09/10/26 @ 6:00pm –
09/10/26 @ 8:00pm

Smith Library Community Room

Edward Smith Library

Registration is required.
Registration starts: 12/31/1969 @ 7:00pm

Registration end: 09/10/2026 @ 6:00pm

Discover the simple joy of the botanical harvest.

For generations, gardeners have looked to their backyard plots not just for food, but for the traditional plants used in home-brewed teas, soothing salves, and botanical extracts. Join Mark Gostkiewicz of Tri Gable Lea Farm for a practical, down-to-earth introduction to the craft of the home apothecary. This class is about the simplicity and ease of growing your own herbs and processing them into useful, high-quality products for your home.

In this workshop, Mark shares the step-by-step techniques for “closing the loop” on your garden harvest. You’ll learn how to grow versatile plants and master the basic methods of preservation and extraction—all with a focus on tradition, safety, and the satisfaction of a handmade lifestyle.

What will I learn in the Workshop?

• The Apothecary Garden: A common-sense guide to the most versatile and easy-to-grow herbs for the Northeast, from fragrant mints to bright calendula.
• Simple Extractions: Master the basic “folk method” for creating botanical extracts and alcohol-free glycerites using garden-fresh ingredients.
• The Dual-Extraction Method: A technical look at processing mushrooms. Mark will demonstrate the traditional water-and-alcohol extraction used to get the most out of foraged or home-grown fungi like Reishi or Lion’s Mane.
• The Art of the Tea Blend: Learn how to properly dehydrate and store your herbs to create flavorful, aromatic tea blends that capture the essence of summer all year long.
• Traditional Salves: How to infuse oils with garden botanicals to create simple, soothing balms and topical salves for your own home use.
• Resources for the Journey: A guide to the best books, safety considerations, and reputable organizations for those who want to dive deeper into the study of plants and fungi.

Whether you are a gardener looking for new ways to use your herbs or a curious enthusiast wanting to learn traditional processing skills, this class offers a clear, streamlined path to getting started.