Exploring herb gardens and attending herb festivals across the United States offers a fascinating view of the world of culinary and medicinal plants. These spaces are rich in history, tradition, and natural beauty, making them ideal destinations for plant lovers, gardeners, and food enthusiasts alike. From the lavender fields of Washington to the basil and rosemary-filled gardens of the South, herb gardens and festivals celebrate the art and science of growing, using, and enjoying herbs. Here’s a guide to some of the best herb gardens and festivals in the country, with highlights on what to expect and tips for planning your visit.

The Beauty of Herb Gardens: What to Expect

American herb gardens offer visitors a sensory experience like no other. These gardens are meticulously curated to display a variety of herbs used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. Many herb gardens also showcase historical uses of herbs, with plants used by Native Americans, early settlers, and traditional healers.

Visitors can expect to see common herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme, as well as medicinal herbs such as echinacea, feverfew, and valerian. In addition to beautiful plant displays, many gardens have educational programs and guided tours that highlight the origins, uses, and benefits of each herb. Depending on the season, you may see herbs in full bloom, experience the intoxicating fragrance of fresh-cut lavender, or see demonstrations of herbal distillation and tea making.

Notable Herb Gardens Across the U.S.

The National Herb Garden – Washington, D.C.

Located at the U.S. National Arboretum, the National Herb Garden in Washington, D.C. is the largest herb garden in the United States. Spanning over 2.5 acres, this garden features a comprehensive collection of herbs, including culinary, medicinal, aromatic, and dye plants. With over 800 varieties, the National Herb Garden provides an in-depth look at the diversity and usefulness of herbs. Visitors can stroll through themed sections like the culinary herb garden, medicinal plant garden, and native plants area, learning about the historical and modern uses of each herb.

The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill – Harrodsburg, Kentucky

The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, located in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, is a historic site with beautifully maintained herb gardens. The Shakers were known for their herbal knowledge and were among the first groups to cultivate and sell medicinal herbs in the United States. The village’s herb garden showcases plants used by the Shakers for food, medicine, and household purposes. Visitors can explore the garden, join guided tours, and even purchase Shaker-inspired herbal products. The Shaker Village offers a unique blend of history and horticulture, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about traditional herbal practices in a serene, picturesque setting.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Boothbay, Maine

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a sprawling botanical garden that features an enchanting herb garden with a focus on culinary and medicinal plants native to Maine and the Northeast. The garden’s herb section includes local favorites like mint, chamomile, and sage, as well as a variety of edible flowers. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is particularly beautiful in Summer, when the herbs are in full bloom. This garden also offers educational programs and workshops, such as herb-based cooking classes and natural dyeing with herbs, so visitors can experience the practical applications of these plants.

The Herb Garden at The Huntington – San Marino, California

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, features a lovely herb garden that highlights Mediterranean and California-native herbs. The garden’s climate is ideal for drought-tolerant herbs like rosemary, lavender, and sage, which thrive in the warm, sunny environment. The Herb Garden at The Huntington showcases herbs in artistic arrangements and offers information detailing their historical and culinary uses. The garden’s layout encourages visitors to stroll and enjoy the aromas, textures, and colors of the herbs, making it a favorite destination for herb enthusiasts on the West Coast.

Herb Festivals: Celebrating Herbal Culture and Community

Herb festivals across the United States are vibrant events that celebrate the diversity, culture, and uses of herbs. These festivals bring together gardeners, herbalists, chefs, and artisans to share their knowledge and love of herbs. Visitors can expect a mix of workshops, plant sales, cooking demonstrations, and hands-on activities, as well as plenty of opportunities to sample herbal foods and beverages. Here are some notable herb festivals that are worth visiting.

The Ohio Herb Education Center’s Herb Day – Gahanna, Ohio

Held annually at the Ohio Herb Education Center in Gahanna, Ohio, Herb Day is a festival dedicated to herbal education and community. The event features workshops on topics like herbal medicine, cooking with herbs, and garden design. Herb Day also includes a plant sale where visitors can buy herbs to start or expand their own gardens. This festival is ideal for anyone interested in learning about herbs in an accessible and interactive environment. The Ohio Herb Education Center also offers year-round classes and events for herb enthusiasts of all levels.

The Lavender Festival – Sequim, Washington

Sequim, Washington is known as the Lavender Capital of North America. The Sequim Lavender Festival, held each summer there, is one of the largest herb festivals in the United States, celebrating the beauty and versatility of lavender. This festival includes tours of local lavender farms, where visitors can see fields of blooming lavender and learn about its cultivation and uses. In addition to farm tours, the festival features lavender-infused foods, craft workshops, and a street fair with lavender products. The Sequim Lavender Festival is perfect for lavender lovers, offering a unique way to experience this fragrant herb in a beautiful setting.

The Herb & Garden Faire – Landis Valley, Pennsylvania

The Herb & Garden Faire at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum in Pennsylvania is a historic herb festival that has been running for over 30 years. This event brings together plant vendors, artisans, and herbalists to celebrate traditional gardening and herbal practices. The faire offers a wide selection of heirloom plants, including rare herb and vegetable varieties, as well as workshops on organic gardening and medicinal herbs. The Herb & Garden Faire is a great place to find unique plants for your garden and connect with other herb enthusiasts.

The Herb Festival at the Ozark Folk Center – Mountain View, Arkansas

The Herb Festival at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas, is a celebration of herbal traditions and folk wisdom. This festival highlights the medicinal and culinary uses of herbs in the Ozarks and includes workshops on topics like herbal healing, tincture making, and traditional cooking. The Ozark Folk Center’s herb garden is a focal point of the event, featuring herbs native to the region and those used in Ozark folk medicine. This festival provides a rich cultural experience, blending herbal education with the traditional music, crafts, and folklore of the Ozarks. The Ozark Folk Center is open April to October.

Tips for Visiting Herb Gardens and Festivals

Plan for the Season: Spring and early Summer are the best times to visit herb gardens, as many herbs are in bloom and the gardens are at their most fragrant. For festivals, check local listings as many are held in late Spring or Summer, when herbs are at their peak.

Bring a Camera and Notebook: Many herb gardens and festivals provide a wealth of information on plant care, uses, and recipes. Bring a notebook to jot down tips and ideas, and don’t forget a camera to capture the beautiful displays.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Both gardens and festivals often involve walking and exploring outdoor spaces, so comfortable footwear is essential.

Check for Workshops and Tours: Many gardens and festivals offer workshops, guided tours, and demonstrations. These activities can enhance your experience and provide hands-on learning opportunities. ❖