PERU - The Illinois Valley Herb Guild will host its annual Plant Sale and Herb Faire on Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the gymnasium at Saint Bede Academy.

Over 50 varieties of herbs will be available, from common herbs like basil, rosemary, and lavender to more unusual species such as pennyroyal and patchouli. Most herbs will be sold in 4-inch pots for $3.50, with bay trees and scented geraniums selling for slightly higher. For those new to herb gardening, herb guild members wearing their bright green T-shirts will be on hand with expert advice.

“We have guild members with decades of experience in gardening,” said longtime Herb Guild member Vicki Gensini of McNabb. “Some of them are certified Master Gardeners, too. We recommend people come early for the best selection - and Saint Bede student volunteers will help you carry your plants to the car, free of charge.”

A dozen vendors will be selling garden plants, essential oils, jewelry, alpaca fleece products, photography, textiles, handmade pottery and woodcraft, yard art, and other gardening accessories. The Saint Bede Academy Science Club will sell heirloom tomatoes and other vegetables which they started from seed, as well as handcrafted birdhouses. There will also be a concession stand with food for lunch as well as homemade baked goods, and St. Bede baker Fr. Dominic “The Bread Monk” will have herbs breads for sale.

The event will be held rain or shine.