Tea Off Competition Winners
By Judy Fender                            

The 6th Annual Tea Off was a big success! We had many entries in both the herbal tea and the herbal dessert categories. Sampling the entries after the judging was enjoyed by all, of course!

The first place winner in the Herbal Tea category was Lori Cannafax with her delightful entry named "Aunt Virginia's Tea." Lori won a $50 NHG gift certificate and an elegant crystal pitcher. Second place went to Elaine Taylor with her delicious "Lemon Ginger Tea." She took home a $25 NHG gift certificate. [See page 7 for the winning recipes.]

Edith Hiett delighted the judges with her "Brownies with a Hint of Mint," walking away with first place in the Herbal Dessert category. Edith received a beautiful dessert platter and a $50 NHG gift certificate. She has won the Herbal Tea category for several years' past. Gladys Denham made irresistible "Rosemary Lemon Crumb Bars" and took second place in Herbal Desserts, for which she received a $25 NHG gift certificate.

Mary Nell Jackson, a member of the Herb Society of America, presented the Saturday program on The Meaning of Herbs - Myths, Language, and Lore. "Did you know that if you are holding lavender, you will be able to see ghosts???"

On Sunday, Becky Watts, also a member of the Herb Society of America, gave an interesting demonstration and workshop on Homemade Herbal Harvest Condiments. This was a "hands-on" program and everyone really enjoyed it!

Mark your calendar for next year's 7th Annual Tea Off, which will again be the end of September! Start planning your herb gardens for next year - and think about what enticing creation you will submit to be one of our Winners! Congratulations and thanks to all who participated this year.

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By Judy Fender

How many times have you driven by breath-taking flower beds that just completely capture your attention in the spring? Now is the time to take a minute and plan to add that splash of color in your yard that all your neighbors and passers-by will be talking about next spring!

Mass plantings of tulips make a stunning statement in large or small areas. The fragrance of Hyacinth is always inviting to the garden visitor. And daffodils scattered throughout the gardens and the grass create a delightful natural atmosphere in an urban yard. Paperwhites can be forced indoors and given as holiday gifts - but plan ahead to buy the attractive bulb containers and bulbs so they will be ready to give when the holidays arrive. A little advance thought and planning will easily get you ready for both the holidays and spring gardens.

Consider adding Daffodil and Narcissus bulbs that will naturalize in your garden such as Carlton, Cheerfulness, Erlicheer, Fortune, Grand Soleil d'Or, Ice Folies, Paperwhites, Pheasants Eye, Susy Tete-a-Tete. The red Radiata and pink Sanguinea Spider Lilies (Lycoris) will also naturalize. Clusiana Cynthia will be your best bet for tulips that will naturalize in your gardens. Leucojum (snowflake) and Dutch Iris will be repeats for years to come.

Visit our bulb center and make your selections for spring. We have all kinds of bulbs to tempt and delight you. We also have bulbs that have been chilled in our coolers and are ready to plant. Let us know how we can help you plan your spring gardens. And next spring, let us hear the delightful comments your friends and neighbors shower upon you.

Remember to take photos of your gardens and bring copies for us to post in our store for all to see!