Sunday, April 14, 2013

Old Homestead Gardens

It sure has been a while since I posted from this blog site. I've been active on many other social network platforms, but somehow, I neglect this blog area. I'd like to change that behavior and to start, I'd like to tell you about a new project I'm working on. 

My project involves researching plants found on abandoned homesteads and property that would indicate where a house had been located. I realize I am not specifically looking for native plants, because I think people, women especially, would have brought plants from other locations that reminded them of “home” or other family members left behind. They also would want plants that flowered, but were very low maintenance. After all, life wasn't easy in early Texas and there wasn't a lot of time for the leisure activity we call gardening!



I’ve only just begun my research and am looking for books, narratives, even personal accounts, etc. of homestead life in Texas. If any of you would possibly know of any sources I could investigate or have information perhaps passed down from family members, I would greatly appreciate it. 

So far, I've thought about Crinum Lilies, old roses, iris and reseeding annuals that would be either not native to the area or in greater profusion than would be found elsewhere in the area.

I hope some of you have some ideas for me!! 

Until Later...

Good Gardening to You!