MATTAPOISETT — The Mattapoisett Free Public Library and Mattapoisett Women’s Club are collaborating to host a lecture by John Forti, author of “The Heirloom Gardener.”

Forti will hold a lecture called “Heirloom and Native Plants – A Living History” at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett  on Tuesday, Aug. 3 at 4 p.m.  This Purrington Lecture Series event is sponsored by the Mattapoisett Library Trust and the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club.  In his presentation, Forti will provide an illustrated talk that brings to life the unique and living history of plants that have a defining presence in the local region. It explores the significance of heirloom and open-pollinated plants and gives voice to the history they keep alive. For those interested in gardens that inspire a sense of time and place, this talk will aim to  foster a better understanding of the most tried and true plants and the community’s role in preservation. 

Forti is a garden historian and ethnobotanist who has directed gardens for Plimoth Plantation Museum, Strawbery Banke Museum, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and Bedrock Gardens.  He has won numerous awards for historic garden preservation, children’s garden design, herbal and historical education and most recently, the Award of Excellence from National Garden Clubs.

“The Heirloom Gardener” was inspired by Forti’s posts as “The Heirloom Gardener - John Forti,” which go out regularly to millions on Facebook, blending history, horticulture, environmentalism, poetry, art, kitchen and garden craft. He gardens and lives along the banks of the Piscataqua River.

For more information or to register, contact Library Director, Jennifer Jones, jjones@sailsinc.org, or call 508-758-4171. Registration is also available online through the library’s calendar of events found on  mattapoisettlibrary.org.