Dried Squash & Gourds - 1797 Isaac Weld notes Native Americans using gourds

When Issac Weld toured North America at the end of the 18th-century, he recorded Indians using gourds in some of their rituals and ceremonies. (Travels through the States of North America, 1797): “Of Indian dances in Canada: the two others marked time equally with the drum, with kettles formed or dried squashes or gourds filled with pease.”

Plants in Early American Gardens - Lanceleaf Coreopsis

 Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)

Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)

Native to open woodlands, prairies, and meadows throughout much of the United States, Coreopsis lanceolata is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and not favored by deer. The cheery yellow flowers can bloom from late spring through the summer, especially with regular deadheading, are great for use as cut flowers, and attract butterflies. The merits of Lanceleaf Coreopsis have been recognized in this country since at least 1804, when Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon listed it in his seed catalog.

Primary Source - 1737 Runaway Gardener

Richmond County, August 27, 1737...ran away ...an Irish Man, talks thick, and much upon the Brogue, and was known by the Name of Bryan Kelly. He is of a middle Stature, black Hair, fresh Complexion, much Pock-fretten, his Head close shav'd when he went away, and professes himself a Gardener by Trade ; and took with him a Gun and Ammunition; Two old Black, and One Yellowish Natural Wigg, One coarse Camblet Coat, of a greenish Cast, half trimm'd, with with white Pearl Buttons, and only fac'd with Shalloon ; a Man's Cloth Coat half trimm'd, with yellow Mettle Buttons, and only fac'd ; one red Penistone Jacket, trimm'd, with Mettle Buttons ; one grey Cloth Jacket ; one pair of Cloth, and one pair of Ticken Breeches, one pair of new Trowsers, 3 Check'd Oznabrig Shirts, Shoes, and Stockings; and an old fine Hat without Lining...

Virginia Gazette (Parks), Williamsburg, From August 26 to September 2, 1737..

Plants in Early American Gardens - Saffron

Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus)

Although in cultivation since Roman times, the Saffron Crocus is not known to exist in the wild. It is the source of the culinary herb saffron, which is the long, conspicuous deep red stigma present in each flower. Saffron production became a major industry in England after its introduction in the 14th century. It has been documented in American gardens since the 18th century. In 1807, Jefferson requested “Saffron” roots from Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon.

South Carolina - Plantation House Mepkin Reconstructed, The Seat of Henry Laurens, Esq., near Charleston

c. 1796. Charles Fraser (1782-1860). Mepkin, The Seat of Henry Laurens, Esq., near Charleston, South Carolina.The Carolina Art Association Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston, South Carolina.

c. 1796. Charles Fraser (1782-1860). Mepkin, The Seat of Henry Laurens, Esq., near Charleston, South Carolina. The Carolina Art Association Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston, South Carolina. Mepkin was comprised 3,000 acres. John Colleton of England, sold Mepkin in 1762, to Henry Laurens. After the destruction of the house during the Revolution, Henry Laurens built this one in which Henry Laurens, Jr. was living at the time of the sketch.

The watercolors of Charles Fraser allow us feel the South Carolina landscape around us as we learn how it was being groomed & planted. Thanks to South Carolina native Fraser, we have a chance to see, through his eyes, the homes & gardens there as he was growing up. Although he was primarily known his miniature portraits, he also created watercolors of historical sites, homes, & landscapes. He painted while working as a lawyer, historian, writer, & politician. Today, many of Fraser's works are displayed at the Carolina Art Association & the Gibbes Art Gallery in Charleston.