Teresa Horn began her gardening, herb growing, and natural foraging journey at the knee of her Cherokee grandmother who instilled in her a love and appreciation for the gifts of nature.  At an early age, Teresa was introduced into her grandmother’s huge yard where she was taught about individual plants and their care.  These plants had everyday culinary and medicinal uses in the family, and this knowledge has been passed on to Teresa. These experiences kindled a great love and desire for continued learning about plants and their uses.

Not only does Teresa grow all manner of plants and herbs, but she also wild forages beneficial medicinal plants and uses her skills in making a great variety herbal products.  When she has time, she creates jewelry and beadwork, teaches cooking and homesteading among many other things. Helping others and teaching about our natural bounties continues to be her joy.

Teresa can often be found volunteering in the Memphis Botanic Garden, especially in the herb garden.  Working side by side with her is a wonderful learning experience.

With this great knowledge base, Teresa has started her own business Wolf Spirit Creations and also a very popular YouTube blog called Old Ways Gardening and Prepping.

Reni Erskine was born in Austria and lived many years in a small farming community that relied heavily on seasonal permaculture, farming and some agricultural animal stock. A large farm might reach the size of 20 acres, but most were smaller with cows being multipurpose; plowing, hauling, dairy, and meat.   As a child growing up, Reni was always intrigued by the herb garden that every household put to daily culinary and sometimes also medicinal use.  Foraging for edibles and medicinals  was part of this lifestyle.

Now, Reni enjoys meeting with fellow herb society members, such as Teresa Horn, who are willing to share their greater knowledge with all.  Goldenrod, has been especially interesting because its many uses and because it grows in such abundance in the Mid-South.