The native plants and extraordinary plant developments that America has shared with the world. Since 1492 when Columbus arrived in the Caribbean, the American continents have been introducing the world to some of the most incredible, dramatic, fantastic, delicious and beautiful plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs the world has ever known. The Spanish may have come looking for gold and precious gems, but what they discovered was horticultural gold and the gems of the plant kingdom that would forever enrich the lives of every living thing on this planet.

This lecture is divided into two parts: the first part describes three of the most significant American plant developments affecting the lives and/or gardens of all the people of this planet; and the second part tells the little known story of the unique role that American horticulture played in the founding of The United States of America. Very little research has been done to organize and detail the important contributions America has made to the horticultural splendor of this planet. If you love history and have an interest in or passion for gardening, this is a lecture for you and well worth your time.

Biography

Barbara is president of Harvesting History Heirlooms LLC, a horticultural company founded in 2016. For 13 years, she was president and CEO of The D. Landreth Seed Company, the oldest seedhouse in America established in 1784, and the fourth oldest US corporation. Prior to purchasing Landreth, Barbara was the Managing Partner of Tritech Partners, LLP, a seed stage venture capital partnership which invested in early stage technology enterprises in the Mid-Atlantic region.