Central Texas Herb Society met Jan. 23 for its first meeting of the year at the home of Charlene Nash. President Shirley Beyer welcomed members and guests, and Lea Patel gave a program on herbal remedies for the season.

The newsletter reflected the club’s achievements and events in 2009, including sharing informative speakers at meetings, field trips and good food. “Some of us might have had success in growing and using a new herb for the first time, or building an herb garden,” said Mrs. Nash.

Programs for 2010 include herbs of the Bible; Double spading; ed- ible flowers, by Rowena Fengel of Temple, a master gardener; a program by nature photographer, Howard Cheek of Kempner; and a program by Sylvia Williams of Bertram, who is famous because of her unusual garden shed.

Mrs. Nash read a quote in the newsletter. “Clay tablets have been found that date back to 2600 BCE in what used to be Babylon (and is today, Iraq). These tablets contain instructions on how to use many plants and herbs for illness, as well as mixing and preparation for remedies.” Next meeting is Feb. 20 at the home of Connie Madison in Copperas Cove.