The West Chicago Garden Club

An Encyclopedia of Heirloom Ornamental Plants, 1640-1940, by Denise Wiles Adams was published in 2004. It is a remarkable book of history and horticulture with emphasis on American history that connects us with national roots and cherished past generations. This book is a treasure trove of information as well as heart warming. Much information for this reference was obtained from nursery plant or seed catalogs of the day, augmented and confirmed by period books and magazines. I thought it would be fun to share bits of history on select Kruse Garden plants.

Smoke tree, Cotinus coggygria, several installed in the gardens over the last few years
Earliest American citation: George Washington, ca 1786
Remarks: “It is beautiful, curious, and desirable” (Scott 1870)

Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syricus, northeast corner foundation planting , also east border
Earliest American citation: John Custis 1736
Design notes: “The altheas are fine, free growing and free blooming shrubs, of the easiest cultivation. Very desirable on account of blooming in the autumn months, when scarcely any other tree or shrub is in blossom” Eellwanger & Barry, New York, 1860)

American columbine, Aquilegia Canadensis, scattered through back garden
Earliest American citation: Jean Skipwith, ca. 1800
Design notes: “The debonair little red-and-yellow native sort [of columbine]…is fit to bring into the garden to shine among the best…(Wilder 1918)

Lance-leaf coreopsis, Coreopsis lanceolata, back garden
Earliest American citation: M’Mahon, Philadelphia, 1804
Design notes: “Coreopsis lanceolata is a very charming plant for front rows, especially if it can have a place where it is given the benefit of contrast with a white flower, like the daisy” (Rexford 1912)

Bleeding heart, Dicentra spectabilis, planted by garage and throughout Angie’s garden
Earliest American citation: The Horticulturist, July 1854
Description: “Very curious and beautiful, immensely hardy, long in bloom, foliage neat, flowers pendant ,from arcs or sprays, …(Bloomington Nursery, Illinois, 1868)

Dame’s rocket, Hesperis matronalis, back garden…has proved to be invasive
Earliest American citation: Spurrier, 1793
Description: “A vigorous, hardy, herbaceous perennial plant forming clumps 2-3 ft high, branched from the base,and covered with showy terminal pyramidal spikes of 4 petaled flowers, resembling stocks….color range from white through lilac and pink to purple” (Bailey 1906)

If only there was space to share more!  Enjoy your own garden heirloom plants and plan to enjoy those of the Kruse Gardens this year too.