BELFAST — The Belfast Free Library in collaboration with the Belfast Garden Club presents an evening lecture Tuesday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m., with John Forti titled, “Heirloom Gardening with Traditional Plants and Skills.” The program will take place in the Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library and via Zoom.

John Forti, an award-winning heirloom specialist, garden historian, and author, is executive director of Bedrock Gardens, an artist-inspired public sculpture garden and landscape in Lee, New Hampshire. This talk draws from Forti’s 2021 book, The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World, which made a plea for returning to gardening practices that support, rather than undermine, the ecology of a place.

Richly illustrated with period images Forti’s presentation shares inspiration from our long history of heirloom preservation, garden craft and homestead lifeways that are helping us to rebuild vibrant local agricultural economies and celebrate sustainable cottage industries, according to Belfast Free Library, in a news release.

"At a time when we could all use a little good news, we hope you will join us for a refreshing look at how you can make a difference and build habitat in your own backyard and community," said BFL.

Forti will attend via Zoom; BFL will set up for an audience in the Abbott Room.

To preregister for the Zoom option go to https://belfastlibrary.org/events/ and find the listing for March 4.

For more information please call the library at 207-338-3884 ext. 10.