Speakers in the Park

We have some wonderful speakers this year!

Unlike in years past, the Speakers will be presenting in under the shade of the trees in Bindseil Park.

Saturday, June 12 - 9: 30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Beth Patterson

Question & Answer session on Growing Lavender In Texas

Former President of the Texas Lavender Association and owner of Lavender & Old Lace In Kerrville. Beth and her husband Russ have been growing lavender for the 16 16 years and have lots of lessons to share.

Saturday, June 12 - 11:00 a.m. - Noon

Davin Topel - Gin Distillation

“Discover the art of distilling gin with Blanco’s very own Davin Topel, the Head Distiller at Real Spirits Distilling co. Davin will discuss the distilling process and the importance of the botanicals he uses (including lavender) to create this one of a kind spirit. He may even share some interesting and fun ways for you to use lavender in cocktails in your own home. Afterwards he will encourage you to stop by the distillery/brewery to try the gin for yourself at Real Ale Brewing Co.’s outdoor beer and spirits garden. Chances are, you will find Davin there, underneath the shade of a large oak, sipping on something cool, ready to answer any and all questions you may have.”

Sunday, June 13, 10:30 - 11:30

Ann Karns - “Honey, we’re going to have a lavender farm!”

South Texas Lavender Farmer, Ann Karns will share the experiences she and her husband, Rob have encountered as they have planted and nurtured their little piece of heaven on Earth, Doe-Re-Mi Lavender Farm, located in Yancey, Tx.

Sunday, June 13 - Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Cindy Meredith

Keeping Your Succulents Happy and Healthy

Succulents are terrific plants for both novice and expert growers. They can be grown indoors or outdoors and add interest to a room, patio or garden bed. Keeping Your Succulents Happy and Healthy will give you knowledge about various types of succulents and how to best care for them, indoors and outdoors. Problems with growing are discussed as well as pruning, repotting and watering.

Cindy Meredith is the owner of The Herb Cottage, a rural nursery in Lavaca County, Texas. In business since 1998, Cindy has a wide range of knowledge about gardening and growing many types of plants. Even though The Herb Cottage started out as an herb nursery, succulents have become of great interest to Cindy. The diversity, shapes, colors and textures of succulents is of unending interest. The Herb Cottage carries a wide selection of succulents as well as herbs and Cindy can provide best growing practices for them.

The dynamic web site, theherbcottage.com, for herb and plant lovers is a handy source for growing information on succulents, herbs and vegetables. The Herb Cottage Nursery is open for retail sales from Wednesday through Saturday, 10 - 4. The Nursery lies amid open pastureland dotted with live oak trees. It is an easy 2 hour drive from most of San Antonio and about 2 ½ hours from most of Austin.