Thyme for Herbs was established in 1985 with the purpose to increase the knowledge of, and interest in, the growing and using of herbs.
Members meet quarterly in March, May, September, and December. In March we have our annual seed starting program. The chair buys lots of packets of seeds which are spread out for members to take one seed from each packet. This enables each member to try over a dozen different plants without the expense of buying a packet for each. When this program was in April we used to actually plant the seeds in little 3oz cups and take them home to grow. March is a little early so we take the seeds and cups home and start them at home in April or May.
The May meeting is the Annual Herb Fair.
September’s meeting includes the annual plant auction.
The December meeting is the annual Christmas party with outside entertainment. Meetings are at 6pm on the second Monday of the month in the fellowship hall of Harrold Zion Lutheran Church at 671 Baltzer Meyer Pike, Greensburg, Pa. Use the lower rear entrance. Meetings consist of a program, short herb study, and refreshments. Visitors are welcome.
History
Thyme for Herbs was originally established as the Westmoreland County Herb Group
on October 22, 1985, with 25 charter members. Meetings were held at the McKenna Center. The group grew quickly and a cap of 100 was set on membership. Harrold Zion Lutheran Church had a large fellowship hall and meetings were moved there. The name Westmoreland County Herb Group was discarded in favor of the current name, Thyme for Herbs.
Later in the 90s, membership was held at 50 with a waiting list. In 1986, we began holding a joint herbal luncheon with the Greensburg Garden Center,
continuing until the last joint luncheon in September 1992. All the delicious herbal food served at the luncheon was made by herb club members.
The first Herb Fair was held in June 1993 and has continued annually to the present. The Herb Fair has always been more than just a plant sale, with sampling, seasoning packets for sale, an educational table, a children’s table, and members available to answer questions. Along with a wide variety of herbs, various plants from members’ gardens are also available.
More Recently
For nearly forty years, Thyme for Herbs met monthly from September through May and planned field trips for the summer months. But times change and in 2023 we decided to try a new format. Instead of having a main chair or co-chairs to lead the group, we will meet quarterly and two different members will chair each meeting. The secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer, and committee chairs keep things running smoothly.
