
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 5, 1995                   TAG: 9504060018
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

WHERE YOU CAN GET MORE THAN A TASTE OF HERBS

A number of wild food- and herb-related festivals, offering classes, demonstrations, products for sale, foods, music and fun, occur within a seed-pod's throw of the valley. Here are a few:

20TH ANNUAL WILDFOODS WEEKEND

April 21-April 23

Betsy-Jeff Penn 4H Center

(4 miles from Reidsville, N.C.)

Following an introduction to some of the plants to be collected, participants join small groups led by experienced foragers to collect wild foods. The climax of the weekend is a "Wild Feast" of collected foods prepared by the participants. A separate program will cover uses of nonedible wild plants, and there will be crafts and outdoor activities. Costs range from $10 for the feast only to $75 for registration fee, meals and two nights' dormitory-style lodging. Call Ed Kessler (910) 496-3277.

SPRING FESTIVAL OF PERENNIALS AND HERBS

April 29, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Free admission

The Plant Plant

1367 Barringer Mountain Road, Christiansburg

382-2653

HERBS GALORE AT MAYMONT

April 29, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Lawn, Maymont's Hampton Street Gate

Maymont Foundation, Richmond

Five herbal cooking classes featuring seafood to dim sum; beginners' herb classes; rare and unusual plants and more. Free admission; seminars, workshops and demonstrations range from $7 to $20. For registration packets or additional information, call (804) 358-7166.

MAY DAY & FAIRY FESTIVAL

May 6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Buffalo Springs Herb Farm, Raphine

Martha Brown of The Herb Society of Southwestern Virginia will be Fairy Godmother for a fairy tea party, which will be among the day's events. Fairy folklore, a fairy furniture workshop and a May Pole dance also will be featured. The herb farm also presents a continual roster of classes, dinners, teas and other events. For a complete schedule, reservations or additional information, call 348-1083.

9TH ANNUAL BALTIMORE HERB FESTIVAL

May 27, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Leakin Park, Baltimore, Md. (off Beltway, Interstate 695)

Theme is herbs of the Meditteranean region. Chris Lime of Springfield, Va., will lead woods walks. $3 admission. Call Ms. Wolf (410) 448-0406.

SOUTHEASTERN SCHOOL OF HERBAL STUDIES

WEEKEND HERB RETREATS

Valley Crucis Conference Center

(Near Boone, N.C.)

Introduction to Herbal Medicine, including therapies for stress, sinusitis, asthma, arthritis and rheumatism, June 2-4;

Herbal Pediatric Care, including infections and food intolerance and allergies, July 14-16;

Summer's Grand Herbal Finale, Sept. 1-4.

Various lodging and seminar packages available. Address inquiries to SSHS, Rt. 2 Box 581, Walterboro, S.C. 29488 or call (803) 538-3505.

11TH ANNUAL HERB FEST AT RASLAND FARM

June 3, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Godwin, N.C. (near Raleigh, off Interstate 95 South)

Portia Meares, former editor of "The Business of Herbs," will be among speakers on herb health. Classes cost $38; a $45 fee includes lunch as well. For program schedule and registration form, call (910) 567-2705.

7TH ANNUAL NEW RIVER VALLEY HERB FESTIVAL

Aug. 26 - Aug. 27, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The Plant Plant

1367 Barringer Mountain Road, Christiansburg

New owners promise to continue festival traditions including the presentation of wares from 20 vendors of herb- and plant-related products, ongoing seminars and Renaissance presentations by the Society for Creative Anachronisms. Admission is $5 each day. Call 382-2653.

by CNB