Date: September 11, Time: 9:30 a.m. Meet and Greet 10:00 a.m. Presentation and Meeting

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1 PIONEER PATHS September 1 Labor Day - September 8 Harvest Full Moon - September 22 Autumnal Equinox (First Day of Fall) September 2014 Newsletter of the Herb Society of America Pioneer Unit Date: September 11, 2014 Volume 22, Number 1 MONTHLY UNIT MEETING Time: 9:30 a.m. Meet and Greet 10:00 a.m. Presentation and Meeting Location: Round Top Christian Church 440 East Mill Street, Round Top Directions: Program: Speaker: Angel: Hosts: Lunch: Book Club: Exit Highway 290 at Texas 237 (Round Top exit). Travel south on 237. After about 7.5 miles, turn left on East Mill Street The Church is on your right. Texas Red Worms for Composting and Gardening Kyle Harrell Georgia Sowers Wanda Hubbard, Pat and Mike Cox, Nancy Crisman, and Betty Powell Herbal Delight Potluck Time to make selections for the new year!

2 Page 2 PIONEER PATHS MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Howdy Y all, Since it is September that means that school has started and fall is soon to be on its way (my fingers are crossed). This summer has been hot, but not overly so and thankfully we went into it having had some decent rain and ponds that were full or nearly so. Now is the time to start thinking about fall gardening and fall events. Our HSA South Central District Gathering will be coming up on the 19th and 20th in Fredericksburg. Information about it was in the August newsletter and can also be found on the HSA web site ( It will be a fun event and a chance to meet with herbies from other regions of Texas and other areas of our district. Hopefully there will be some officials from the HSA board in attendance as well. Various workshops to produce items for the Herbal Forum are planned for the fall and winter, so be on the lookout for the dates and plan to attend if you can. Thinking ahead to October, the Hill Country Unit will be having its Herb Celebration Day with luncheon on the 17th in Wimberley (our October Pioneer Unit meeting is the day before). Billi Parus will be presenting the program and the HCU will be providing a wonderful lunch and great herbal items for sale. This is always a great event, and Wimberley is a nice place to do some additional shopping as well. Be on the lookout for further information. In the garden, it is time to get ready to plant fall vegetables and fall is also a great time to be thinking about planting shrubs and trees so that they can get roots established over the winter. I look forward to seeing you all at the Pioneer Unit s September meeting in Round Top and may you all have a wonderful autumn (and no falls!). Henry Flowers HSA Pioneer Unit Chair

3 September 2014 Page 3 FROM THE PROGRAMS CHAIR To begin with, I want to give a special and a very big thank you to Betty Pior for her work in getting not only the Host Teams set up, but also the assignments of the program Angels. Kay and I had a trip scheduled during the last two weeks of July, and I had to be away when those functions had to be finalized. Betty jumped in, and without ever having previously coordinated the Host Team and Angel sign ups, did a perfect job in getting all the assignments completed. So, THANK YOU, Betty, for a job well done. As for our upcoming program for the September meeting, "Texas Red Worm Composting and Gardening," I m looking forward to it. I first learned of red worm composting when I began training to be a Dallas County Master Gardener, almost 20 years ago. I got into vermicomposting for a very short while. Because we moved shortly thereafter, well, you know how it is when you move to the country, you have nothing to do (you know how that is) so I ve spent my time just doin whatever one does when living a nice quiet, relaxed, non-busy, retirement time of life (tee-hee). Actually, I d like to get back into vermicomposting and can say it s still quite popular in the big city areas because of the relatively small area required to have a suitable vermicomposting set up. Below are two websites from the Google webpage on vermicomposting. Take a look at the websites. If you haven t been familiar with the subject, these websites will give you the background to get a better understanding of the subject when it s presented at the September meeting. I m looking forward to the program for, to me, it s going to be fun getting re-refreshed with the subject and maybe getting back into it. Hope to see y all at the meeting. Tony Scanapico Worm Composting Basics - Cornell Composting Worm composting is using worms to recycle food scraps and other organic material into a valuable soil amendment called vermicompost or worm compost. Worm Composting (Vermicomposting) - Austin Worm Farm

