For Shade and for Comfort : Democratizing Horticulture in the Nineteenth- Century Midwest

For Shade and for Comfort explores the unprecedented burst of horticulture interest in the nineteenth-century, and documents its influence on midwestern domestic landscapes. With its careful portrayal of actual ornamental plant use and its examination of nineteenth-century horticultural advice literature and nursery and seed trades, For Shade and for Comfort will appeal to rural, cultural, and environmental historians of the midwest, and those readers who simply love horticulture and gardening. "Drawing upon a wide range of largely unexplored resources including lithographic images of farm, village, and city homes; agricultural society records; nursery and seed catalogues; and the diaries and letters of local residents, this study examines how advocates encouraged ornamental plant, tree, and flower interest." "From these diverse perspectives, ornamental plants emerge as densely layered cultural symbols offering not only a very real touch of shade and beauty, but for many, a sense of security and comfort amidst a rapidly changing American society." "Cheryl Lyon-Jenness uses her extensive research into the changing views of horticulture in the Midwestern United States to produce a study that will delight plant aficionados of all kinds."--BOOK JACKET Explores the burst of horticulture interest in the 19th century, and documents its influence on Midwestern domestic landscapes. With its portrayal of ornamental plant use and its examination of 19th-century horticultural advice literature and nursery and seed trades, this book aims to appeal to rural, cultural, and environmental historians.