Allegiance to the Lawn
It is that time of year when homeowners once again stress out about the lawn. Are you one of them? You ask yourself 'What do I need to do for my lawn?' and ' When do I do it?' We…
Instructions on an Outdoor Victorian Vase
Where there was an extensive lawn in the garden plan, New York horticulturist James Vick (1818-1882) encouraged a large, well-filled vase be placed in the center of each side of the lawn. Tall flowers and plants with ornamental foliage were…
Boxed Perennials for Sale at Local Grocery Chain
To my surprise I found an array of sixteen pernnials for sale at the local Star Market, a large grocery chain. The plants each came in an individual box. All were assembled into a large cardboard stand which was a…
Nineteenth Century Horticulturist Peter Henderson
One of the most prolific writers of the nineteenth century, horticulturist Peter Henderson (1822-1890) wrote several books. Henderson was born in Scotland and trained 'in the Old World method' of gardening, according to Wilhelm Miller, Chicago landscape designer. In 1847…
Resource for Native Plants
Everybody talks about the need to grow native plants in the garden. Even seed company owner James Vick (1818-1882) in the nineteenth century encouraged his customers, spread across the country, to grow native plants. He loved and encouraged gardeners to…