4 Page 4 PIONEER PATHS MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION August was a busy month for Membership. We welcomed new active member Candi Glancy, long-time active member Sandy Plasek renewed as an affiliate, and early original member Gwen Barclay became a Special Rosemary Friend for the Unit! Also, Membership, Programs, and the Unit Chair have worked to compile our new Yearbook and Member Directory. These will be available along with the new membership letters and renewal cards at our meeting this month. Members have been reporting their volunteer hours in a most timely manner, and your efforts are truly appreciated by the entire Unit, thank you. Speaking of which, I've been able to participate in the 3-part 'Harvesting for Herbal Holidays' Workshop presented by Mary Reeves. This is an enjoyable and educational workshop, which involves learning about harvesting, drying, and crafting wreaths and bookmarks, items that will be nice to have at the Thyme Well Spent Shoppe during Forum. So if interested, members are able to attain volunteer hours during these presentations, as well as learning to make personal decorations for oneself. Please consider this in addition to time spent at the gardens and in other endeavors. Finally, fall is starting to reveal itself in the shorter daylight hours, and this will be a great boost for everyone. Herbally, Georgia Sowers Membership Chair **NEW ACTIVE MEMBER** Active member Susan Lake brought us a new active member! Candi Glancy joined our Unit in early August She lives at 2005 Kirk Drive, Brenham Texas , and her phone number is Candi's address is clglancy@gmail.com, and her birthday is June 11th. Her contact information will be in the next print of our yearbook, and you may update your current copies. The online yearbook will reflect the information also. Candi has been helping at the Sensory Garden frequently and will bring her talents to the Unit. Let's make her feel right at home with us.

5 September 2014 Page 5 HELP WANTED Do you have photographs from any Pioneer Unit meetings or events from the past two years? If so, could you either get copies of the pictures to me asap or prepare a scrapbook page using your pictures. We generally try to take either a scrapbook or poster showing our activities to the District Gathering and that is coming up at the end of September. I will not have time to print pictures and do scrapbook pages, but I should be able to do some pages if I have the pictures in hand. Do you have some materials or ideas for decorating wreaths for the tables for the District Gathering? Please plan to assist with the centerpieces after the September Unit meeting. Do you have something for the raffle for the District Gathering? Or can you assist with the raffle in some way? Please let me know. If you will get your donations for the raffle to me, I can take them to the Gathering if you are not attending. Linda L. Rowlett **VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH** Betty Pior is our Volunteer of the Month for September. Betty has been a fun and vibrant force from the time she joined us in November She pitched right in at almost a moment's notice and helped immensely on the Hostess team for the December meeting last year. Betty also helped organize the meal options for the April 2014 field trip to La Grange and Smithville, handling all of the reservations in a most orderly manner. All of this has helped Betty to be nominated to serve as Hospitality Chair for 2014 to We appreciate and enjoy you, Betty. Thank you!

6 Page 6 PIONEER PATHS October 9 Workshop Sign up now for the Hypertufa Workshop on October 9 (Thursday), 9 a.m. at Festival Hill. Henry Flowers, Barbara Hemmer, and Carolyn Thomas will work with 8 participants to create one container and one mushroom each to take home. You will also learn the process and techniques for hand molding hypertufa material. To sign up for this workshop please contact Carolyn Thomas at cthomas1138@aol.com or It is 1st come 1st serve, but there will be a back-up list in case someone drops out. Please send your request with your phone or address. Active members are given preference and only if there are spaces left will Affiliate and prospective members be admitted. AND, if you have done the workshop before, please send me your interest but expect to be put on the back-up list because we are trying to get as many new people as possible to learn about hypertufa making. If you have any ideas for other workshops, please let me know. Carolyn Thomas

7 September 2014 Page 7 APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR MEMBER SCHOLARSHIPS SEPTEMBER 11 The deadline is nearing to apply for a Member Scholarship for anyone who wishes to do individual study and research. The only requirement is that the member must agree to present the results of his or her study in some way to the unit. To apply, submit your name, phone number or address, and a brief description of the proposed use of funds to a member of the Scholarship Committee: Kay Scanapico, Ann Allen, or Karen Springer. The Pioneer Unit annually awards up to two $125 scholarships in October. The deadline to submit an application is by the Unit meeting on September 11. The form below may be used to apply for a scholarship. *********************************************************************** Application for Member Scholarship Name Address Phone Number Proposed Use of Funds September Birthdays September 2 Kay Scanapico September 13 Janie Plummer September 15 Pat Cox and Sue Edmundson September 17 Lucia Bettler September 22 Linda Hartson September 25 Charlotte Land September 27 Jane Press September 30 Georgetta Welch

