From hobgoblins and gourds to pumpkins and pies, a full afternoon of family activities will be offered at the 4^th annual Herbal Harvest Fair and Jack O’Lantern Festival on Sunday, October 26, 2003 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at the Hunnewell Building at Elm Bank Horticulture Center, Wellesley, MA. This event is hosted by The New England Unit of The Herb Society of America (NEUHSA) and The Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

The Herbal Marketplace will offer a wide range of herb related items for all tastes and occasions. The Jack O’Lantern festival is a lighthearted display and competition. Families are invited to bring home-carved pumpkins and the $1 registration fee will include a candle for illuminated display. FREE lectures and demonstrations will be held in the Education Building. Beyond the Avocado by Deb Peterson will be held at 2:30 PM and Healing Herbal Salves by Julia Peterson will be held at 3:30 PM. There will be ongoing activities for children, including the always popular Magical Herbs for All Hallows Eve.

Home baked goods from the kitchens of New England’s best cooks and even herbal treats for the family pets will be for sale. These sell out quickly so come early for the best selection. Families who visit the Herbal Pantry will find jewel toned rows of homemade jams and jellies and also condiments such as mustards, relishes and vinegars in a wide variety of flavors. (continues next page)

Rhonda Haavisto, Chairperson of the Herb Society notes "Since herbs are best when they are freshest, our annual fall event also always offers this season’s dried culinary herbs so you can restock your herb and spice supplies." For those who want to start their holiday shopping early many herbal gifts will be available including ornaments, bath and beauty products, stationery, dream pillows, sachets and potpourri. Many customers come back year after year since their families have come to expect these exceptionally crafted gifts.

Even though the gardening season is drawing to an end it isn’t too late to start planting Allium bulbs. Allium is the herb of the year for 2004 and these bulbs prefer to be planted in the fall for the best display next summer. "Many of the remarkable types of Alliums are not well known – we are looking forward to helping people select a wide selection of Allium in their gardens both for culinary and decorative use. We will have many varieties for sale which will provide bloom from early spring through late summer in a variety of colors and sizes." explains Winnie Nelon, publicity chairperson of the NEUHSA. Other indoor herb and decorative plants to brighten up the winter months will also be for sale. NEUHSA members will be conducting tours of the Teaching Herb Garden, if weather permits.