SHARING IS CARING. The Shared Herbal Garden was formed to support group gardening efforts, but has blossomed into much more. (Photos via Facebook)

In 2020, Shared Herbal Garden started with Kerri Kiernan and an eagerness to support pollinators with native plants. Today, the organization supports group gardening efforts, soil conservation methods, and tending to the sweetness of community friendship and freshly grown mint. “(The garden) makes the soil and people around it happy,” the group said. 

Inspired by the vegetable gardens over on Forest Street just north of the herbal garden in the floodplain of the Eau Claire River, the herbal community took root. There, the group shares perennial and annual garden beds cared for by each member. Members of the shared garden pay a small fee to claim their lot and then are on a schedule to maintain and care for the herbs.

“By committing to the group with a small annual cash contribution and putting in a couple (volunteer hours) each week, you can access herbs (and) learn about gardening techniques while making friends,” they said. “These (annual) costs cover … herbal transplants, plant labels, harvest and herbal processing supplies, and seeds.”

“Herbs give more diversity and another step of healthy living,” they said. Making tea blends wrapped as gifts, the shared garden has gifted blends to the Sojourner House, Bolton Refuge House, nursing homes, and other organizations in the community to spread a little handful of flavorful joy.

Herbs are essential for spicing up recipes, cocktails, teas, and more. A little lavender can go a long way to elevate everyday tastes! Plus, it helps our local pollinators find something sweet, too.

“(We recommend that folks) start with easy herbs like basic, chamomile, catnip, lemon balm, parsley, cilantro, thyme, and/or oregano,” the group shared. Shared Herbal Garden encourages community members to explore gardening (and their palettes) with others looking to do the same.

“The Shared Herbal Garden is a pollinator-friendly space,” they said. “Our current members include professional Botanists, Herbalists, and community members.” As part of an upcoming garden tour on June 6th at 6 PM, folks can explore all community gardening options in the area. “We hope to continue to maintain a beautiful, public, (and) accessible garden space (for all).”

If you’re interested in joining or learning more, contact Shared Herbal Garden through their Facebook page or email sharedherbalgarden@gmail.com.