Bartlett Arboretum Herb Garden - 2009

Report by MG Jackie Algon

Early this Spring, seven of the 2009 Class of Master Gardener interns in the Fairfield County group that meets at the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens signed up to do their outreach project refurbishing the herb garden at the Bartlett. This garden, about to begin its fourth season, was instead to be entirely dug up, moved, expanded and redesigned under the botanical guidance of the Bartlett's Curator, Eric Morgan, and the mentoring of Linda Albanese with help from Jackie Algon (both of MG Class 2006).

In addition to their diligent work in planting, watering, pruning and weeding throughout the season that resulted in a beautiful garden, the group created new signage, a brochure for visitors and a brochure about teas. Their enthusiasm extended to include field trips to herb gardens at The Cloisters, Wave Hill and a wonderful afternoon at Gilberties' Herb Farm where Fran Reed provided not only her wealth of knowledge about growing and using herbs, but also a tasting of many culinary treats that she'd created with herbs for the group to sample.

In the spirit of sharing information with the interns, Jackie gave an information session on using herbs for dyeing fibers which she and Linda followed with a 'thank you' lunch for the hard-working interns.

The interns wrapped up the season with a Tea and Tasting event for all MGs and Bartlett members that combined the bounty of their herb plants with those of the first-season-vegetable garden at the Bartlett.

This was a terrific team with lovely results of their labor.

Photos by MG Candace Chase