Readers of The Heirloom Orchardist know that it’s derived from old published writings on farming and gardening. These antique publications are essential to gardeners interested in garden history, heirloom plants, garden restoration, organic farming methods, botanical art and country lore. Plant catalogues are a special treat. The combination of historical heirloom plant descriptions and rich colorful illustrations, make these publications a delight for green-thumbed historians.
Unfortunately, these old publications are becoming increasingly rare. When we do find them, they're expensive. So, here's an interesting solution for garden historians:
A Selection of Trees, Shrubs, and Decorative Flowering Vines from the 1893 Sears Henry & Company Trade Nursery catalog!
The Heirloom Shrub Collection
From The 1893 Sears, Henry and Co. Nursery Catalog
The Heirloom Vine Collection
From The 1893 Sears, Henry and Co. Nursery Catalog
The Heirloom Tree Collection
From The 1893 Sears, Henry and Co. Nursery Catalog
The Heirloom Orchardist has prepared this page devoted to garden enthusiates interested in compiling a collection of heirloom plants and allied botanical prints. This opportunity comes from a creative pairing of two e-commerce sites; one devoted to providing high quality reproductions of antique botanical art, and the other devoted to providing the plants depicted in the prints.
Here's a description of the nursery that, in 1893, published the lavishly illustrated catalog that provides a basis for this collection. The following is quoted from the “History of Ontario County, NY” published in 1878:
SEARS, HENRY & Co.
James S. SEARS, David H. HENRY, Lemuel HERENDEEN
This (nursery) business was commenced in 1866, under the firm name of Anderson, Sears & Smith. In 1866 it was known as Anderson, Sears and Henry, and in 1869 it was changed to the present firm. The original size of the nursery was 24 acres, which has been increased to 150 acres in 1876. This firm employ has been 15 to 40 men, and sell stock in 15 different States. Their varieties are apple, cherry, plum, peach, quince, orange, and a large variety of ornamental trees, plants, and shrubs, with a general assortment of small fruits, consisting of currants, raspberries, strawberries, etc.
This enterprise was begun on a small scale, with little capital; but by strict attention to business, coupled with a thorough knowledge of this branch of industry and honorable dealings, the trade is constantly increasing, and Messrs. Sears, Henry & Co. justly deserve the wide and honorable reputation they have attained.
The illustrations in this catalog are beautiful, and the plant descriptions are wonderful. This catalog was published during an exciting time in horticultural history. A time when plant explorers were funded by wealthy collectors to travel to exotic lands for the purpose of bringing back these botanical treasures. Many of these old favorites are described as "new" introductions. Have a look!
The Heirloom Shrub Collection
From The 1893 Sears, Henry and Co. Nursery Catalog
The Heirloom Vine Collection
From The 1893 Sears, Henry and Co. Nursery Catalog
The Heirloom Tree Collection
From The 1893 Sears, Henry and Co. Nursery Catalog
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