Central Texas Herb Society met July 18 at Cheri Garrett's home with Shirley Beyer, vice president, presiding.

Charlene Nash presented a "History of the Central Texas Herb Society." The first meeting on record was November 1990 at the home of Paula Jones of Hickory Hill Herbs and Antique Roses.

She shared that club members have been on some interesting field trips including to Austin Wildflower Center, Miller Springs in Belton, Round Top's Madeline Hills Herb Farm, Fort Hood to see rare plants, Lavender Farms near Stonewall, Fredericksburg Herb Farm and Wildseed Farm, to an herb farm in Salado and Homestead Heritage Farm near Waco.

The group also has had a good line-up of speakers including Odena Brannon "The Texas Herb Lady," Susan Albert, a popular herbal mystery writer, and Howard Garrett, "The Dirt Doctor."

In June, the club met at the home and nursery of Nettie Montgomery. Judy Barrett was the speaker. She is the author of numerous publications, and has a bi-monthly publication "Home Grown."

Ms. Barrett recently published a hard-cover book, "What Can I Do with My Herbs?" It has many illustrations.

She told the group that most herbs with deep roots have healing qualities.

Next meeting is Aug. 15 at the home of Al and Shirley Beyer. The program will be given by Bill Luedecke, a master gardener from Oatmeal.