IVN Herb Walk

On the longest day of the year, the nature guides of IVN Laarbeek ‘De Hort Op’ take you on an inspiring herb walk dedicated to the summer solstice.

Around this special day, nature is in full swing. Along paths, in verges, and in open spaces, countless wild herbs grow that have been used for centuries in the kitchen and in folk medicine. During this walk, you will discover which plants are edible, which possess medicinal or magical properties, and how you can use them – for example, for a fragrant herbal tea, as a surprising addition to a summer salad, or for making a ‘herb bundle’. Gathering native herbs to make a herb bundle is an ancient custom; you intuitively gather a bouquet of seven or nine herbs that you hang in a central spot in your home. The herb bundle protects home and hearth against misfortune and negative influences for a year.

The guides will talk about identifying features, safe applications, and traditional uses. You will learn not only to look, but also to smell and – where appropriate – to taste. This is how you experience how rich and diverse nature is in June. Let yourself be surprised by what grows right under your feet and celebrate the abundance of the solstice with us.