The term "heirloom" as it refers to plants is not officially defined. Consequently, its meaning is influenced by cultural, historic, or ecological significance.

The results of seed testing by the author for Renee's Garden, an online source for heirloom seeds.

The Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, in Mineral, Va., however, does define heirloom as varieties of plants developed prior to 1940 through open-pollination (without human intervention). According to the Exchange, during that time, produce was locally grown, selected primarily for its looks, flavor, and ability to perform well in an organic environment, and local adaptability.

But during World War II, a concerted effort was made to ship large quantities of produce to Europe. This effort changed forever the relationship of growers and consumers, and soon, produce was developed for its shippability, uniform ripeness, and ability to perform well in a chemical environment.

Fearing the loss of produce that was once grown solely for its look and flavor, the Exchange made a commitment to being a preservation tool for collecting and distributing varieties with heritage, flavor, disease resistance, and other qualities of interest to gardeners.

"I know the terms 'heirloom' and 'heritage,'" says Doug Hensel, president of The Great Big Greenhouse in Midlothian, "are somewhat misused in our industry. When I identify with this term, I mostly refer to vegetables that were grown in earlier periods. And, here at the Greenhouse, we do carry a good selection of heirloom tomatoes. Some of the varieties that we carry are Brandywine, Abraham Lincoln, German Johnson, Oxheart, Rutgers, and some others. Still, I think gardeners should broaden their concept of heirloom. For, whether it is the memory of lush blooming hydrangea or the smell of old-fashioned roses or the touch of a lamb's ear leaf, it is individual experience with plants that creates our sense of heritage, making plants heirloom."

Local heirloom farms: Amy's Garden, located in Quinton, grows and sells heirloom vegetables, flowers, and seeds. Amy Hicks and her husband, certified organic producers, direct market their bounty at two farmers' markets, including the 17th Street Farmers' Market in Richmond, twice a week. They deliver delicious, fresh, unusual produce and specialize in heirloom tomatoes and hard-to-find vegetable varieties. Known for its rare and unusual plants is A Thyme to Plant at Lavender Fields Farm located in Glen Allen. Not only are there old-time favorite herbs for sale, but the farm also recently implemented a unique design and installation service, HerbScapes. This heirloom-style service provides the opportunity to select your favorite herbs and have them installed in a crazy quilt or other pattern in your landscape.

Before you begin a quest for heirloom plants, determine, as Hensel says, your sense of heritage, what makes a plant heirloom for you. Attend plant sales such as Maymont's Herbs Galore on Saturday, April 28, in Richmond and see what triggers your sense of heritage. Take a day trip to Monticello to visit the gardens where truly historic plants are grown and sold. Taste heirloom varieties and try growing them from seed in your own garden. Visit virginiagardening.com to find gardening events and information.

Make your gardening experience heirloom: a memory of color, fragrance, taste, and touch.