Synopses & Reviews
Hounds-tongue. Ragged robin. Costmary. Pennyroyal. All-heal. These plants, whose very names conjure up a bygone world, were among the great variety of flowers and herbs grown in Americaand#8217;s colonial and early Federal gardens. In this sumptuously illustrated book, a leading historic plant expert brings this botanical heritage back to life.
Drawing on years of archival research and field trials in Colonial Williamsburgand#8217;s gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, Lawrence Griffith documents fifty-six species of flowers and herbs and provides details on how they were cultivated and used. For each plant, an elegant period hand-colored engraving, watercolor, or woodcut is presented along with glorious new photographs by Barbara Temple Lombardi.
This book is a dazzling treat for armchair gardeners and for those who have visited and admired the famous gardens of Colonial Williamsburg. It is also an invaluable companion for twenty-first-century gardeners who will appreciate the specific advice of a master gardener on how to plan, choose appropriate species for, and maintain a beautiful, historic flower and herb garden.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a not-for-profit educational institution that operates the worldand#8217;s largest living history museum.
Published in association with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Review
"Mr. Griffith's knowledge is both scholarly and as practical as that of any gardener who has spent hours weeding on his hands and knees."—Anne Raver, New York Times Anne Raver
Review
"Gorgeous photos, interesting plant discussions, practical cultivation advice, medical uses, and glimpses into plant history . . . a luxurious gift for a gardener. . . . The photos are magical even for non-gardeners and the text is a joy to read . . ."—Cheval Force Opp,
Washington Gardener New York Times
Review
"The multilayers of information—inspirational gardening quotations, details on habit, tips for growing and period engravings, watercolors and woodcuts—provide provocative visual counterparts to the stunning photography by Barbara Temple Lombardi."—Patty Craft, Horticulture Magazine Cheval Force Opp - Washington Gardener
Synopsis
A detailed look at early American flowers and herbs, with expert advice on creating a garden with historically accurate plants
Hounds-tongue. Ragged robin. Costmary. Pennyroyal. All-heal. These plants, whose very names conjure up a bygone world, were among the great variety of flowers and herbs grown in America's colonial and early Federal gardens. In this sumptuously illustrated book, a leading historic plant expert brings this botanical heritage back to life.
Drawing on years of archival research and field trials in Colonial Williamsburg's gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, Lawrence Griffith documents fifty-six species of flowers and herbs and provides details on how they were cultivated and used. For each plant, an elegant period hand-colored engraving, watercolor, or woodcut is presented along with glorious new photographs by Barbara Temple Lombardi.
This book is a dazzling treat for armchair gardeners and for those who have visited and admired the famous gardens of Colonial Williamsburg. It is also an invaluable companion for twenty-first-century gardeners who will appreciate the specific advice of a master gardener on how to plan, choose appropriate species for, and maintain a beautiful, historic flower and herb garden.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a not-for-profit educational institution that operates the world's largest living history museum.
Synopsis
In this sumptuously illustrated book, a leading historic plant expert brings the botanical heritage of colonial and early Federal gardens back to life. For each plant, an elegant period hand-colored engraving, watercolor, or woodcut is presented along with glorious new photographs.
About the Author
Lawrence Griffith is curator of plants for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and former garden columnist for the Daily Press, Newport News, VA. He lives on the Middle Peninsula of Virginia. Barbara Temple Lombardi is a photographer for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. She lives in Williamsburg, VA.