June 16: National Vinegar Day.

June 18: International Picnic Day.

June 20: Today is the summer solstice. Summer officially begins! Also on this day: West Virginia was admitted to the Union on this day in 1863. Its state flower, the purple lilac, was once used medicinally.

June 22: National Chocolate Éclair Day. Yes, chocolate is an herb, too—and good for you, (although not necessarily in the form of éclairs).

Of course, if the wedding is next week, everything is probably already settled, and the most you can do is to tuck rosemary into the bride's bouquet and add some sprigs of lavender and mint to the bridesmaids' flowers. But if you have some time for planning, think about the many ways that herbs can be used as a delightful wedding theme—as China and her friends did, when she and McQuaid got married in Lavender Lies.

Here are some special herbs that brides over the centuries have included in their weddings, with the loving messages they convey.

• Apple blossom: We choose each other.
• Borage: We have courage for the road ahead.
• Clover (four-leaf): Good luck to us!
• Clover (white): We promise.
• Daisy: We are full of hope.
• Fennel: We will be strong.
• Ivy: We will be faithful, clinging only to each other.
• Lavender: We are devoted to each other.
• Lemon balm: We will comfort each other, whatever comes.
• Marjoram: What a joyful day!
• Mustard seed: We have faith in our future.
• Myrtle: Our love is true.
• Red rose: Our desire is for each other.
• Rosemary: We will always remember this day.
• Sage: We will honor our home and keep it sacred.
• Thyme: We will be constant.
• Yarrow: Our love will be everlasting.

Read more about the symbolism of herbs and flowers: Flora's Dictionary: The Victorian Language of Herbs and Flowers, by Kathleen Gips

Have some fun with herbal vinegars. Here's the very best book I know on this subject: Herbal Vinegar: Flavored Vinegars, Mustards, Chutneys, Preserves, Conserves, Salsas, Cosmetic Uses, Household Tips, by Maggie Oster. Long title, long on useful information, short on price!

For your next picnic, try some of these scrumptious herbal picnic basket treats from Lynn Smyth's post in the Essential Herbal Blog. (Terrific collection of recipes!) And check out the Essential Herbal Magazine while you're there. You can download a recent issue and see what it's all about.

Learn more about solstice celebrations in cultural traditions past and present. Want to protect yourself from deviltry on this magical day? Wear a blossom of St. John's wort, with a sprig of dill and another of rosemary. You can read about the magic of St. John's wort in the entry for June 20 in The China Bayles Book of Days.

Take some thyme to smell June's beautiful roses and learn how to make some irresistible pickled rosebuds, a "tart of hips," and rose beads, with help from Eleanour Sinclair Rohde's fabulous old book, Rose Recipes from Olden Times. This one is especially for you collectors of old recipes. If you're a more modern type, try Edible Flowers: Desserts and Drinks, by Cathy Wilkinson.

Read more about the magical lore and allure of lilacs (the West Virginia state flower) in this Heirloom Gardener article.

Register your book club with Susan's Book Club Friends, and become eligible to participate in contests, giveaways, and phone chats with China's creator. Libraries, this is for you, too!

Check out the information about Susan's 2009 book tour. We're starting to plan her April book travels. Midwesterners, your herb/garden group, library, or book club could be included in her schedule!

For more about herbs and the passing seasons, read China Bayles' Book of Days.

To find out what's going on in Susan Albert's life in the Texas Hill Country, read Susan's blog.