Pioneers

Over the last 5+ decades of growing plants indoors and out, I have been blessed to meet some wonderful landscape designers, growers, houseplant enthusiasts, hybridizers, collectors, plant specialists, and overall lovers of plants.

My knowledge has grown from sharing my plant adventures in collecting plants with others. But I’ve gained so much more by learning from the experience of others. I’ve been fascinated with the trials and experiences from that grand golden age of gardening – the 1940s-1960s.

This was long before we could send an email, snap a picture on our phone or the internet.

Over the past 20+ years, I have read and collected thousands of articles from the Golden Age.

Some of the plants, annuals, perennials, shrubs, and flower varieties you will not find at your local garden center. Other plants have been hybridized and improved upon with familiar names.

The writers in the articles shared their experiences, tips, tricks, success, discoveries, and warnings. Read what they did and throw out the dates. There are plenty of plant care nuggets to learn.

Sharing their learned lessons is a pleasure, and there is much to learn from these plant pioneers.

NOTE: The articles appear with minimal edits. Some plants are no longer available, and others have been changed or reclassified.