The Conestoga Herb Guild will hold six events during the remainder of the year that are open to the public.

On Wednesday, April 9, John Wallace, a retired Millersville University professor, will deliver a presentation called "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Gardening Insects: Managing the Mob." The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Millersville VFW, 219 Walnut Hill Road.

Club member Mary Ann Steinhauer said Wallace will speak about the beneficial bugs in gardens and why gardeners should want them around. He will also address the worldwide decrease in insect population and the impact it will have on habitats.

The organization will hold its annual Plant and Seed Exchange Wednesday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Millersville VFW. Members will bring at least four potted plants and saved seeds from their garden to trade and will also answer questions about the plants they are donating.

"Members want to share what they have, which is how this group operates," said Steinhauer. "If you're someone who wants to get started in developing your own garden, this would be a good time to come."

Members will teach newcomers how to plant the herbs and how to use them after they are grown. Experienced gardeners will also benefit. "If you are already an (herb grower), you may want to get some refreshing plants to improve your garden," Steinhauer said.

There is a fee to attend these events. People should preregister for all public Guild activities by contacting Susan Atkins by phone at 717-725-7451 or via email at atkinsateb@aol.com. For more information about the club, go to http://www.conestogaherbguild.org.

The following public events will also take place during the guild's monthly meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday of each month and begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Millersville VFW.

On Aug. 13, the Conestoga Herb Guild will host a presentation by Marilyn Martin titled "Cheese Making: A Creative Way to Use Milk."

On Sept. 10, Brenda Walker will speak about the topic "Keys to Successful Composting."

On Nov. 12, the topic of Master Gardener Sherry Watson's talk will be "Winter Sowing: A Fun and Easy Technique for Growing Plants for Your Garden."

The Conestoga Herb Guild will hold its annual Herb Festival on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Millersville VFW.

"Once people come to an event, they see the enthusiasm and the excitement," Steinhauer said. "Maybe they were reluctant to come initially, but the excitement is contagious."

She added that people will come away having learned something. "I think it's really helpful for gardeners and people who work with the soil to know that are insects that help the ecosystem you're creating, whether it be herbs, flowers, whatever," said Steinhauer. "It's about educating people when they come. They want to know this information."

The Conestoga Herb Guild has grown in popularity in recent years and was forced to cap its membership to 75 because of space limitations. People can join a waiting list.

"Usually, we get a speaker to come in and talk about growing herbs, culinary uses of herbs, and medicinal uses of herbs," said Steinhauer. "Learning how herbs can enhance your life."

Members make meals with herbs as a key ingredient and share recipes. Steinhauer touted the group's camaraderie. "It's about gathering with like-minded people that really love herbs and love gardening," she said. "We also have an educational mission. We want to make sure people know which herbs are harmful, which herbs are the most beneficial."