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Indiana Gardens - An Historical Vignette

This history of horticulture in Indiana began with the prehistoric mound builders, who were so named because of the large mounds of earth they built. Archaeologists have dug up dried beans, corn, both carbonized stalks and ears, dried wild red plums, nuts, pawpaw seeds, and wild grapes from their ancient settlements.

The Native Indian followed the mound builder and the French settlers that arrived afterwards copied their agriculture methods growing corn, wheat, rice, cotton, and tobacco.

In 1805 a group of Shakers settled on Shaker Prairie in Sullivan County. They were reportedly very successful in horticulture even establishing a cocoonery and manufacturing silk. Much of the early vegetable and flower seed used in Indiana came from this Shaker nursery, which became known as the best in the country. Although this Indiana colony gradually vanished, it left its mark in American horticultural history.




Bibliography and Acknowledgments

Shown: Peony (Peony)