

Gold Country Herb Society
Gold Country Herb Society
of El Dorado County
March Message from the President
Donna Rae and Ada Brehmer kicked off the meeting with a talk on Companion Planting which included two Companion Planting Charts to use for future reference. Organizing plants next to “friends” and away from “foes” can improve the overall health of your plants as well as increasing production of fruit and vegetables. We also learned that some plants can deter pests, which can reduce the use of pesticides. As Bob Flowerdew says in his book on Companion Planting, “It is a faint effect – rarely does it offer instant cures – however, most of gardening is about improving things at the margin, and likewise with Companion Planting.” In other words, another tool. Thank you, Donna Rae and Ada for opening our eyes to this idea!
We have a busy spring ahead of us. Ada Brehmer and Mary Wool talked about plans for the field trip to Geraniacea and Annie’s Annuals in Richmond, CA on April 20, 2023. There are 40 members signed up to attend what I’m sure will be a fun and interesting day.
Kitty Stewart is coordinating our field trip to Morningsun Herb Farm in Vacaville, CA on May 11, 2023. We won’t be together in El Dorado County again until our June meeting so it’s important to keep an eye on your email for any updates about the field trips.
Our June meeting will be held at our herb garden at the fairgrounds. This will be our annual plant exchange. This year we’re asking members if they would like to say a word or two about the plants they’re donating – things like exposure, water and fertilizing requirements and the best way to propagate, etc.
As I write this, it is still RAINING and probably still SNOWING at some of our members’ homes. I hope we aren’t going to get a March Miracle when we don’t need it. Stay Safe!
Jan Keahey
Note: The Gold Country Herb Society Newsletter is distributed to current members only
Membership or Renewal Form
Membership or Renewal Form
Are you interested in becoming a member? It is very simple. Click here to access the membership form. Once you have filled out the form, bring it to one of our monthly meetings, along with the membership fee and join our wonderful group!
You can use this form to renew your membership as well.
2023 Meeting Calendar
2023 Meeting Calendar
Note: Meeting locations subject to change
Note: Meeting locations subject to change
April 20, 2023 Thursday
Topic: Field Trip to Geraniacea & Annie's Annuals
Location: Bus Trip to Richmond, CA
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
May 11, 2023 Thursday
Topic: Field Trip to Morningsun Nursery
Location: 6137 Pleasants Valley Rd, Vacaville, CA
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
June 2, 2023
Topic: Plant Exchange & Discussion
Organizer: Members Donating Plants
Location: El Dorado County Fairgrounds
100 Placerville Dr, Placerville, 95667
Meet at the Adopt-a-Spot herb garden
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
July 7, 2023
Topic: Garden Pests
Organizer: UC Master Gardener
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
130 Placerville Dr, Placerville, 95667
Park in lower parking lot behind the building
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
August 4, 2023
Topic: Make Your Own Ginger Beer
Organizer: Elieen Hidahl, UC Master Food Preserver
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
130 Placerville Dr, Placerville, 95667
Park in lower parking lot behind the building
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
September 8, 2023
Topic: All About Bees
Organizer: Janna Buwalda, UC Master Gardener
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
130 Placerville Dr, Placerville, 95667
Park in lower parking lot behind the building
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
October 6, 2023
Topic: Poisonous Herbs
Organizer: Kitty Stewart, Mistress of the Dark
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
130 Placerville Dr, Placerville, 95667
Park in lower parking lot behind the building
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
November 3, 2023
Topic: Herbal Gifts
Organizer: All Members
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
130 Placerville Dr, Placerville, 95667
Park in lower parking lot behind the building
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
December 1, 2023
Topic: Annual Holiday Luncheon
Organizer: TBD
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
130 Placerville Dr, Placerville, 95667
Park in lower parking lot behind the building
Time: 11:30am to 2:00pm
Note: Meeting locations subject to change
Note: Meeting locations subject to change