|
The heirloom seeds we preserve and cultivate are an important part of our mission to leave a cultural legacy for future generations. Since heirloom seeds are open pollinated, their progeny will faithfully exhibit the traits of the original plant. This enables gardeners to preserve seeds from the most productive and flavorful produce or the plants best adapted to the region’s soil and climate. When gardeners use heirloom plants today, they revive the ideals and tastes of those who carefully stewarded them through generations. Using the uniquely expressive qualities of these plants, the Historic Landscapes Department accurately recreates and shares the beauty and usefulness of gardens of the past. Heirloom seeds are available from the Strawbery Banke Museum gift shop.
Organic gardening is another cornerstone of the historic landscapes program at Strawbery Banke. Since many of the Museum’s gardens predate the current use of agricultural chemicals, we use organic methods of fertilizing, composting, and pest control. We work to foster the values of preservation while caring for the environment and teaching from historic plants. The gardens at Strawbery Banke will inspire any gardener who seeks to learn from the past to create a more sustainable future.
Heirlooms & Seed Saving (PDF)
Composting
New Hampshire Farm to School
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
Northeast Organic Farmers Association
Coast of Maine
Our Attempts To Go Solar
In the future, Strawbery Banke Museum hopes to move toward solar power in our Victorian Hothouse, in order to teach from the past for a more sustainable future. If you know of resources or funding opportunities to help us reach our goal, please email us at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Cornell Mix
This is the organic pesticide mix that we use on our plants at Strawbery Banke. The ingredients are inexpensive and the uses are versatile. Works great for a wide range of insect pests and mildews.
You will need:
Spray bottle
1 gallon jug
1 TBS Dr. Bronner’s liquid concentrate soap (or other all-natural liquid soap without phosphates)
1 TBS olive oil
1 TBS baking soda
Warm water
Put small amount of warm water in the bottom of the jug. Add soap, olive oil and baking soda. Swirl ingredients to blend them. Fill the rest of the jug with warm water and then put the cap on. Shake thoroughly. Dispense into spray bottle.
When applying to plants, make sure to get the undersides of leaves, tight crevices and tender new growth. Keep shaking mixture to keep ingredients well incorporated (oil will try to separate). Apply once a week for prevention and more often for an active problem.
|
