The Hidden Horticulturists

Synopsis

'Delightful... The Hidden Horticulturists pulsates with the extraordinary energy and excitement of the time.' Daily Mail Chosen as one of the Sunday Telegraph's 'Top Ten Gardening Books of the Year' _____________________ The untold story of the remarkable young men who played a central role in the history of British horticulture and helped to shape the way we garden today. In 2012, whilst working at the Royal Horticultural Society's library, Fiona Davison unearthed a book of handwritten notes that dated back to 1822. The notes, each carefully set out in neat copperplate writing, had been written by young gardeners in support of their application to be received into the Society's Garden. Amongst them was an entry from the young Joseph Paxton, who would go on to become one of Britain's best-known gardeners and architects. But he was far from alone in shaping the way we garden today and now, for the first time, the stories of the young, working-class men who also played a central role in the history of British horticulture can be told. Using their notes, Fiona Davison traces the stories of a selection of these forgotten gardeners whose lives would take divergent paths to create a unique history of gardening. The trail took her from Chiswick to Bolivia and uncovered tales of fraud, scandal and madness - and, of course, a large number of fabulous plants and gardens. This is a celebration of the unsung heroes of horticulture whose achievements reflect a golden moment in British gardening, and continue to influence how we garden today.

Summary

The Hidden Horticulturists is a novel by Susan Dean Starke that delves into the lives of both men and women who are “hidden horticulturists,” people who work in horticulture but are not recognized for their achievements in the field. The novel follows the lives of five characters: J.D., an experienced farmer and horticulturist; Danny, a master gardener with a passion for teaching; Hershey, an urban farmer attempting to make her mark on the world by growing food for the poor; Bonnie, a green-thumbed taxonomist who can name plants on sight; and Esmeralda, a florist who fears her dreams of business success are doomed to fail. Through their experiences, we learn that horticulture is much more than just gardening and is a field that requires knowledge, dedication, and perseverance.

In Chapter One, we are introduced to J.D., the season farm manager of Fun-Gro Produce, who is struggling to support his family with his low wages from the job. After realizing his potential, he sets out to find a way to make more money doing what he loves and, eventually, starts the Horticulturists Guild, an organization that gives him the recognition and support he deserves.

In Chapter Two, we learn about Danny, who finds himself in the same position as J.D. and decides to take a different route to financial success. He finds a job as a master gardener teaching horticulture classes for a local community college, a job that puts his love of plants at the forefront and gives him the chance to share his passion for horticulture with others.

In Chapter Three, we meet Hershey, the urban farmer struggling to make her mark in the world of horticulture. She experiments with different varieties of plants and grows food for people in her community who are in need, but she soon realizes that the demand for her product is overwhelming and that she needs to find ways to expand her farm. Ultimately, she finds a way to make it work with the help of the Horticulturists Guild.

In Chapter Four, we meet Bonnie, the taxonomist who can identify plants on sight. Through her expertise and the help of the Horticulturists Guild, she begins to find her footing in the horticulture field.

In Chapter Five, we meet Esmeralda, the florist with big dreams of owning a successful business. She works hard at her shop, but she is worried that her business is doomed to fail until she is able to join the Horticulturists Guild and finds support she never imagined.

The Hidden Horticulturists is a novel that celebrates the accomplishments and dedication of those who work in horticulture. Through the stories of J.D., Danny, Hershey, Bonnie, and Esmeralda, we see the rewards of hard work, the power of community, and the importance of recognizing the contributions of the “hidden horticulturists.”