I always plan on spending an hour when I visit the Fredericksburg Herb Farm, but I never get out in less than two. First, the bookstore and shop must be perused and every scented candle sniffed (the gardenia makes me swoon). Then the garden paths must be wandered to see what hapless plants and herbs (borage this time?) I can purchase to murder in the privacy of my own yard. Finally, a repast in the tiny restaurant is in order, where flower-adorned plates are served at lunch and weekend candlelight dinners. The outside world is discovering this Hill Country treasure. Owners Bill and Sylvia Varney and chef Juan Carlos Padilla will prepare brunch this month at New York’s prestigious James Beard House, and the farm will be featured on a Food Network show tentatively set for October 29.
