By Betty Noel | For The Tribune

The All Thumbs Garden Club gathered for their October meeting at the Muscatatuck Wildlife Refuge visitors center.

The meeting featured Donna Stanley, park ranger at Muscatatuck Wildlife Refuge, who presented an engaging talk on common invasive plants of southern Indiana.

Stanley explained invasive plants, which are non-native species, can overrun natural areas, causing harm to both the environment and the economy. She highlighted how that these plants such as Autumn Olive, Oriental Bittersweet and Japanese Knotweed, crowd out native species that wildlife depend on for food, disrupting habitats. She also shared identification tips, noting that invasive species can be recognized by leaf shape, arrangement and branch structure.

Stanley encouraged attendees to participate in the annual “weed wrangles” event organized by the Winding Waters group of Jackson and Jennings Counties, where they can learn how to manage invasive plants. She also advised caution when transplanting roadside plants, stressing the importance of proper identification before introducing them to home gardens.

Following Stanley’s talk, the club held a question and answer session. Club president Bridget Molinari then called the official meeting to order, quoting, “Don’t plant a pest! Give them an inch and they’ll take an acre.” Molinari thanked hostesses Nancy Fleming and Erin Royalty, and reminded members of the upcoming state convention, to be held April 9-10, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Indianapolis.

Jeanne Morris, chair of the Birds and Conservation Committee, reported that she and fellow member Betty Noel delivered bird seed to four local nursing homes: Covered Bridge, Hoosier Christian Village, Lutheran Community, and Seymour Crossing. Additionally, club member Darnell Dukes gifted hand-painted pumpkins to all attendees.

Looking ahead, Bridget Molinari announced that she will be delivering flowers to the Schneck Medical Center Guild Gift Shop in November. The next meeting will be held at the SHS Ag-Science Building, where Charlotte Quinn will present a program on Winter Microgreens for Beginners. Hostesses for the November meeting will be Linda Sullivan and Betty Noel.

The September meeting featured a presentation by Judi McMillen and Julie Rieser titled “The Power of Plants in the Medicine Cabinet”, discussing the potential of medicinal herbs. Historically, knowledge of healing with plants was passed down through families, but this tradition has been largely lost. The presentation highlighted how, with proper understanding and caution, botanicals can aid healing and well-being. Club members were encouraged to explore becoming “family herbalists” by learning to use herbs effectively and safely.

Key points included the importance of using correct herbs for specific ailments and individuals, considering the person’s health condition or medication. Essential resources mentioned were The Modern Herbal Dispensatory and Materia Medica of Western Herbs. Guidelines such as labeling remedies, being prepared before illness, and taking remedies regularly were emphasized.

The presentation introduced some of the forms medicinal plants take are infusions, tinctures extracts, decoctions, salves, poultices, and aromatherapy. A systematic approach to herbalism was outlined, including gathering supplies, focusing on ailments, and creating a remedy protocol sheet. Julie also demonstrated plant identification via cell phones, sparking a lively group discussion. The meeting concluded with the acknowledgement that there’s still much to learn about medicinal herbs.

Betty Noel. 812-216-4535