Did you ever wonder what the elements of a cottage garden are? On second thought, think about this. You might get as many answers as people you ask. Famous garden writers like Christopher Lloyd have written books on the subject.…
Who would think that a horticulturist would be struck one day by the beauty of topiary? Well, it happened to Robert Buist (1804-1880). Buist owned his own plant business in Philadelphia where he sold various kinds of plants, including the…
Here in the northeast we just had a coat of snow. Gardening up here is far from one's thoughts right now. Nontheless, the National Garden Bureau has proclaimed April the National Garden Month. Perhaps it has to do with planning…
Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, in his book English Garden Eccentrics: Three Hundred Years of Extraordinary Groves, Burrowings, Mountains and Menageries, mentions Vauxhall Gardens in London. I had to investigate why these gardens were called 'eccentric.' Perhaps it was the focus of pleasure…
In the late nineteenth century modern advertising took on the role of presenting the culture, both in words and image. An ad sold more than the product. It sold a way of life, a way to be, and a way…