Events

Herbs for the Holidays: Goodies & Gifts

Saturday, December 7, 2019
10:00 am- 12:00 pm

Presented by Debbie Boutelier

Even though the gardening season is slowing down, herbs have been an integral part of the winter holiday season for over 2,000 years. This is a wonderful time to share homemade gifts and goodies made with the bounty of your herb garden. Join us as we learn to make a wide variety of herbal giftable items. Yummy holiday treats, luscious spa items and easy to make gift items - there is something for everyone on your gift list. So good, you may want to keep some for yourself!!!! Included in the cost of the class are a booklet with recipes and directions and tastings of herbal holiday treats. You will leave inspired to start the holiday season! Class will last approximately 2 hours. Ticket price includes event, garden admission, a handout with instructions and recipes, and tastes of several wonderful herbal treats!

A life-long lover of all aspects of gardening and nature, Debbie Boutelier’s interest in herbs and other edibles began in the early 80’s when she planted her first edible garden with vegetables and culinary herbs. Her interest rapidly grew into a vocation spanning the many different aspects of using herbs in everyday life and incorporating organic techniques in everything she grows. As an Air Force wife, she has lived in different areas of the country and broadened her gardening knowledge with each new assignment. Upon moving to Alabama in 1994, Debbie pursued her interest in herbs and gardening on a full-time basis, taking the Alabama Master Gardener course in 1995. She has given over 9,000 hours of volunteer service to the Master Gardener program and received the Advanced Master Gardener designation in 2018. Her involvement with the Master Gardener program led her into a new career as a County Extension Agent in Autauga County for 8 years. Debbie now teaches nationally and presents seminars and workshops on the many aspects of herbs, organic gardening, nutrition, and other garden related topics. She has studied the medicinal uses of herbs for over 15 years and completed a three year intensive study of the medicinal aspect of herbs at the Appalachian Center of Natural Health. Debbie is a long-time member and past president of the Herb Society of America. She has appeared on “The Time of Your Life” (local NBC affiliate) and on Troy Public Radio.