Herb harvest next week!

Do you love fresh herbs? Did you have a great time at one of our basil picking parties this month? Then come join us at the Good Life Garden next Thursday, September 24, anytime between 9:30AM and 2PM to harvest four different types of herbs:

• lavender - there are 4 varieties in the garden right now: ‘Otto Quast’ (Spanish), ‘Dwarf Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote Blue’ (both English), and ‘Grosso’ (Italian).
• sage - purple variety
• thyme - lemon and common varieties
• chives - garlic and regular varieties

We have very limited amounts of thyme and sage, so if you want to get some of those particular herbs, make sure to come early and clip a few sprigs!

If you are interested, Please RSVP to goodlifegarden@ucdavis.edu so we know how many people will be attending. Directions to the garden can be found here.

The harvest is free to attend; we just need you to bring the following items:

• scissors or pruning shears
• a bag to hold your herbs
  
• wet paper towels to put in the bag with the herbs (if you don't have a refrigerator to keep them in for the day)

BE SURE TO WASH ALL HERBS WELL BEFORE ENJOYING THEIR FRESH TASTE!

Our gardener Arlene will be there all day to answer your questions about the different herbs and the harvesting process, as well as to direct you to the correct plants. We ask that no one remove entire plants or remove more than half of the leaves or flowers from any particular plant.

Wonder what to do with all of your fresh herbs after the harvest? Check out the recipe for this Meyer lemon cake with lavender cream from Epicurious, or read our "Tips for Growing and Using Lavender" post. Lemon thyme is excellent used in chicken or fish dishes, and also makes a delicious herbal tea. For chives try the chive and garlic mashed potato recipe from Epicurious, or use chopped chives as a garnish for soups and salads.