Programs

Verna Gates is acknowledged for her Expertise, Humor & Creativity.

Programs: These nine different programs were developed by Verna:

Wildflower Folklore - In an old Indian legend, an eagle cut out a piece of the sky to make a flower. Today those bites can still be seen, helping people identify the chicory. Before general literacy, our ancestors needed ways to learn how to identify the plants essential to their survival.

These ancient memory games are delightful stories that teach in the old tradition, through storytelling. Half hour programs to two day seminars available. Slide show. Wildflower walk optional.

Biblical Wildflowers - In the Song of Solomon, God was called The Lily of Valley, using symbolism to define God as pure like as lily and as the Rose of Sharon defining God as love like a Rose.

The Bible is filled with flowers and plants, all rich in symbolism to the writers of the Bible. Increase your Biblical knowledge with an understanding of their meanings. Also, native plants associated with Biblical events. Half hour to five hour seminar. Slide show. Walk optional.

Language of Flowers - A rose may be a rose but depending on what color, the meaning could be the difference between love and war.

This Victorian messenger was the bloom of the garden. Through these lovely symbols they could talk of love, marriage, admiration, hate, envy and war. A good class to prevent a flower faux pas on Valentines Day. Half hour to hour program. Slides. Walk optional.

History of the World Through Flowers - Napoleon promised to return with the blooming of the violets. Jefferson was accused of treason for ordering chicory seeds from the British. The War of the Roses, the fleur de lis, the Scottish thistle - many historical events are associated with flowers. Half hour to a six hour seminar. Slides. Walk optional.

Gardeners Latin - Venus, the Goddess of Love, rode a wave onto the island of Cyprus, leaving her tiny shoe. She also left a name on the lady's slipper, Cypripedium.

Learn Latin names the easy way with the stories that inspired the naming of the plants. Many Latin names relate back to Greek and Roman mythology - the stories these ancient botanists used to teach themselves plant identification. Half hour program to six hour seminar. Slides. Walk optional.

Medicinal Herbs - Dandelions have been said to cure hangovers. Saint Johns Wort is an ancient treatment not only protecting one from witchcraft, but also depression.

Traditional healers have used native plants for centuries. This program explores both ancient uses and modern findings on many popular medicinal herbs. Half hour to day seminar in an herb garden. Slides. Walk optional.

Witching Herbs - Want the power of love? Pick violets during the last quarter of the moon for the full potency . After picking the violets, tie a purple ribbon around them at midnight. Hold the flowers against your heart and while staring at the moon, whisper softly, "My true love shall now love me, as the pale moonlight shines on thee."

This program is a Halloween favorite. Magical plants abounded during the Middle Ages and even beyond. Learn how to cast spells, turn yourself invisible, and attract love and money. Half hour to hour program.

Edible Plants - Even without a garden, you can journey into your backyard and make one of the tastiest salads you've ever eaten.

Join Verna in a fun and informative talk and optional walk to discover the wonders of natures bounty. Learn to make Poke Salad the safe way. Also find out how to make candied violets and tasty fried dandelions.

Southern Humor - From lies (Yankees call them "tall tales") to good clean humor, Verna can cause even the most grim-faced, humor challenged folks to evoke at least a smile. She'll probably cause a few hearty knee-slapping laughs. The humor program can even be catered especially for churches or religious groups.

Is your organization interested in any of Verna's programs? Please call 205.595.4346, fax to 205.595.4347 or send an e-mail to vernagates@aol.com and she will contact you promptly to discuss scheduling an appearance.

Copyright © 2010 Verna Gates