As we embrace this cherished seasonal tradition, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the global community of Herb Society of America Blog readers who join us each year. Our mission remains steadfast: to illuminate a wide array of herbal passions that truly connect with our audience within the limited timeframe we have together. Rest assured, the well of intriguing subjects never runs dry! Just this morning, Erin—our esteemed co-blogmaster and the dedicated horticulturist at the National Herb Garden—along with one of our enthusiastic garden volunteers and myself, dove into an animated discussion about the merits and challenges of natural dyeing techniques using various fabrics and botanical materials. The volunteer brought up the fascinating practice of dyeing with mushrooms, which instantly sparked Erin’s eyes with that unmistakable excitement of a true plant enthusiast. (She has a particular fondness for mushrooms—and yes, we’re aware that mushrooms aren’t botanically classified as plants, but let’s not split hairs in our herbal enthusiasm!) These sorts of exchanges represent the everyday joy of camaraderie among friends, though perhaps they’re more commonplace among those of us deeply immersed in the herbal world, where such topics might otherwise leave outsiders scratching their heads. But you understand perfectly, don’t you? That’s because you’re part of this wonderful herbal family. We feel profoundly fortunate to count you among our dedicated followers.
In a special gesture of appreciation from the Herb Society of America (HSA), the organization is extending an exclusive early-bird registration opportunity—complete with significant discounts—to its valued members for the upcoming Educational Conference titled “It’s Spicier in Texas,” set to take place in San Antonio, Texas, from April 15 through 17, 2026. This exciting event promises three immersive days packed with herbal workshops, vendor shopping, delectable dining experiences, insightful presentations, and hands-on demonstrations. The highlight will be the keynote address by Chef Sergio Remolina, a multifaceted culinary expert who serves as a chef, educator, and restaurateur. He holds a revered place in Texas’s vibrant food scene, where he masterfully showcases the intricate flavors and fiery essence of the herb garden’s most pungent, pepper-infused treasures.
If you’re not yet a member of HSA, now is the perfect moment to join and unlock access to this advantageous early registration, which kicks off on Friday, November 28th. Membership opens the door not only to this perk but to a host of other enriching benefits that will enhance your herbal journey in countless ways.
And here’s yet another cause for celebration and thankfulness: the blog itself is undergoing a much-needed revitalization! Launched all the way back in 2013, the platform had begun to show signs of wear and tear, prompting a collective decision for a thorough refresh—much like fluffing up a well-loved pillow to restore its comfort. The Herb Society’s administrative team, in collaboration with a skilled group of contracted professionals, has poured countless hours into modernizing both the visual design and the underlying content structure. Fear not—every cherished article from years past has been meticulously archived and remains fully searchable, ensuring that no valuable herbal wisdom vanishes into the digital ether. Anticipate the grand reveal sometime in December, as we believe this updated interface will make it even simpler for you to discover and share captivating content with your fellow herbal enthusiasts.
Wishing everyone a joyous and fulfilling Thanksgiving holiday, and once more, our deepest thanks for embarking on this flavorful, spice-laden herbal adventure alongside us!
Warm regards,
Chrissy and Erin
