Durham Grown: The Durham County Library Garden Club
Ripe Tomato Revolution!
You probably aren't a terrible gardener. But why is that the message your tomatoes send you every summer? The answer is a concept called Sister Regions. Just as human sisters can often wear the same pants, Sister Regions can happily grow the same plants. But if your region isn't akin to where a plant, like tomatoes, evolved, then they may struggle to do well. We will dig into the origins of the first tomato plants and their circuitous route to becoming the most valued vegetable (or are they a fruit?). Expect these mysteries to be unraveled with Frank Hyman, author of Ripe Tomato Revolution!
Frank will also throw in a few of his revolutionary tomato growing techniques: a tomato house? a straw bale patio? a compost bin on wheels? Expect your tomato growing to be radicalized!
Frank Hyman spent his 20’s as a very successful college dropout. Returning to school at 27, he studied under Dr. J. C. Raulston, for whom the arboretum is named and earned a double major in horticulture and design at NCSU. He managed an organic tomato farm and worked for conventional tomato farmers as an IPM scout in the 1980’s. He's an award-winning garden designer as well as a carpenter and stone mason. Frank has written articles, essays and columns for Horticulture, Organic Gardening, Modern Farmer, Urban Farm, Hobby Farms, Fine Gardening, Mother Earth News as well as The NY Times and the Wall Street Journal. His first two books, "Hentopia" and "How to Forage Mushrooms Without Dying: An Absolute Beginner's Guide", are both best sellers. His most recent book, "Ripe Tomato Revolution" comes out in March 2026.
Registration is appreciated for email reminders, cancellation links, and program updates.
Parking is available in the library lot or at the North Queen Street Garage which is locate at 115 North Queen Street which is located directly across the street from the library. Parking is free in the garage. Bring your parking ticket to a library service point for validation.
