The genius behind the lawn at Chatsworth was Capability Brown (1716-1783). In the course of…
Victorians Loved Winter Indoor Gardening
Victorians loved winter indoor gardening.
Recently I received a press release from Costa Farms about growing house plants in the winter.
The company’s argument that encourages indoor plants sounds quite similar to what I have read in the seed and nursery catalogs of the nineteenth century.
Costa Farms advises us to “infuse new life into spaces by decorating with easy-to-care-for houseplants. It’s simple to give rooms, from bedrooms to bathrooms and even kitchens, a small pick-me-up during winter months.”
Justin Hancock, garden expert at Costa Farms, says “The key is picking a plant that likes the room’s environment.”
Victorian gardeners loved nothing more than plants in the house during the cold days of winter.
Under the title “House Adornments” Rochester, New York seed company owner James Vick (1818-1882) wrote in his catalog of 1872 , “Nothing gives a home a more cheerful appearance in winter than a few plants and flowers, and when they are accompanied with tasteful accessories, the fine effect is much increased.”
In the same catalog Vick sold articles a homeowner needed for indoor gardening such as a black walnut shelf on bronze brackets, a black walnut fernery, and a walnut window garden box.
This Illustration of indoor gardening from Catherine Esther Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1869 book The American Woman’s Home shows how plants in the window can provide a sense of comfort to the summer gardener. [below]
Yesterday a catalog arrived in the mail from Logee’s. The nursery, located in Connecticut, is one of my favorite greenhouses. It offers great plant choices for the indoor gardener. The new catalog lists thirty-eight new plants, just the inspiration a gardener needs.
It’s winter. No wonder, just like Vick’s catalog once encouraged, advertising for indoor plants now fills my mailbox.
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I’m glad I was able to inspire. I’d love to see more people enjoying the beauty and benefits of houseplants!
It goes to show houseplants are ALWAYS in style!
Justin, your words in that press release from Garden Media Group motivated me to write this blog post. Glad you liked it.
That’s great to hear, Thomas! We all need more houseplants in our lives!
Stacey,right now I am watching four Amaryllis plants in my window. Tall green leaves but no buds yet.
Thanks.