Heirloom Gardening with Christina Wilke-Burbach PhD

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Program Type:

Lecture, Workshop

Age Group:

Adult
  • Registration is required for this event.
  • Registration will open on May 18, 2026 @ 5:00pm.

Program Description

Disclaimer(s)

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library at 920-459-3400.

Event Details

An heirloom is generally considered something worth passing down. An heirloom seed, therefore, is seed from a plant that has been passed from one generation to another, carefully grown and saved because it is considered valuable. The value could lie in its flavor, productivity, hardiness, color, or adaptability. 

In the last century, 94% of our seed varieties have disappeared due to the focus of biotech chemical companies, grocery stores, big agriculture, and the food industry on a handful of mass-produced varieties. By exposing the educating participants to rare plants and heirlooms, we can preserve diversity and defend the future of food, plants, and nature. Without seed diversity, crop diseases rise and famines happen. Mono-gardening is also terrible for the environment and it disturbs the ecological balance. Heirlooms are diverse, hardy, disease resistant, attract wildlife and pollinators, have rich flavor, and high level of antioxidants and nutrients. 

This class will dive deep into heirloom gardening. Participants will learn about different kinds of heirloom plants (focusing on vegetables and herbs), where to find the seeds, and how to plant for success.