Who said working with a landscape architect was all dirt and hard labor? Most gardening experts have a wealth of related interests, including growing herbs, vegetables, and plants that can be used in the kitchen and medicine cabinet. Such is the case for Mary Palmer Dargan of Dargan Landscape Architects. She will be presenting her Bitters workshop to this private group on Dec 9, but you can reap the rewards! If you want a wonderful recipe for cherry bitters, try this one by Steven Rhodes, the former food & beverage manager of the Chattooga Club in Cashiers, NC and now manager of the new ABC in Cashiers. Enjoy!
Cherry Bitters Demonstration from Mary Palmer Dargan on Vimeo.
Learn How to Make Your Own Bitters with Mary Palmer Dargan
Bitters have a rich history, dating back as far as the 9th or 10th century, when alcohol was first distilled in Mesopotamia (now Iraq). Herbalists and healers realized the potential for preserving the curative effects of medicinal herbs and plants by creating tinctures and elixirs using an alcohol medium. While its roots are entirely medicinal, the 18th century utilized bitters in recreational alcohols as hangover prevention and then as a flavored addition to a host of cocktails.
Mary Palmer Dargan has been fascinated in the culinary aspects of gardening, which led her on an experimental journey to create healthful and tasty bitters using herbs, fruits, and flowers from her garden.
The Sand Hill chapter is one of more than 20 active garden clubs in the state of Georgia. They are members of The Augusta Council of Garden Clubs and a full unit of The Garden Club of America. While the members all share a love of gardening and a lifelong passion for creative landscape design, they are also committed to community education, preserving history, and the bulk of their events and showcases aim to raise money to restore historical buildings or assist other local charities and non-profit organizations. Mary Palmer’s Bitters Workshop is an example of their educational outreach.
Interested in working with a landscape architect? Contact Mary Palmer to learn more and get in on the fun.
Photo: Dargan Landscape Architects