Hands On Lecture: An Hour in Mrs. Coffin’s Garden

“The Garden in full bloom” 

“A good housewife may, and will gather store of herbs for the pot, about Lammas, and dry them, and pound them” 

– William Lawson 1618. 

There will be an extra focus on herbs and their uses; also drying and storing. Cut and bunch herbs for drying. 

Join us this summer at the Oldest House for a fun and informative exploration of the history, layout and signature plants of the colonial housewife’s garden. We’ll discuss Native American gardens, the arrival of the English kitchen garden to New England, staple crops, the importance of herbs, and the blending of garden traditions. Each of the three sessions will then focus on the particular plants and garden chores of the early, mid-, and late summer garden (depending on the season). There will be ample time for discussion, exchange of ideas, and getting “hands in the dirt” (if one chooses!).