Heirloom Fest

Heirloom Fest

A Weekend Featuring Heirlooms
Free; regular parking and admission fees apply for nonmembers.

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.

Weekend Highlights

Gather inspiration and a free plant (while supplies last).

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

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

Plant Giveaway
Pick up a free Greek Oregano plant while supplies last. 

Daily Demonstration

Watch and learn from the experts as they demonstrate.

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.

Features:
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.

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

 
Cherry Tomato Relish