Meet Kate, Owner & Founder
Kate Hubbard grew up in a family of horticulturists and her love of edible plants began with simple herbs in containers (they still hold a special place in her heart and home garden).
After a 15-year career in marketing, Kate realized plants were her future, and in 2021 began a career transition.
She is currently a Crop Sciences graduate student at the University of Illinois to specialize in Olericulture (vegetable growing), and applies new research findings and tests cultivars in her Chicago home garden and clients’ gardens.
She also serves as President of the Friends of Kilbourn Park Greenhouse in Chicago, where she helps execute their mission to advance environmental stewardship in the community by connecting people to nature, teaching sustainable gardening practices, and promoting fresh and healthy food. As a garden educator, she especially enjoys teaching about home vegetable gardening and cooking with your harvest.
My Gardening Philosophy
An edible garden is more sustainable and productive when you invite nature in. That’s why I focus on building thriving ecosystems through biodiversity and healthy soils.
When land is urbanized, it is critical to restore the plants, ecology, skills and connections to nature that are lost. Without this, our future becomes unsustainable and susceptible to increases in mental and physical health issues, habitat and biodiversity loss, food nutrition loss and environment degradation. Residents and home gardens are uniquely positioned to make an immediate impact, therefore quickly becoming part of the solution.
Heirlooms & Herbs helps our communities create a more sustainable outdoor and food-alternative lifestyle through thoughtful garden design that considers the environment, biodiverse ecosystems and aesthetics of our urban landscapes. Regardless of space or land available, everyone has the opportunity to be a responsible land steward and make lifestyle changes that benefit our future.
Whether you need fresh design ideas, seasonal upkeep, or friendly advice, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll turn your outdoor space into a place you can’t wait to step into.
Ready to See Your Garden Thrive?
Drop a quick note and let’s bring your outdoor vision to life together.