Heirloom Festival 2008

IT ALL BEGAN IN 1943

Dowling’s yearly celebration of old-fashioned fruits, vegetables and flowers pays tribute to our start as a Victory Garden during World War II. In 1943 the Twin Cities had 130,000 gardeners, and by 1944 40% of all the fresh vegetables in Minnesota were grown in Victory Gardens. Heirloom Festival will showcase some of the same varieties grown by your parents or grand-parents, provide sources for old-time varieties, and give away seeds saved at Dowling Garden.

We’ll have an assortment of old photographs from the early years of the Garden. And you can learn about plants traditionally used to color fabric at the “Using Vegetables and Flowers as Natural Dyes” display.

TOMATO AND PEPPER TASTING

Last year’s pepper tasting was so popular, we are offering it again. Sample hot (if you dare!) and sweet varieties. Selection will depend on what is ripe at the time (one pepper which might be available is considered the hottest in the world!)

The festival will continue to feature samples of heirloom and more recently introduced open-pollinated tomatoes. Taste a wide assortment of cherry, beefsteak, salad and cooking tomatoes and determine which varieties you’d like to grow next year.

SUSTAINABLE GARDENING INFORMATION

Insects are causing problems for many gardeners this year. Check out the “Problem Pests” display to identify bugs and learn how to prevent damage to your crops. You will also find information sheets on using cover crops and improving your soil (also available at www.DowlingCommunityGarden.org)

Attend a free seminar: Veronica Malone, a Hennepin County Master Gardener, will demonstrate container gardening techniques for flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Her talk on “Container Gardening” is at 12 noon. Derek Schumacher from J.R. Johnson will talk on “Building Better Soil” at 1 pm. Derek’s talk will focus on creating above and below ground microbial bio-diversity for pest control and soil fertility; mulching; and managing water pH.

Also check out the information about proper storage techniques to make the most of your garden harvest at the “Gardening on a Budget” display.