; herb-related books; and plant-inspired art and ceramics.

St. Nick Holiday Herbal Potluck

Monday evening, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Goodman Community Center, Merrill Lynch Room

214 Waubesa St., Madison, WI

Open to MHS members and their guests. Bring an herbal dish to share and serving utensils. 

(MHS will provide punch, disposable plates, cups, dining utensils, and napkins. We will not have access to a kitchen.) 

Optional: bring new personal care items to donate to a women’s shelter.

Watch your newsletter/email/MHS Facebook for additional details.