When asked, what is The Chagrin Valley Herb Society, my answer is that it is an organization that facilitates education both for the members and guests in our monthly programs and garden work days and for the public in our media posts and garden tours.
We nurture not only plants but each other with food, friendship and support.
The garden that we have created goes beyond ornamental purposes. It is a place to find peace and mindfulness, just sitting and gazing at the landscape or reading. It is a place to engage the senses – seeing, smelling touching and guided tasting of the plants. It is a place that engages us physically — digging, planting , weeding and harvesting. We enjoy the sounds of nature and sometimes music when the students arrive after school with their instruments. The gardens provide environmental impact by adding oxygen to the air, reducing rain water runoff and providing nourishment for pollinators.
Our association with the Geauga County Library system provides mutual benefits. The gardens enhance the Bainbridge Branch property and we enjoy the meeting room facilities for our meetings.
I look forward to another year of learning and gardening with you.
—Ruby Hicks