Charles Sprague Sargent and the Arnold Arboretum by Stephanne Barry Sutton
As Heard on The Daily Gardener Podcast:
Charles Sprague Sargent and the Arnold Arboretum by Stephanne Barry Sutton
This book came out in 1970, and I picked this book for today's show in honor of Charles Sprague Sargent's birthday (He was born on this day in 1841).
This book, commissioned by the Arboretum to celebrate its centennial, is both a biography of Sargent and a history of the Arnold Arboretum.
Imagine a man with a singular vision, a botanical dreamer who dared to defy convention and create a haven of natural beauty in the heart of bustling Boston. Charles Sprague Sargent, the stern and uncompromising director of the Arnold Arboretum, was just such a man. His story, as told by the talented Stephanne Barry Sutton, is a tale of passion, perseverance, and the enduring power of nature.
Sutton's biography, a captivating blend of history and biography, transports us to a time when the very idea of a botanical garden in America was revolutionary. With his unwavering determination, Sargent turned his dream into a reality, transforming the Arnold Arboretum into a living laboratory of plant diversity.
From its humble beginnings to its present-day glory, the Arboretum's story is intertwined with Sargent's own. Discover the challenges he faced, the triumphs he achieved, and the legacy he left behind. Sutton's writing is informative and engaging, painting a vivid picture of Sargent's life and the Arboretum's development.
In 1872, Sargent was responsible for creating the Arboretum for Harvard, and he did it all from scratch; there were no arboreta in America to model. His enduring vision for the Arboretum was so perfect that subsequent directors followed it with few variations.
Whether you're a botany enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a captivating read, Charles Sprague Sargent and the Arnold Arboretum is a must-have.
SI HORTUM IN HORTORIA PODCASTA IN BIBLIOTEHCA HABES, NIHIL DEERIT.