8 Page 8 Herb of September - Red Hibiscus PIONEER PATHS Botanical Name/Etymology Family Name Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Malvaceae Common Name(s) roselle, Jamaica, Jamaica sorrel, red hibiscus, zinger hibiscus, red-sorrel, rosella (Australia), maple leaf hibiscus, Florida cranberry, October hibiscus, and karkadé (in some Middle Eastern countries and notably Egypt) Origin Africa (Angola), but long cultivated in all tropical regions, especially in North Africa, Mexico, India, Thailand, and China - currently the major production regions. Growth Habit An upright annual (temperate regions) or woody perennial (tropical regions) that can reach up to 4 meters in height, but which is more commonly about 1-2 meters tall and wide. Leaves Lobed (often three), green, sometimes with red venation, and alternate on the stem. Flowers Of the common hibiscus form with creamy yellow petals (other colors are possible) and dark burgundy splotches at the petal bases approximately 3 inches in diameter. The flowers are quite short lived normally only lasting one day. After the flower fades, the calyx and epicalyx (a whorl of bracts that resembles a second row of sepals) swell and become a rich, deep red in color. Growth (Cultural) Requirements Full sun with lightly moist, fertile soil. Roselle is a short day plant and photoperiodic. It needs a fairly long season to mature, so it should be planted as soon as it is warm enough in the spring. In northern temperate regions it may not have a long enough season to mature, but here in zone 8-9 we have a long enough season to grow it successfully and get a crop. Propagation seed (most common and very easy) or cuttings Plant Part(s) Used This is an unusual plant in that the main part used is the calyx, which swells up and becomes a rich, deep red as the seed pod matures. The calyx can be used in either a fresh or dried (more common) form. This material, sometimes known as Hibisci flos, is most commonly used to make tasty, healthy teas and beverages. The leaves can be used as a leafy vegetable. The stems of mature plants, especially those of tropical regions, are a source of fiber known as rosella hemp, and seeds also have culinary uses. The flowers of Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) are edible, but not notably tasty. Time of Harvest Calyx when vividly red and before the seed pod matures and dries - normally in the fall in temperate regions. Sometimes the calyx is not removed and is sold dried with the seed pod still intact. The calyx is also sold in a removed and dried form. The sepals are separated and sold either whole or cut and sifted. Medicinal Uses Most commonly used internally as a tonic tea to aid digestive and kidney function. (Bown) Traditionally used to treat appetite loss, colds, catarrh of the respiratory tract, circulatory ailments, and as a gentle expectorant, laxative, and diuretic. (Van Wyk and Wink) Culinary Uses The calyces are commonly used to flavor a variety of beverages. In Mexico and Central America, a punch called Agua de Jamaica is often made by steeping the dried calyces in hot water and adding sugar as a sweetener. It is also sometimes amended with flavors such as ginger and lemon or lime juice. The calyces can also be used to make jams, curries, chutneys, and cranberry-like sauces or syrups. (Bown) The dried calyces are powdered and used as a topping in Asian dishes, lending a distinctive burgundy color. (Hill and Barclay) The leaves have a rhubarb-like flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. (Bown) The seeds can be eaten roasted, made into an oily sauce, or fermented to make a Sudanese meat substitute called furundu. (Bown) Other Uses The fibers of the stems can be used as a bast fiber and are at times used to replace jute in the making of burlap. (Wikipedia) Growing interest is being shown in its potential use as a safe food colorant. Bibliography Bown, Deni 2001 New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses London: DK Publishing. Hill, Madalene and Gwen Barclay 1987 Southern Herb Growing Fredericksburg, TX: Shearer Publishing Van Wyk, Erik and Michael Wink 2004 Medicinal Plants of the World Portland: Timber Press (It is the policy of The Herb Society of America not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment.) Henry Flowers, HSA Pioneer Unit Garden Chair

