Herb Day 2025
Posted on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 by Juli Lindenmayer .
Despite the harsh winds, cold temperatures, and rainy weather that lasted all day, the Gahanna Community and its dedicated members persisted in getting their hands on the herbs sold during Herb Day 2025. Lori Kappes, the Executive Director of Visit Gahanna, was “presently surprised by the turnout given that the weather wasn’t ideal.” Jarod White, the Marketing and Communications Manager of Visit Gahanna, adds, “[the event] was unique because of the rain, but I was pleased to see so many community members come out to buy herbs even with the rainy conditions.”
The first event of the season went from 10 am to 3 pm. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all varieties had a variety of plants to choose from; there were 85 different types of herbs and around 4,000 individual plants in total. Numbers that high can get overwhelming, but thankfully, the OSU Master Gardeners returned for any assistance that could be needed and any questions that could be asked. They graciously answered questions, moved plants, flats, and tables, all while donning ponchos and smiles!
The Creekside Plaza was flooded, not only by rain, but by 39 different vendors, including the City of Gahanna, Just Papa’s Baking Company, Cold Eyed Creeps, and Thrive Massage and Wellness. There were jewelry makers and natural soaps, crocheted gifts, and carved wooden pens and children’s toys. “I think people enjoyed the variety of vendors,” says White. “The vegetable vendor was really cool.” White notes how most farmers' markets have produce ready to buy, but local vendor Feed Me Tomatoes was “selling plants to go in the garden that will eventually become produce.”
The Ohio Herb Center was also busy entertaining any guests who popped by to warm up and dry off. Customers were free to pick up a good book, some tea, or a gift for the upcoming Mother’s Day. Anyone who made purchases of $25 or more received a complimentary wooden herb-engraved plant marker while supplies lasted. There are still more available at the Herb Center gift shop, so if you’re looking to find a way of organizing the numerous plants you purchased, we’ve got the solution for you!
While the weather was dreary, the people who visited, volunteered, and sponsored 2025 Herb Day brightened the atmosphere and made it all worthwhile. Thank you so much to the Ohio Herb Center team, Visit Gahanna staff, the City of Gahanna, Parks and Rec, volunteers, vendors, and community partners, as well as the sponsors who made it all possible, including Civista Bank @civista_bank, Orthopedic One @orthopedicone, Everdry Waterproofing of Columbus, Thrive Massage and Wellness @thrivespaohio, and Renewal by Andersen of Columbus @rbacbus. A special thank you to our Title Sponsor, Tina Wedebrook of Re/Max Connection @realtortina77.