Southern Plant Lists - Southern Garden History Society

For whatever purposes you study these plant lists, it is equally important to note those
plants that are not listed as well as those that are. As an example, William Bryd II from Charles City
County, Virginia, listed numerous fruits, vegetables and herbs, but the list of flowers was very short
indeed. Is it possible that in 1736, edibles were more important in the garden than flowers?
While this group of lists provides that information to some degree, a leap of faith is
sometimes required. This is the first edition of what I trust will become a volume that is regularly ‘updated’
with newly uncovered data from all across the South and from all eras.
Beginning on the next page is a searchable chart of the fifty plants lists. The lists are very
individualistic, some are extensive nursery lists, others roses grown in a specific gardens, and others simply
a list of flowers. Each is important in its own right. Using the chart is quite simple; if you’re interested in
18th century flowers, choose the dates from the left side of the chart and follow the heading for annuals,
biennials and perennials to select the lists with the most promise.
I trust that you will find these lists helpful. In time, when additional lists are available, I’m
hopeful that we can have in a searchable, digital database for those computer literate researchers amongst
us.
Williamsburg, Virginia
September 2000
Gordon W. Chappell, Editor
Southern Plant Lists
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