The American garden has historically stood as a place of refuge. More than a provider of beauty, shade, and the occasional ripe tomato, Americans have also seen the garden as a powerful mental and spiritual retreat from the hectic pace of change in the outside world. In this presentation Mr. Shapiro traces the ideological significance of the garden for Americans over the course of the past two hundred and fifty years. In that time he believes the garden as an idea has remained remarkably stable: it has stood as a place separate from the outside world. This talk is divided into five distinct chronological periods: the Early Republic (1781-1850); Industrialization (1860-1910); the Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945); Suburbanization (1945-1960) and the Environmental Movement (1965-1980). In each period it can be shown how American societies at different times understood the garden as something that stood in opposition to larger environmental changes. Although each society understood the value of the garden differently, the notion of the garden as a refuge from the world outside remained remarkably consistent.

Please bring refreshments to share, and a plant or plant related item for the door prize table. The public is welcome to attend, and there is no fee.