1850's flower garden - Ask Extension
We have a small garden, 10'x10', at an historic house; what flowers would have been planted there? We're thinking perennials with some bloom each seas...
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1850's flower garden #401362
Asked May 20, 2017, 11:12 PM EDT
We have a small garden, 10'x10', at an historic house; what flowers would have been planted there? We're thinking perennials with some bloom each season. It would be fun to have a few that are not common today. 1850-1875
Could you give us the list of your sources?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for the question. What a fun and challenging garden to contemplate! I'm not aware of sources for the time period you request so did a bit of research. You might find the information you're looking for by reaching out to:
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/
Minnesota Historical Society
http://www.mnhs.org/
This University of Vermont Extension publication has actual lists of plants used in vintage 1850 gardens:
http://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/pubs/oh51.htm These plants are recommended for Vermont but our climate is similar so many of the choices would work well for Minnesota. Be sure to research your choices and make sure they are hardy to your zone 4b.
Thank you for contacting Extension and good luck.
