The Westport Farmers’ Market will have a special guest this Thursday from 10-2, Sal Gilbertie from Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens. Gilbertie is a nationally recognized expert on herbs and is the author of 6 books on the subject including the recently released “Small Plot, High Yield Gardening”, which will be available for sale and signing on Thursday. Sal regularly conducts talks and workshops at the company’s Westport location and was featured in the Spring 2010 edition of Edible Nutmeg magazine .

Gilbertie’s is a family-owned business started in 1922 and is the largest grower of herb plants in the US. They supply over 400 different varieties of USDA Organic herbs, some of which are very hard to find, to outlets in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US. Visit their garden center in Westport to enjoy the formal display gardens, themed greenhouses and gift shop offering herbs and vegetables from the usual to the exotic.

Additionally, Chef/Owner Bryan Malcarney from Blue Lemon will be treating market guests to a divine cucumber dill soup. Each of his ingredients are hand selected from the market vendors. Chef Bryan and his restaurant are supporting the local food movement so be sure to this Westport restaurant.

There are numerous advantages to planting gardens in raised beds. Sal Gibertie, owner of Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens in Westport and one of the most knowledgeable gardeners anywhere, will enumerate them and provide expert how-to advice on Tuesday, February 9th from 7pm-9pm at Ambler Farm in Wilton. Sal will also bring copies of his new book, Small Space High Yield Gardening, to sell and sign.

Ages: Adults

Fee: $5 per person, FREE for members

Registration: Walk-ins welcome. Advance registration click here.