Nostalgia for Yesterday, Lessons for Today

Experience the beauty and wisdom of traditional Italian American backyard vegetable gardens and learn about their relevance for reconnecting to our food, our families, and the earth. Mary Menniti, founder of The Italian Garden Project, will share how these gardens serve as glimpses into the past that can lead to a brighter, more sustainable future.

Growing up with an Italian immigrant grandfather, Mary came to know and value his self-reliant lifestyle, his careful use of resources, and his extensive gardening knowledge. She founded The Italian Garden Project to preserve old-world food and gardening traditions and demonstrate that the wisdom Italian American gardeners possess is relevant for addressing some of the most pressing challenges of today.