Herban Renewal? Yes, it is a delicious play on words. It is also the name of a grant that the Memphis Herb Society has been giving for a number of years now. Grants are intended for schools, garden clubs, and other non-profit organizations to fund projects using herbs in beautification and education. Past recipients include Highland Oaks Elementary School, Douglass High School, the Community of St. Therese of Lisieux, the urban farm at New Hope Christian Academy, and Bobby Lanier Farm Park.
This year we have budgeted $500, which could go to one recipient or several, depending on need and the quality of the applications. For the last couple of years, we have offered mentoring of the herbal projects, and beginning last year we have given the recipient a year membership in the Herb Society. Please pass this information along to your gardening friends! Applications may be requested at mhsherbanrenewal@gmail.com and may be submitted electronically to the same address; the deadline is March 2. We plan to announce the recipient(s) at the March meeting.
Many thanks to the members of this year’s committee: Reni Erskine and Sr. Maria Van Werkhooven, and (ex officio) Jennifer Stanek.
~~ John Peterson