While you may already be very familiar with our native plants here in the Hill Country, do you know which ones to turn to if you have a tummy ache, sore muscles or trouble sleeping? While there are too many to cover them all in an hour, Lauren Peterson, herbalist and founder of White Deer Apothecary, will share some of the most common medicinal plants in our area and share a few methods and recipes for preparing them.
“We generally think about using Texas native plants in our landscape to enhance habitat for pollinators and our ecosystem,” said Jonathan Watt, president Fredericksburg chapter of NPSOT. “Lauren is bringing a different perspective this month so we can learn how native plants can also enhance our personal well-being.”
Peterson will speak at the monthly meeting of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT), Fredericksburg chapter, on March 25 at 7 p.m., St. Joseph’s Halle (212 W. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg). Doors open at 6:30 for social time.
“My passion for plants grew out of my desire to deepen my connection with the natural world,” said Peterson, who is also a teacher at the Sacred Journey School of Herbalism in Austin. “I’m looking forward to sharing some of what I’ve learned about native plants that allows healing to take place.”
Peterson began her herbal studies with Sacred Journey School of Herbalism in Austin in 2014. She now helps run the school and has been teaching with founder, Ginger Webb, since 2017. Peterson founded her own herbal business, White Deer Apothecary, in 2015 and makes small batch herbal medicines, private label herbal products, offers plant walks and classes, and sees clients for herbal consultations. Her favorite places to be are outdoors, in the kitchen, and on the dance floor.
The public is invited to attend in person and via online streaming (https://www.youtube.com/@fredericksburgtexasnativeg4884). More information is online at Facebook, and Instagram. Meetings are free and open to the public.
