The Goochland Farmers Market will feature speaker and author Marianne Mittwede Ritchie on opening day, Saturday, May 3.

Co-founder of a Thyme to Plant Herb Farm Inc. in Powhatan, Va., Ritchie will speak on two topics: "Preparing Your Herb Bed" at 9 a.m. and "Cooking With Herbs" at 10:30 a.m.

Ritchie, a featured speaker at the Virginia Herb Association conferences, shares her rich knowledge of herbs in her 2005 book "Planning, Planting and Harvesting Your Herb Garden." Chapters include "Planning and Designing an Herb Garden," "Planting Herbs," "Harvesting and Preserving Herbs" and "Herb Recipes."

Ritchie will sign books after each lecture.

"We are excited about having Marianne come to speak about herbs. She has so much knowledge and always offers an interesting and fun lecture," said Center for Rural Culture Executive Director Lisa Dearden. "I have heard her twice now at Master Gardener events, and I love her book! Marianne has had a tremendous influence in the local, regional and national herb industry, and we are truly fortunate to have her come for our opening day celebration!"

The Goochland Farmers Market, which is run by the Center for Rural Culture (a 501c3 nonprofit in Goochland), will be held Saturdays May 3-Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon on the grounds of Grace Church in Goochland Courthouse (2955 River Road West Routes 6 and 522).

"We encourage folks to stop by the market to hear what Ritchie has to say about herbs, purchase some potted herbs and pick up a copy of her book for yourself or for a gift for Mother's Day," Dearden said. "Of course, the market will have plenty of other seasonal produce, meats, eggs, bedding plants, artisan crafts and other goodies to choose from while you're there. We'll also have live music by singer-songwriter Anthony of The Kind Eye."

Those interested in learning more about the Goochland Farmers Market are invited to sign up for the market e-newsletter by e-mailing marketmanager@centerforruralculture.org and asking to be added to the distribution list. The e-newsletter is distributed weekly throughout the market season.