Herb Of The Year:
1995 Fennel
1996 Monarda
1997 Thyme
1998 Mint
1999 Lavender
2000 Rosemary
2001 Sage
2002 Echinacea
2003 Basil
2004 Garlic
2005 Oregano and Marjoram
2006 Scented Geraniums
2007 Lemon Balm
2008 Calendula
2009 Bay Laurel
2010 Dill
2011 Horseradish
2012 Rose
2013 Elderberry
2014 Artemisias
2015 Savory
2016 Peppers Caspicum ssp.
2017 Coriander/Cilantro 
Coriandrum sativum
2018 Hops
Humulus ssp.
​2019 Agastache
Foeniculum 
2020 Rubus ssp. (Blackberries,
Raspberries et al.)
2021  Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

2022 Viola (Violet, Johnny Jump Ups)

Family violaceae

2023 Herb of the year - Ginger

2024 - Yarrow




​Each spring we host a special event for the community which we call the Basil Fest.  Basil,  the "Herb Of Summer" reigns king in our gardens and kitchens during the hot weather months here in south Texas.  It is only proper that we dedicate a day to learning, cooking, and enjoying this fabulous herb!  The event is also our way of giving back to the community.  Each year we select a theme, invite several chefs to participate in a cook-off where the public votes with their wallets to select the Basil Fest Champ for that year.  All monies collected go to a local charity to help those in need in our community.

Examples of past events are the "Pesto Challenge", the "Thirst Quenchers Challenge", "Just Desserts", "Appiteazers", and "Terrific Tapas".  Monies raised have gone to Meals on Wheels, The San Antonio Food Bank, Society of St. Vincent de Paul,  the Good Samaritan Center and Haven For Hope. 

In addition to the Chef's Challenge we team with the farmers at the Pearl Farmer's Market where many will create basil delicacies for the public that day. We have a children's event where they can pot their own basil plant to take home, we hold seminars on growing basil as well as its history - all of which are free and open to the public.  And of course, we have basil plants you can purchase for your summer garden.  Did we mention that there are over 100 varieties of Basil?  It never gets boring!


 

​WHAT BASIL FEST IS ALL ABOUT