ASHLAND — Art of Gardening Club members met at Freer Field July 1 for a carry-in lunch and to hear guest speaker Susan Heady, this time on edible plants.
In addition to Heady, there were 14 members and one guest, Barb Dreher, neighbor and co-gardener friend of Ruth Ann Linder. According to Linder, she’s known Dreher 14 years.
Dreher is a retired teacher. Pat Edwards, president, named Linder Recruiter of the Year. Not only did she introduce Dreher at the July meeting, but she also introduced Judy White, a friend from Trinity Lutheran Church, last month.
Wendy Schmidt is hoping to report back at the next meeting Aug. 5 with an official quote for fair box signs. The club has two fair flower boxes located in front of the fairgrounds.
With the July 1 program, Edwards indicated that Heady will have presented a trifecta of
programs for members. At a July 2023 program, she gave a tea towel presentation along with tons of information on lavender.
Heady, also a master gardener, spoke on herbs in June of 2025.
Members were served drinks with ice cubes made of edible flowers by Heady. A childhood treat would have been sipping nectar out of a clover or honeysuckle, Heady related.
Vegetable flower buds or blossoms of broccoli, cauliflower, squash and asparagus are edible.
“One of the most important things is to know what you’re eating. Look for flower petals that are organic and edible. To rule out allergies, start with smaller flower tastings.”
Heady continued, “Many are herbs where you can eat the flowers. On the basil, it’s the leaf.”
Regarding lavender, cook with leaves of lavender. Heady pointed out that there are two basic groups – “Eat English lavender.”
Edible flower parts can be used to make a “flowery green salad” or as Heady dubbed it a
“flowers on a plate” salad. Nasturtium blooms, marigold, common daisy or pansies are examples of what’s edible.
Eat seeds as well as green parts of dill and fennel. Edible dried flowers should be organic and free of pesticides. Candied flowers are perfect for cakes or cookies. Excellent choices include rose petals, primroses, violas, and redbud tree flowers.
“Queen Victoria loved sugared violets,” Heady said.
Dandelions can be turned into wine, jams and preserves.
“Calendula, besides being very pretty,” according to Heady, “preserve nicely dry.”
Elderberry flowers can be used to make both cordial and jam. Elderflower water is a sweet and floral drink.
“Nasturtiums are one of my favorite flowers to eat!” Heady revealed. Whether bright orange, bright yellow or red, they contain the same flavor. “I love everything lavender!” she added.
After the Boston Tea Party when there was nothing left to drink, Colonists turned to Native American tribes who taught them in the art of brewing tea from Bergamot. Sunflower petals – “Oh, are they delicious!”
Heady added her homemade lavender and lime cookies to the carry-in where she was invited to join members for lunch.
A rummage sale at Peace Lutheran Church Aug. 5, 6 and 7 may mean a change in meeting site for the club’s Aug. 5 meeting. A “Natives in Your Yard” program is slated.
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