Want to plan and grow a healthy garden, but feel like you’re lacking a “green thumb?” When it comes to growing, nurturing and harvesting herbs and other plants, Herbalist Shannon Barnette (owner of Daydream Acres Homestead) knows a thing or two. And it just so happens she will be coming to the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna (110 Mill St.) to teach a class on growing seeds and greens both indoors and out! We had the pleasure of talking with Shannon to learn more about her upcoming classes and her sustainable, green life and passions.
What do you and Daydream Acres Homestead specialize in?
Organic vegetable, flower and herb cultivation, Regenerative Agriculture, Ohio pollinators, Heirloom, medicinal and native plants, landscaping, and herbal crafts.
How did your passion for this come about?
My passion for the natural world evolved from learning about plants as a child from my grandmothers. In 2011, I discovered a herbalism course in Columbus. My infatuation with plants grew from there. I wanted to learn everything I could about plants, ecosystems, and the animals that depended on them. Eventually, I studied Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University.
What inspired your story?
My story is inspired by wonderful teachers throughout my life. My family has a long history of farming in Ohio. They inspired a desire to serve the community by cultivating a plot of land, leaving it more healthy and vibrant than it was found for the next generation.
What is your mission?
My mission is to provide my community with nourishing food and growing plants in a regenerative production model to minimize negative impacts on the surrounding ecosystems.
Professionally, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of finally buying my own homestead and beginning to make my vision a reality.
What do you hope your customers/students/public take away?
More love for plants and flowers!
What makes your story/products unique?
My plantings, projects and products are all fostered with love for my community and the land.
Where can people find you/your work or products online?
Our facebook is the best way to keep up with what is going on.
Anything else we should know about you/ your work?
It is extremely seasonal and harvest yields can vary depending on crop and of course – mother nature.
Check out Shannon’s Ohio Herb Center Classes:
When: Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 1-2:30 pm
Description: Growing from seed can take some patience, but is very rewarding. Get an expert lesson in starting seeds successfully-- indoors and out. Shannon will discuss how to collect your own seeds and process them for future plantings. Take home seeds and handouts. Cost: $35
When: Saturday, March 28, 2020 10:30 am -12 pm Description: Microgreens and sprouts are a great (and easy) way to include some nutrient dense plants in your diet. Learn how to cultivate these delicious additions to any meal in your own kitchen. Take home seeds, handouts and lots of inspiration. Cost: $35
Green Home: Tricks, Tips and Terrariums When: Saturday, April 4, 2020 from 1-3 pm
Description: Explore some fun ways to introduce plants into your home. Build your own terrarium and learn everything you need to know about indoor gardening. The class includes glass container, terrarium plants, soil, stones, moss and charcoal. Cost: $50