Today’s Members

Many of our members are sought after lecturers and writers for their expertise in gardening, herbs, and cooking.   So, a little bit about our members.

Carol Czechowski

Carol is currently the unit president of the Southern Michigan Unit. Carol has been a member of The Herb Society of America for over 40 years. She is also a member of Michigan Herb Association. Her gardens are featured in Jim Wilson’s book “Gardening with Herbs”. 

Annie Gruber Magdowski

Annie has been a lifelong observer and student of nature.  She furthered her studies by earning a degree in biology.  Her passion is cooking where she uses lots of organic produce, herbs and spices.  She is involved in Michigan Herb Associates and regularly writes “The Herbal Table” for the MHA Journal. Her Journal articles chronicle her family’s annual gatherings give a great deal of insight into how to have a  fun, creative, and relaxed  event.  In addition, she is vice president of Pleasant Ridge Garden Club, and Amherst Belles Book Club.  She modestly describes herself as a mother, grandmother, chef, gardener, crafter, scrapbooker, bookclubber, party planner, former shopkeeper, and nature lover.

Jackie Walley

Jackie is the owner of Herbal Thymes & Gatherings and a lecturer on Janet Macunovich’s list of recommended speakers.  Jackie’s career of over 25 years began with planting a few rows of herbs.  Over the last several years, she has been involved in renovations of historical homes in the Midtown and Indian Village communities of Detroit.  For more information about Jackie’s company you can click on Herbal Thymes & Gatherings, Landscaping Company.  Jackie Walley,  Herbal Thymes & Gatherings, 734.502.3588, herbalthymes@comcast.net

In Memoriam

Judy Cornellier (1942-2024)

For over 25 years Judy has been a popular Lecturer at Garden Clubs in the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association and the Federated Clubs of Michigan. In addition, after completing her Master Gardening Program she started lecturing for Master Gardener Programs in Herbs and Topiaries.  Judy is an Advanced Master Gardener and a charter member of the Troy Garden Club.