9 September 2014 Page 9 The Herb Society of America, Pioneer Unit Botany Study Group Data Sheet Botanical Name/Etymology: Cuscuta spp. Family Name: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family); formerly of the Cuscutaceae Common Name(s): dodder, devil's guts, angel hair, love vine, tangle gut, strangleweed, witches' shoelaces, scald, yerba sin raiz Origin: cosmopolitan plant of approximately 145 species worldwide, mainly in the temperate regions. 17 species known in Europe. 24 species found in Texas - many of which have specific hosts. Growth Habit: A parasitic plant which germinates from seed, wraps around a host plant, and then sends haustoria into the vascular system of its host, after which it will separate its link to the ground and grow solely by deriving its water and nutritional needs from the host plant. The plant mainly consists of chlorophyll-less thread-like twining stems which spread all across the host plant. These thread-like stems are usually a vivid yellow and quite noticeable from a distance. The leaves are reduced to scales. Flowers are bell-shaped and produced on short spikes. Growth (Cultural) Requirements: It is normally an annual and prefers warm temperatures, thus is most often seen in the summer. Most species of dodder prefer very specific hosts. Propagation: seed Folklore and History: Used historically in Europe by herbalists to treat melancholy diseases and disorders of the spleen, kidneys, and liver. Used in Ayurvedic medicine as a purgative, carminative, and anthelmintic. Used in China as far back as 1500 B.C. Chemistry: mainly amarbelin (seed) and bergenin (plant) Plant Part(s) Used: seeds and plant Time of Harvest: when mature Dosage Level: Infusion of 2-4 ounces dried plant material as a laxative-cathartic (for short duration only) (Moore) GRAS? (generally regarded as safe): no Culinary Uses: none Medicinal Uses: Mainly used as a liver and kidney stimulant. Used internally for diarrhea, impotence, urinary frequency, vaginal discharge, and poor eyesight associated with liver and kidney weakness. (Bown) Other Uses: produces a nice, clear yellow dye (Tull) Sources for Seed or Plants: Mother Nature - but you likely don't want this one growing in your yard unless you belong to the Addams or Munster families. Warnings: invasive and parasitic Bibliography: Bown, Deni 2001 New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses London: DK Publishing Moore, Michael 2003 Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West Santa Fe, NM: Museum of New Mexico Press Tull, Delena 1987 Edible and Useful Plants of Texas and the Southwest Austin, TX: University of Texas Press (It is the policy of The Herb Society of America not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment.) Henry Flowers August 21, 2014

10 Page 10 PIONEER PATHS NATIONAL NEWS Bee Involved HSA is Seeking a Development Chair to Serve on the Board of Directors The Board of Directors has a vacancy that you can fill. Yes, you! The development chair position became vacant when Karen O Brien moved to fill the position of botany and horticulture chair. The development chair leads "the board in efforts that attract money and services necessary to support The Society s mission," i.e., helps to develop and coordinate the Society s fund-raising efforts. This is currently a one-year commitment to fill the unexpired term through June 30, The next full three-year term will begin on July 1, The full job description for this position can be found on the HSA website under Members Only, General Membership Resources. Click on the Operating Manual job descriptions are located in Section 5. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please contact Debbie Boutelier, Past President/ Nominating Chair at abacus@sprintmail.com or HSA Herb Garden Calendar The 2015 Herb Society of America Calendar celebrates the National Herb Garden's 35th Anniversary. The calendar includes garden images, past and present, and photos of National Herb Garden Interns. Quantity discounts are available to HSA members. Contact HSA headquarters for more information.

11 September 2014 Page 11 YOU SHOULD SEE THIS GARDEN! I should not have to tell you that this is the Sensory Garden at Brenham Elementary School. Although these are not recent pictures, some of the wonderful features of the garden have remained the same over the years. If you have not been here recently, it is time for another visit! (I need to make another visit myself and take my camera with me this time.)

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13 September 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Pioneer Unit Meeting Centerpiece Project District Gathering 20 District Gathering 21 Early Deadline for October newsletter BSG = Botany Study Group FH = Festival Hill SG = Sensory Garden October 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat BSG = Botany Study Group FH = Festival Hill SG = Sensory Garden Hypertufa Workshop 9:00 a.m Pioneer Unit Meeting (one week later than usual) 17 Hill Country Unit Herbal Luncheon

14 PIONEER PATHS Volume 22 Editor: Linda L. Rowlett, Ph.D. Pioneer Paths is a publication of The Herb Society of America, Pioneer Unit. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $10.00 per year. The Mission Statement of The Herb Society of America: To promote the knowledge, use, and delight of herbs through educational programs, research, and sharing the experience of its members with the community. - Chair Henry Flowers Vice Chair Programs Tony Scanapico Vice Chair Membership Georgia Sowers Secretary Pat Cox Treasurer Janie Plummer Pioneer Unit The Herb Society of America Post Office Box 23 Round Top, Texas 78954