Lectures

Here are a few of my programs I'm offering for 2011. For the complete list of all of my programs and workshops, see my Programs Brochure.

Cutting Edge Plants: What we grow as gardeners is often the result of the foods we eat. Ethnic restaurants, including Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Korean and Thai, are increasingly popular all over the U.S. Each of cultural those foods use a different assortment of herbs, spices and vegetables, and nurseries are increasingly offering some of those plants. Jim's program is based on his travels around the world where he has brought back exciting, new plants you will want to grow, and on new herbs and vegetables that are entering the markets here. If you think "herbs" are parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, you may be surprised at the amazing variety of new herbs coming onto the markets. 45 minutes. (Powerpoint)

Growing & Using the 10 Most Popular Herbs: Jim conducted a survey in 2007 of growers and seed companies from Coast to Coast, of what the most popular culinary herbs are. This program focuses on helping new gardeners and first time herb growers successfully grow and use these interesting and useful herbs. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, or a beginner, Jim's program offers recipes, growing information and a lot of fun for everyone.

Better Sleep, Less Stress, with Dream Pillows (Program/Demonstration or Hands-on Workshop): Find out how herbs and flowers can affect your sleep. Learn how to use mixtures that give you better sleep, eliminate nightmares, reduce stress. Based on Jim's 3 books on Making Herbal Dream Pillows. Dream Pillows may be the most helpful way of using therapeutic herbs for better rest and health!

Making Herb and Flower Sorbets (Program/Demonstration or Hands-on Workshop): Learn how to use edible flowers and herbs to make incredible, delicious desserts. It's easy, fun and the audience gets to taste sorbets.

Sensational Salsas (Program/Demonstration or Hands-on Workshop): There's lots more to salsas than tomatoes and peppers. Learn several new, delicious salsas from fruits, herbs and lots more. Banana salsa, watermelon salsa, canteloupe, too! Fun, educational and you get to taste the results!

Making Bentwood Trellises (Program/Demonstration or Hands-on Workshop): Nothing adds charm and romantic appeal to a garden as much as the natural beauty of a bentwood trellis. Learn how to use saplings and limbs that would otherwise be thrown away, to make a beautiful bentwood trellis for your garden. Jim shows step by step how anyone can easily make a bentwood trellis. This is a wonderful way to recycle otherwise wasted limbs from downed trees during winter storms, too! Based on Jim's 3 books on making bentwood trellises. 45 minutes.

Edible Water Garden Plants: Did you know that many of the plants we grow in our water gardens are edible? Learn which ones are good to eat, and how to use them. 45 minutes; (Powerpoint projector required).

Herbal Medicines of the Civil War: In this program, Jim portrays the part of a rural doctor who has been drafted into the War Between the States. He introduces "wounded" soldiers, upon whom he demonstrates the herbal medicines of the day. (Requirements are for the host group to furnish 3 uniformed, local Civil War reenactors). Jim also offers a menu and recipes if you are hosting a Civil War (Confederate or Union) banquet with this program. 45 minutes.

The Twenty Minute Herbal Gourmet: Learn how to use herbs in everyday, quick and easy gourmet meals. Learn how to make several dishes in less than 20 minutes, and get to taste several, too! Requirements are for an overhead cooks mirror, table and tabletop burner. 45 min.

Additional programs available include: Growing a Food Garden; Plants & Culture of India; Plants & Culture of West Papua, New Guinea; Planning Historical Gardens; Marketing for Your Business or Organization; Successful Self-Publishing, How to Eat a Rose and many more.

Basic fees: One program for one event: $600, plus travel expenses.
Additional second program for same event: $300.

Workshops are priced on a per-person basis with a guarantee of 20 people. Details explained in our Programs Brochure.

Jim's programs are reserved several months in advance and some travel dates may not always be listed here. Please check our calendar or contact Jim directly at jim@longcreekherbs.com for confirmation of the date.