The “Art of Herbal Gardening” was created because of my love of nature. I grew up surrounded by vegetables and flowers. Backyard and community gardens were always a part of my life.

In the mid 1990s I was introduced to the world of aromatherapy. I learned how herbs are cultivated to produce essential oils and floral waters through the process of steam distillation.

My interest in herbs and how important their presence is in our lives started me on a 30 year journey to learn as much as I could about the relation between herbs and mankind. I discovered that herbs are the backbone of aromatherapy. Without the herb, there would be no essential oil or floral water. I started my studies first by completing a certification course in Aromatherapy with extensive work in botany and chemistry. I visited botanical gardens and attended seminars and workshops taking in the different types of gardens, discovering firsthand how unique each herb is in their habits, needs, medicinal, physical and emotional properties.

During this 30 year journey I continued to grow and maintain a garden, expanding as the years passed. I now participate in our families small urban farm designed around the concept of Square Foot Gardening. Our twelve raised plots continue each year to produce enough herbs, vegetables, fruit and flowers to fill our neighborhoods kitchens and vases.

My goal, with this course, is to share my love of nature by emphasizing Mother Natures bounties and how best we can use them. 

My knowledge of "gardening" has been acquired by personal, hands on experience fueled by my thirst for learning myself as much as I can about the sustainable garden.  Gardening is a constant work in progress.