On Saturday, April 26, the Kenilworth Historical Society will present “Thyme for Tea,” an elegant afternoon Tea and program highlighting the history, culture and benefits of herbs, particularly their use for tea. In honor of this year’s 350th anniversary of the founding of New Jersey, the “Garden State,” special attention will be given to native plants.
The Tea, along with an enlightening and enjoyable presentation by distinguished herbalist, horticulturist and author Lorraine Kiefer, will begin at noon at the Kenilworth Gospel Chapel hall, 103 South 23rd Street, Kenilworth, where the ambience of an “indoor garden tearoom” is being created for the event. Admission is $28. Advance reservations are required, as seating is limited.
In addition to providing an array of assorted teas, tea sandwiches, scones and desserts, the event will include a gift auction and door prizes. The featured program, “All About Herbs, From Garden to Table,” will be presented by Lorraine Kiefer, a professional horticulturist, garden writer and floral designer who specializes in herbs, native plants and the art of making natural arrangements, wreaths and other decorations from garden materials.
Kiefer will highlight the fascinating history and culture of herbs, their culinary and medicinal benefits, and their use for fragrance, decorating and, especially, for tea. She also will discuss herbal tea gardening. Special reference will be made to native plants as a tribute to this year’s 350th anniversary of the founding of New Jersey, the “Garden State.”
Kiefer is co-owner of Triple Oaks Nursery & Herb Garden in Franklinville, N.J. As a long-standing, distinguished member of the Herb Society of America, Kiefer was awarded the organization’s Helen De Conway Little Medal of Honor in 2012 in recognition of her many valued contributions to the world of horticulture. Kiefer is founder and chairman of the South Jersey Unit of the Herb Society of America and served on the Horticulture Committee of the National Herb Garden in Washington, D.C., where she volunteers regularly. Kiefer, who teaches classes and gives presentations about herbs throughout the region, has lectured at such prestigious venues as The Philadelphia International Flower Show. Kiefer co-authored the publication “Best Garden Plants for New Jersey” and was a contributing writer for the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens’ book on fragrant plants and for the Herb Society of America’s “Essential Guide to Growing and Cooking with Herbs.” She also writes a weekly gardening column that appears in various regional newspapers.
Tickets for the “Thyme for Tea” event should be reserved and purchased by April 17, as seating is limited. For reservations/tickets, please call 908-709-0434, 908-709-0391 or visit Especially Yours Florist at 13 North 20th Street, Kenilworth.
Proceeds will benefit the Kenilworth Historical Society’s “Give the House a Lift” Campaign to obtain a “lift” (elevator) for the newly restored and furnished historic Oswald J. Nitschke House (c. 1880) that will make all levels of the local “living history” museum and cultural arts center accessible to everyone.
The Kenilworth Historical Society is an independent, non-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to the research, preservation and interpretation of the Oswald J. Nitschke House, local history and culture.
The Kenilworth Gospel Chapel is an independent community Bible church with a congregation of approximately 165 adults and children. The chapel was constructed in 1936 by a number of chapel members, including the family of local pioneer James Arthur, who built many homes in the area in the late 19th/early 20th centuries and founded the New Orange Park project.
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Description of Following Photo (above): Distinguished herbalist, horticulturist and floral designer Lorraine Kiefer of Franklinville, N.J., will be the featured guest speaker at “Thyme for Tea,” the Kenilworth Historical Society’s April 26th annual Tea benefit for the local historic Oswald J. Nitschke House “living history” museum and cultural arts center. Kiefer will highlight the history, culture and benefits of herbs, particularly their use for tea. She also will discuss herbal tea gardening. In honor of this year’s 350th anniversary of the founding of New Jersey, the “Garden State,” special attention will be given to native plants.