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"


Attention Members
Hill Country Herb Society to Kick Off New Year in New Location.
The Hill Country Unit of the Herb Society of America will have it's first meeting of the year,
Wednesday, Jan. 15, in a new and permanent location: meeting room at Emily Ann Theatre & Gardens, 1101 FM-2325, Wimberley.




Program Info
February 3, 2025
Christina Brennan
Ccbrennan3@gmail.com
713-248-6720

Herb Society: Dr. Molly O to present "Perfumes, Potions and Plant Aphrodisiacs" Molly Ogorzaly, PhD (Dr. Molly O), will have a multisensory presentation, "Perfumes, Potions and other Plant Aphrodisiacs: The Science and Chicanery of Aromatherapy" at the Wednesday, February 19 meeting of the Hill Country Unit of the Herb Society of America.

   Visitors are welcome to attend the gathering in the meeting space of Emily Ann Theater & Gardens, 1101 FM-2325, Wimberley. Herbal treats and social time begin at 9:30 a.m. and the program starts at 10:00 a.m.

   Ogorzaly, who has an bachelor's degree in agriculture, a master's in botany, and a PDd in science education, is a published author and illustrator who spearheaded the Get Growing Symposium for area educators designed to aid the creation of teaching gardens across the community. While she served as Director of Education at Zilker Botanical Gardens, Ogorzaly developed the Plantmobile, a traveling science museum that featured programs on topics like trees, butterflies and supermarket botany.

   Each month, The Hill Country Unit features guest speakers, educational programs, or hands-on activities to promote the use of herbs for health, cooking, or home care.

   The Hill Country Unit of the Herb Society of America is part of a 501(C)3 organization that 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. Visit hillcountryherbs.org for more information. The mission 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."

   For membership information, email Valentine_Lisa@msn.com

2024-2025 Calendar of Events


Web Links of Interest:

  Herb Society of America
  Austin Herb Society
  North Texas Herb Society
  South Texas Herb Society
  San Antonio Herb Society


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

Herb of the Month - February 2025
(Click on the image below for recipes)Herb of the Month

Juniper (Juniperus communis)

  The blue cones of the common juniper, which resemble small blueberries, are used to flavor gin and other spirits, game, beef and even tea.

  The culinary use of juniper berries as a flavoring is most common in Northern Europe, especially in Germany, Scandinavia, and the Alsace region of France.

  The flavor and aroma of juniper berries is described as pine-like, resinous, fresh and pungent.

  The name gin comes from the French and Dutch words for juniper.

  Juniper berries, as they are commonly known, have been used medicinally for centuries. The first recorded use dating back to 1500 B.C. E. in ancient Egypt, as a remedy for tapeworms.

  Other medicinal uses have ranged from digestive and liver problems, urinary infections, arthritic and rheumatic conditions, colds and flu. Topical applications have been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, and psoriasis.

  In addition to medicinal uses, Native Americans used juniper to make incense, welcome guests and cleanse homes.

  Western European folklore says that when juniper is planted by the front door to your home, a witch cannot enter.

  By Scottish legend, juniper incense is used to ward off the evil eye and by Tibetans to remove demons.

  The Greeks, who believe juniper increased physical stamina, gave it to the original Olympians.

  There are many species of juniper, some are not edible, others are toxic and still others have not been studied for potential toxicity.