"Spring has nearly sprung, which means it’s time to kick off the Rockport Public Library’s Spring Horticulture Talks, in partnership with Merryspring Nature Center," said the library, in a news release.

The first presentation entitled, “My Favorite Vegetables: Growing Gourmet,” will take place Wednesday, March 11, at 1 p.m., in the library’s lower level. All programs in this series, held monthly from March through June, are free and open to the public.

From 1998 to 2020, John and Kathy Fromer grew gourmet vegetables for fine restaurants, caterers, B&B’s, and markets. Selected for their taste and unique colors, these vegetables were still warm from the garden when delivered. Varieties were chosen to thrive in Midcoast Maine and provide bountiful harvests from a one-acre garden.

"Because they did not travel from afar, the produce had excellent shelf life and maintained their flavor and nutritional value," said the news release.  

John Fromer will discuss these selections and provide tips on how to grow them. Most are only available to grow from seed due to their uniqueness.

"Fortunately, gourmet vegetables are no harder to grow than standard varieties," said the release.

John Fromer is a Maine Master Gardener Volunteer and the Program Director at Merryspring Nature Center, a 66-acre sanctuary in Camden and Rockport dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the midcoast of Maine.