'Tea Time' is theme of this year's Herb Day

GOSHEN — Elizabeth Knight, the founder of "Tea with Friends" and a certified English tea master, will give a presentation at the Hill-Hold Museum's annual Herb Day starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7, at the Graham M. Skea Lodge, on Route 416 between Montgomery and Goshen.

Knight studied under Edward Bramah, executive director of Bramah Tea and Coffee Museum. She has given lecturers to garden clubs, historic homes and museums from Florida's Leu Gardens, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the New Jersey Historical Society, and New York City's Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden.

She will talk about herbal infusions that are drunk like tea, including what herbs might be used, and how to brew them. She will also show images and speak about how and where true tea is cultivated; the difference among white, green, oolong, and black teas; as well as how to brew them. There will be some discussion on the social history of tea and how to host a tea party. Which will include how to use herbs and edible flowers to enhance the tea party menu. There will be time for question and answer period. We are requesting participant to pre-submit the questions via email stucker@co.orange.ny.us or included in payment .

The day will conclude on the Hill-Hold Museum front lawn with a luncheon supplied by "Holbert's Caterering" from Montgomery.

It was common practice during the Colonial period to bring one's own tea cup for a tea party. Participants should bring their favorite tea cup and saucer.

The cost for Herb Day is $45 per person, which includes lunch and supplies. Advance reservations and pre-payment are required.

Special events are co-sponsored by the Friends of Hill-Hold and Brick House and the Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. For more information or reservations, call 615-3833 or visit www.hillholdandbrickhouse.org. Reservations can be made online.