GARDEN CLUB PROMOTES USE OF HERBS WITH SALE

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Herbs and spices will be in full bloom at the spring opening of the historic Glenn House in downtown Cape.

The Rose Hills Garden Club will hold an herb sale at the Glenn House opening next weekend. The sale is a first for the garden club, and members hope it will spawn interest in growing herbs.

"It's something that not too many people seem to be into," said Hannah Maddox, a member of the club. "We thought it might stimulate some interest here."

The garden club is trying to win a state award for horticulture with the sale, but they're also trying to give something back to the community. All proceeds from the sale go to the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau.

More than 250 plants will be available, including oregano, parsley, basil, chives, rosemary, lavender, sage and others. Prices for the plants have not been set, Maddox said.

The club began the project months ago when the seedlings were planted, Maddox said. Since then, they've been growing in one of Knaup Floral Company's greenhouses near Jackson.

"John Knaup has been tending the plants as they grew. We really couldn't have done this project without him and his facilities," Maddox said.

The herbs will be on sale Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. and will coincide with the opening of the Glenn House and the Carriage House, at 325 Spanish in Cape.

Maddox said basil may be the most popular herb at the sale. Two varieties will be available. In all, 11 types of herbs will be sold.

Two other displays will also highlight the opening. China paintings by the late Hazel Harrison and a quilt display by the River Heritage Quilters Association will also be available for viewing.

The Glenn House will also be open Sunday afternoon from 1-4.