Suzanne Tabert - Green at Heart
By Hayden Hudiburg
Through a phone call, I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Suzanne Tabert, a lifelong herbalist who excitedly shared her deep-rooted passion for herbalism and her belief in using plants to heal naturally. Her journey began under the guidance of her Aunt Mary, whose teachings sparked a lifelong devotion to plants. An allegiance that has led to 39 years of experience in training herbalists, crafting herbal curricula, and mentoring across the globe through the Cedar Mountain Herb School.
“It’s never too late to learn about herbal medicine.” Suzanne told me. “And the benefits of doing so can be great.”
That's why she continues to educate people on how herbs can support healing across a variety of conditions, whether they be physical or emotional.
Learning the Roots
One of the first things me and Suzanne discussed is her book The Forager's Apothecary, Suzanne explained that it offers practical instructions on how to harvest plants, make medicines, and deepen one’s understanding of roughly 100 common medicinal herbs. The book ultimately being designed to empower individuals to care for themselves and their communities using plant-based remedies.
“Anyone can transform their garden into an apothecary,” Suzanne told me. “They just need to know how to identify and use the plants correctly.”
If someone is seeking a more hands-on lesson, one of Suzanne’s favorite teaching formats is her plant walk. An in-person class where she guides people outdoors, teaching them to recognize various herbs, distinguish between beneficial and harmful species, determine ideal harvesting times, and understand each plant’s medicinal value.
When asked about her favorite plant, she replied:
“I love all plants the same, but if I had to pick one it would be willow.”
She explained that willow, found growing near water, embodies resilience in her eyes, it “has the will to survive and thrive, and also carries notable medicinal value.”
Seeing Past the Dirt.
If interested in trying some herbs for yourself, Suzanne recommends purchasing quality plants from reputable suppliers such as Mountain Rose Herbs, praising their ethics and product integrity. For those harvesting their own, she stresses the importance of doing proper research, noting that misinformation online often leads to ineffective or unsafe preparations.
A few pieces of key advice Suzanne gives for identifying healthy plants is:
Avoid picking plants that show evidence of herbicide use, such as curling leaves and stems.
Look for healthy leaves and plant vigor.
Harvest roots in the fall, when their nutrient density is highest.
Roots to Tips Botanical Apprenticeship
Cedar Mountain Herb School | May–September 2026
Cedar Mountain Herb School’s Roots to Tips Apprenticeship is an immersive summer program in advanced botanical study and herbal medicine making. Apprentices build mastery in plant identification, organ system support, and formulation skills through hands-on fieldwork in wild landscapes and gardens. Students leave with a fully stocked apothecary, practical experience, and the confidence to use it—supported by a library of videos and lessons throughout the season. Ideal for beginners and health professionals alike.
Example events include live webinars led by Suzanne Tabert, such as “Herbs, Hacks, and Healing: A Quest for Calm and Emotional Well-Being,” presented as part of educational intensive series hosted by professional herbalist organizations. These sessions explore how herbal allies and practical lifestyle techniques can support emotional resilience, reduce stress, and strengthen nervous system health. Programs like these are ideal for anyone interested in building greater emotional balance through plant-based remedies and grounded daily practices.
At its heart, Suzanne’s work is about more than herbs — it’s about relationship. Relationship to the land, to our bodies, and to the quiet wisdom that has been growing around us all along. Whether through her book, her plant walks, or her educational programs, she invites people to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the healing potential rooted in their own backyards.
In a world that often looks outward for solutions, Suzanne gently reminds us to look down — at the soil beneath our feet, the leaves within reach, and the natural intelligence woven into creation. As she sees it, herbalism is not just a practice, but a lifelong conversation with the living world.
And as long as there are plants growing, there will be something new to learn.
About Hayden
About Hayden
Hayden is a local writer and editor whose path has led him on a journey of discovery and exploration. He is currently working on his debut book series and is an ex-amateur MMA fighter.