First Posted: 5/13/2014
Anyone looking for an herb to include in a recipe or a cup of tea should attend the Friends of the Dalton Community Library’s Fifth Annual Herb and Perennial Festival Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to noon at the Dalton Fire Hall, 109 S. Turnpike Rd.
Friends committee member Diana Dakey said via email she and volunteers have been planning the event for more than two months.
Basil, cilantro, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, lemon verbena, lovage and pineapple sage are some of the herbs procured for the festival from local growers. Perennial plants donated by local gardeners who just divided their perennials will also be available.
“There are a variety of herbs with culinary, salubrious, and household uses,” said Dakey, who plans to include parsley in her purchase. “I love being able to snip fresh parsley to use to garnish a recipe.”
The herb and perennial festival is one of two fundraisers held by the Friends of the Dalton Community Library.
“In the spring, the Friends like to do a spring-themed event,” Dakey said.
According to Dakey, money raised will be given to the Trustees of the Dalton Community Library, who will use it to address present needs, which in the past largely related to building and grounds.
Maureen Rogers, Herb Growing and Marketing Network Director, Silver Spring, Pennsylvania, is the guest speaker and will present “Herbs that Solve Many of Your Health Problems” at 9:30 a.m. According to her website, herbworld.com, Rogers “spent most of my adult life with a passion for herbs and a passion for assisting small businesses.”
Representatives from Penn State Master Gardeners and O’Hara Tree Services will be on hand to answer questions. A variety of recycled garden books and magazines will be available.
Coffee, tea, and donated baked goods will be served for free or for a donation.
For more information regarding the herb and perennial festival, contact Friends of Dalton Community Library president, Cynthia Holbert: cholbert@epix.net, 570-881-0062, or Chair of the Herb and Perennial Festival chairperson, Janet Geeza: 570-563-2006, janetgeeza@gmail.com.
As in past years, the Dalton two-mile-long yard sale will be held concurrently from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., stretching from Dalton to La Plume.