NORRISTOWN PA – Early settlers in the Mid-Atlantic region recognized what some modern-day residents may have forgotten, or don’t know. Many plants, the colonists understood, have healing powers.
Knowledgeable master gardeners, who also are Norristown Garden Club leaders, are ready to share the history of medicinal gardening. They will be featured speakers during a free workshop and discussion scheduled for March 11 (2026; Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m. in the Historical Society of Montgomery County, 1654 DeKalb St., Norristown.
After research on the “kitchen gardens” of early Pennsylvania, Jane Irvin-Klotz and Arlene Reagan-Harris say they are prepared to help participants explore the history of medicinal gardening and the logic behind it. Early pharmacology thrived in such gardens:
- Garlic was considered helpful for treating intestinal parasites, snake and spider bites, ear aches, sores, and lethargy;
- Nasturtium leaves addressed respiratory ailments, and urinary tract infections;
- Rhubarb root?; a treatment for worms; and
- Plants familiar to almost every gardener – mint, chamomile, basil, parsley – have a centuries-old histories of healing that continues in commercial products today.
The use of healing plants pre-dates hospitals, antibiotics, and prescription pads, they explain. Gardens often consisted of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers … not only for food, but also for medicine and dyes.
Photo by Getty Images from Unsplash+, used under license
Limited Seating, Reservations Recommended
Irvin-Klotz and Reagan-Harris expect to talk about the heritage and diversity of the garden plants, and how they served earliest residents in combinations and applications.
Irvin-Klotz is known “for her dynamic, informative talks on anything related to plants,” the historical society says. Reagan-Harris, a former Spring-Ford Area School District educator, offers more than 20 years of teaching experience.
They are assisted by Nia Eaton, now retired from corporate life, who is working with the society and club to develop long-term relationships and coordinate mutual projects. Eaton is a docent at Winterthur and the Brandywine Museum of Art.
What should prospective participants expect from the workshop? Information and fun, for starters, the society reports. The “lively discussion” will include light refreshments.
Although the workshop is free, donations of $5 per person would be appreciated. Limited off-street parking is available.
Seating is limited, and advance reservations are recommended. Register, or ask for more information, by calling the society at 610-272-0297, or sending an e-mail to contact@hsmcpa.org. Those registered are advised to periodically check the society’s website for workshop updates or weather-related notices.
Our entertainment reporting covers the arts and culture, shows, exhibits, performances, festivals, and community-related activities within, or that affect residents of, Montgomery, Berks, and Chester PA counties. Find more entertainment articles here. Also, see and join the Pottstown Arts and Cultural Alliance group on Facebook.
A Coffee for Volunteers, and Local Cigar-Making History