SFA Gardens to host Gifts from the Garden workshop

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens will host the Gifts from the Garden workshop to share methods for creating skin creams, scrubs and tea from natural products.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 9 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building, Room 101, at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St.

Jodi and Duke Pittman of Pittman Farms will lead the workshop. Participants will use a variety of oils and waxes, including coconut oil and beeswax, with dried herbs and essential oils to craft their samples.

"Homemade products are easy to make, fun to use and much more affordable than store-bought products," Duke said.

Herbs used in these products can often be grown in yards, gardens or even a windowsill, which increases the environmental soundness and sustainability of their production. They are aesthetically pleasing to grow, aromatic and can be a great source of pride for participants to nurture their own plants for harvest.

"The ingredients are simple, diverse in their uses and are easy to blend without the inclusion of undesired chemicals or other additives," Jodi added. "It is empowering to know exactly what you are using and where it came from."

Cost for the seminar is $25 for SFA Garden members and $35 for non-members. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register for the seminar or for more information, contact the SFA Gardens education office at (936) 468-4129 or sfagardens@sfasu.edu.