I just purchased the other day a new book, entitled,Restoring American Gardens: An Encyclopedia of Heirloom Ornamental Plants,1640 to 1940, by Denise Wiles Adams, published by Timber Press.

I bought it for 10.00 at TJMAXX. It has a lot of illustrations and information on plants
and seed companys of the period.There is a lot of information on all kinds of plants. I haven't started reading it yet, but plan to over the Easter holiday.

I'll let you all know what I thought of it when I get a chance, but it looks very interesting.

Thanks Hilda,

I've added it to the bookstore.



Restoring American Gardens

Let us know what you think.

L.

Well I still haven't read the book yet, but I'll look it over this evening since I don't have to work at TJMAXX tonight.
But it does indeed look interesting.
I try to be on the lookout for books on gardening of the period.

Also, The Antique Rose Emporium has a website
and several nurseries here.One is near Bracken
and close to me, the main one is in Brenham,Tx
and they have another one elsewhere in the state.

Still haven't had much of a chance to read the book yet.Just alot going on here.

Also, check out Baker Creek Farms.
They have a website and sell heirloom vegetable seeds and even I think some flower seeds as well.

quote:

Baker Creek Farms

Thanks for that. I ordered myself a catalog to peruse during the dark days of February. Dreaming of tomatoes..

Lauren

The book is pretty interesting.it lists in the book sources in the past were one could purchase these plants.One place listed was in New Braunfels,Texas, just about 12 miles from me.
Also, the book lists plants that are invasive.They were popular, but in certain areas of the country they do take over.These plants are named and listed by geographic areas.
Has some interesting old photos and chromolithographs of plants.They also list shrubs and trees. Didn't really look to see if they had crepe myrtles listed, but i assume they did. You see lots of them in this area as it is too hot for lilacs in the summer down around San Antonio,since sometimes we get 100 degrees or more.