Therapeutic Herbs of Italy

Step into the fragrant, flavorful world of traditional Italian herbs in this immersive class celebrating nature, culture and wellness. Explore the rich history and practical uses of cherished Mediterranean plants, including fennel, mallow, fig and mint—herbs long revered in Italian folk medicine for their healing and nourishing properties.

Learn about gemmotherapy, a gentle but powerful approach to herbal wellness that uses the embryonic tissues of plants for vitality and renewal. Taste and create finocchietto, a traditional fennel-based digestif and explore the intriguing world of amaro—Italy’s iconic herbal liqueur known for aiding digestion and enlivening the spirit.

To close, craft a custom tea blend to take home, infused with intention and guided by the wisdom of the plants we’ve explored.
This class is ideal for herbal enthusiasts, foodies and anyone seeking to deepen their connection to the healing power of plants. Come away with new knowledge, inspired taste buds and practical tools to support your well-being—Italian-style.

Price: $44, $39 member

Location: York Street

Instructor: Blake Burger

Blake first joined Denver Botanic Gardens as a seasonal gardener. After one year, he was hired as a full-time horticulturist. Throughout his years at the Gardens, he has worked with tropical plants, native plants, vegetables and herbs. After receiving his herbalist certification in Denver, Blake immediately began working with the vast array of medicinal plants growing in the Gardens. He founded the Denver Medicinal Plant Society in 2015, created and maintains the medicinal plant beds at the Gardens' York Street location and laid the foundation for the Gardens' Herbalist Certificate Program. As a certified yoga instructor, Blake has led more than 1,000 yoga classes over six years and created a nationally recognized yoga program at the Gardens. Blake believes in a multifaceted approach to health and wellness: eat well, move your body, never stop learning, get outside and connect.