The Heirloom garden, assembled in the summer and fall of 2010 with the help of Master Gardeners from the Tri-County area, and with building structures created and built by Boy Scouts and Girl Scout projects, serves as a place of learning and relaxation. Many people visiting the Nature center or participating in a tour of the Lanark Gardens are able to enjoy the beauty of plants from the past.

There are quite a few definitions for what an Heirloom plant is: we use it to define those plants brought to the American colonies from the time they were founded in the 1600s until the 1950s and those that are native to America and were used by Native Americans and then later by the settlers. Numerous Southern Heirloom plants are originally from China and Japan. All of these treasures were used for food, seasoning, medicine, beautification, dyes and home crafts.

Plants go out of style just like clothing fashions do. Countless plants that were popular in the 1700s or 1800s have been lost because people stopped growing them. Due to much care and concern by plant enthusiasts, some were saved. The Lanark Heirloom Garden is collecting Heirlooms to educate and entertain the public. Guided tours are available by scheduling only. Please call the office and ask for Maria Pacheco Grounds Specialist and Tour Director.