The Heirloom Gardener – Traditional Plants and Skills is John Forti’s newest presentation. It draws from his new book of traditional plants and skills for the modern world. Richly illustrated with period images and contemporary woodcuts, his PowerPoint shares inspiration from a long history of heirloom preservation, garden craft and homestead lifeways. Artisanal gardening lifestyles are helping to rebuild vibrant local agricultural economies, and celebrate sustainable cottage industries that contribute to a new, homegrown American Arts and Crafts movement and backyard environmentalism. At a time when the world could use a little good news, this session will provide a refreshing look at how Master Gardeners can make a difference and build habitat in their own backyards and communities.

John Forti is a garden historian and ethnobotanist who has directed gardens for Plimoth Plantation Museum in Massachusetts, Strawbery Banke Museum in New Hamshire, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and Bedrock Gardens, also in New Hampshire. He is the author of the best-selling garden book The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World.

John has served as board chair for New England chapters of The Herb Society of America and Slow Food USA. He has won numerous awards for historic garden preservation, children’s garden design, educational exhibits and apps; as well as the award for Civic Improvement from The Garden Club of America, and most recently, the Award of Excellence from National Garden Clubs. His posts as The Heirloom Gardener – John Forti go out regularly to millions on Facebook.