A Weekend Featuring Heirlooms

Discover the many varieties of heirloom and open-pollinated vegetables that you can grow, cook, and preserve at home. Check out heirloom-themed presentations and demonstrations. Gather expert tips and techniques to try at home. Find inspiration in the lush plantings throughout the Fruit & Vegetable Garden.

Schedule

Watch and learn from the experts as they demonstrate.

Garden Chef Series 
11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Saturday: Chef William Vena, College of Lake County
Sunday: Chef Tom Leavitt, White Oak Gourmet 

Saturday and Sunday
See a variety of seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruits growing at the Fruit & Vegetable Garden (including some heirloom/open-pollinated varieties).

Daily Demonstration

1 p.m. Seed Saving: Tomatoes and More
2 p.m. Pruning Tomatoes
3 p.m. Pickling Primer 

Discovery Carts

Gather information and inspiration on growing, cooking, and preserving.

Heirlooms on Parade
Preserving the Harvest
Growing Heirlooms in Containers
Seed Saving  
All About Tomatoes and Tomato Problems  
Bob Zeni (The Chicago Tomato Man) will feature heirloom varieties from his collection
Midwest Fruit Explorers will feature information on growing heirloom fruits  
Scientist in the Garden: Hector Ortiz Cano “Restoring Ancestral Agave Ecosystems” (Saturday only) 

Shopping

Stop by the market to purchase heirloom related products and more.

Xanadu Apiary – honey products
Irie Cup – Iced tea and loose-leaf tea varieties
Greco Greens - microgreens 

Note: The August plant giveaway (Greek Oregano) will also be taking place as long as supplies last. 

Free; regular parking and admission fees apply for nonmembers.