Old-Time Gardens, Newly Set Forth

"Old-Time Gardens, Newly Set Forth" by Alice Morse Earle is a journey back in time to colonial America, where the simple act of gardening held profound significance for early settlers. The book vividly illustrates how these colonists, longing for a connection to their homeland, painstakingly recreated familiar gardens amidst the unfamiliar landscapes of the New World. Through descriptions and historical accounts, the author showcases how gardens flourished, evolving into spaces that provided not only beauty and solace, but also sustenance and healing. Early on, the story paints a picture of Puritans stepping onto New England shores, greeted by the welcoming scents of gardens, reflecting their determination to cultivate both the land and their cultural identity. The narrative captures the dedication of those who carried seeds and plants across the ocean, as well as the observations of early writers who recognized the importance of gardens in the lives of these resilient pioneers, blending history and horticulture into a celebration of cultural belonging.