Columbus: Gantz Garden Symposium

The earliest suspected use of medicinal herbs by humans dates back to 60,000 years ago—-a Neanderthal skull in northern Spain was discovered to have remnants of yarrow remaining on the teeth. Yarrow has many medicinal properties, including the ability to reduce fever and inflammation. However, its taste is rather bitter, leading archeologists to believe that this early human wasn’t chompin’ on yarrow just for fun, but rather for medicinal relief.

Pondering on early human life has fascinated me since childhood, so I am pumped to have the opportunity to give a presentation on the topic of humans & herbs throughout history at the upcoming Gantz Garden Symposium! The Symposium will be held in Grove City on March 14th, 2026 at The Gardens at Gantz Farm, a farmhouse that dates back to the 1840’s and is surrounded by historical gardens. Their collection of gardens includes a Native Plants of Ohio Garden, an herb garden, a Hummingbird Garden, and a 1840’s Heirloom Kitchen Garden. Throughout the day, the Symposium will include breakfast & lunch, multiple speakers, and a variety of garden-related vendors (I will be selling my herb seeds!).

I am looking forward to a day of learning from the other presenters and checking out the gardens—and maybe seeing some of you there!!