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Restoring American Gardens: An Encyclopedia of Heirloom Ornamental Plants, 1640-1940

From the colonial era to the pre-World War II period, this remarkable book of history and horticulture documents the changing plant palette of American gardens. ... Show synopsis

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  • Dec 20, 2007
    By Barb, Lilburn, GA

    Let's cut to the chase: if you're interested in historic American garden design, you're going to want this in your library.

    The first section of the book (American Garden Design) will be a rehash for anyone who has seriously studied the subject. That being said, it's a great introduction for anyone who is interested in practical and fashionable home gardening from the Colonial Era to WWII.

    The meat of the book, and the reason you're going to want it on your bookshelf, is the second section (Encyclopedia of Heirloom Ornamental Plants). Each entry gives the usual cultural information, plus the date of introduction and/or earliest citation, alternative names in period, and design notes from period sources. While not all entries are illustrated, many are, with both modern photographs and period illustrations.

    Several appendices round out this excellent volume. You'll find the expected list of sources for heirloom plants, but I was delighted to also see a list of historic plant sources and extensive regional plant list (conveniently divided into historic eras). There is also a listing of potentially invasive heirloom plants, helpfully notated.

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    Would recommend?: Yes  2 out of 2

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