Here’s a brief synopsis of a wonderful trip to Fernandina Beach, Florida for the recent IHA conference–a good time was had by all gathered–and we so enjoyed the warm weather and sunshine (a break from the cold temps back in my Maryland garden!). It seems so odd to have all of the leaves off of the trees and the woodstove going and then arriving at a place with warm sunshine, balmy breezes and tropical plants in bloom. (I even went swimming in the Atlantic Ocean and it was quite pleasant–not cold at all.)

Well it is challenging to fit a whole conference into one short blog, however I will hit some of the highlights. You can go on www.iherb.org and read about the conference and speakers and even order a copy of the proceedings. It is always inspiring to get together with like-minded people and share gardening and herbal tips, ideas, recipes and just the general camaraderie; this IHA group is especially dear to me and it is like getting together with old friends.

This conference which was themed “Spice It Up!” was particularly stimulating for me as it was all about chile peppers since Capsicum is Herb of the Year for 2016. We had some great speakers (too numerous to mention each one here) and I was pleased to meet keynote Dr. Mark Uchanski from the University of New Mexico, who gave two informative programs on capsicums. Although, I have co-authored three books on chile peppers, I still learned new info from him!

Jane Taylor, won the Otto Richter Award and gave a wonderful program on Childrens’ Gardens–she is the guru of designing kids’ gardens–and it was great to view so many of her accomplishments. Way to go Jane!

My program was on Chiles & Chocolate–I made a veggie chili; rich hot chocolat with anchos; and dark chocolate, chipotle & salted pistachio bark. I had more than a few folks tell me that it was the best chili that they had ever eaten, so I will post the recipe for it soon. And the chocolate chipotle nut bark is simply divine–I’ll post that recipe next –since it would make a great holiday gift for your favorite chocoholic or chilehead.

The pre- and post- conference tours were good fun. We visited two different members’ gardens, that of Marge Powell and Linda Cunningham, both in Jacksonville. We got to see where Marge creates her wonderful products like soaps, salves, lotions and more, in her Magnolia Hill Soap Company’s apothecary. (www.magnoliahillsoap.com)

On the post conference tour we visited Linda’s private home with a backyard chocablock full of plants. Linda holds herbal events throughout the year and she has one coming up the first week of December in time to shop for the holidays! (https://events.jacksonville.com/event/herbal-celebration).

Our awards banquet always features a rousing auction, which raises money for our foundation. Long-time member Betsy Williams received the Professional Achievement Award and Women Healers of the World by Holly Bellebuono was honored by the IHA with the Thomas DeBaggio Book Award. It is a beautiful book full of history and herbal information. This book would make the ideal holiday gift for any gardener, herbalist, historian or woman in your life.

Fernandina Beach is a lovely, small town situated on Amelia Island in Northern, Florida. We were able to walkabout the town easily, shop and dine and even ride the trolley back and forth to the church where the event was held. We even got to walk on the beach and along the backstreets and waterfront. I’d go back there for a visit anytime!

We had really good vendors–and I tried to buy something from each one of them. The interns, conference committee, helpers/volunteers and caterers all did a great job–thanks to each and every one of you!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon

Gardener's Log Book from NYBG

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features: · Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil · Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds · Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when · Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening · Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting · Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.

Buy at Amazon

Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone's hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.

Buy at Amazon