Page 5

H/5/1989-1-

Iris : May 2, 1989; page 1

It had been rainy and cool with almost an inch of
precipitation the day before our gathering at Iris, home of
the Hanels. The day of our meeting was on the cool side but
sunny, breezy and splendid. The dogwoods were in full glory
and the Hanels' home nestled in the woods was perfectly
designed to reap full advantage of spring's glory.

Missing from the meeting were the Canbys, the Bullards, and
Priscilla Allen. As consolation we had with us that evening
Mary Moore Miller and Sylvia Woodward. The Guests were Tim
and Sally Eller, and Sherry and Ted Fletcher. Helping with
the mechanics of our sumptuous meals were Rita Kuma and Lou
Simpson who we met at our last meeting at Lea House.

After the meal the minutes from the previous meeting were
read, corrected, and passed.

While the gathering was still wondering if more glaring
errors and fabrications than normal in the minutes had
slipped by, the Treasurer reported that the Society's
coffers held $60.50. Before anyone could ask for an
accounting, the yearly dues of $.50 was collected from each
member family present.

Nancy Chance took Tom Canby's slot as reader while he and
Susan were off gallivating overseas. She read from the
Herb Companion an article by Tom DeBagio who is a commercial
herb grower in Arlington, Virginia.

The article was a cautionary report on growing herbs from
seeds. It was interesting not only for the folklore and
mail order pronouncements that were debunked but also the
various facts and procedures that the author has experienced
in herb culture.

Among the warnings about mail order claims regarding growing
herbs from seeds is that many seed packets have low
germination rates such as rosemary. Also said is that some
seeds sold are not what they are labeled. - peppermint,
oregano, compacta, and lavender are four examples. Other
problems is that a variety of herb sold in seed form might
turn out to be tasteless, weak charactered, or non-viable
such as English Thyme.

DeBagio suggests herbs that can be grown from seeds and
gives pointers on starting the seeds and growing the
seedlings and plants. He also mentioned herbs that are best
grown from cuttings or transplants and recommends profound
distrust of dissenting opinions.