The first program of a series with the Thomas Jefferson Gardens and Greene County is taking place later today.

Board President Danielle Ross says the Garden Talks begins with a program on “Foraging” with guest speaker Ronda Kendall. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio that attendees will learn how to forage for food, while properly identifying plants, responsible foraging practices, how to prepare those foods and the medicinal properties that some items possess. She additionally points out that there will be samples for people to try that includes stinging nettle dip, lamb’s quarter hummus, milkweed, red clover and wild plum jellies. Wood sorrel simple syrup and milkweed flower fritters. 

Ross notes that the Board decided to bring the Garden Talks back, as they were first introduced when their non-profit organization was established over one decade ago. She adds that they are excited to cover a wide variety of topics with knowledgeable local individuals. The other Garden Talk programs include “Maintaining A Garden” with Jean Walker on July 12th, a general “Q&A” on garden-related topics also with Walker on August 9th, and “Let’s Talk Trees” with Brad Riphagen on September 13th. Each program starts at 1pm, is free and open to the public.