Herb and Succulent Festival

Friday, June 1, 2018

Gardeners know some plants require a bit of a greener thumb to grow in Oklahoma’s diverse soil types and climate. However, herbs and succulents are a couple of great choices that do well across the state.

The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University is the site for the upcoming Herb and Succulent Festival slated June 23, 9 a.m. to noon. Laura Payne, volunteer coordinator at the garden, said this is the first year for the festival and is looking forward to a big crowd.

“Herbs and succulents are pretty easy to grow, so they’re great for beginning gardeners, as well as children,” Payne said. “Visitors to the garden for the festival will be able to learn all about growing these plants. When people think about succulents, most of them automatically picture the desert. While parts of Oklahoma certainly can feel desert-like in the summer, succulents will thrive in that kind of atmosphere.”

Casey Hentges, host of the popular OETA television program “Oklahoma Gardening,” will be on hand to demonstrate how to build a vertical herb garden. Vertical gardening is a great option for those who may not have a lot of gardening space in their landscape.

“Fresh herbs are a great healthy way to add robust flavor to the foods you prepare at home,” Payne said. “Rosemary, parsley and basil are just a few examples of herbs that are easy to grow.”

Jacqui Savage, an herbalist from Stillwater, will share her expertise on brewing teas from various herbs. Garden visitors who may have questions about growing herbs and succulents can get answers from members of the Central Oklahoma Cactus and Succulent Society.

“Various vendors offering soaps, plants, cacti, succulents and herbs will be on hand so visitors to the garden will have an opportunity to pick up a few things for their home gardens. In addition, children will be able to enjoy pony rides from 10 a.m. to noon,” Payne said. “We’ll also have some great musical entertainment from Misspent Ukes, Stillwater’s ukulele group. Food will be available from the Good Little Eater. Plan on spending a great morning with us at The Botanic Garden at OSU.”

For more information, contact Payne at 405-744-4531 or email at laura.payne@okstate.edu.

 

Story by Trisha Gedon