Plants on the Move: Wrap Up

Learn about ancient American gardening practices, the Linnaeus apostles who traveled the world collecting botanical specimens, and the movement of plants around the globe.

Ships transported seeds, dried plants, and live seedlings all over the world

Getting Started

Plants have always been on the move, whether hitching a ride on fur, feathers, water or air; or being transported by humans for trade, commerce, or sustenance.

Garden History – Plants on the Move

Linnaeus Apostles

The Linnaeus Apostles traveled the world in the 1700s, collecting botanical specimens, and categorizing and naming them using the binomial system.

The Linnaeus Apostles
Linnaeus Apostle: Pehr Lofling
Linnaeus Apostle: Pehr Kalm
Linnaeus Apostle: Carl Peter Thunberg
Linnaeus Apostle: Daniel Solander
Linnaeus Apostles: Search for Dyes (Mar 2019)

Interesting History

Botanical discoveries in the Americas had a world-wide influence, and we can still learn from them.

Garden History – The Americas
Early Botanical Gardens in the Americas
Terrace Farming in the Americas
Soil Building in the Americas
Sir Joseph Banks
Transporting Plants

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices originate from all over the world, and have influenced and benefitted the cooking of many cultures.

2017: Curry  Saffron  Turmeric
2016: Parsley  Rosemary  Sage
2015: Anise  Hops  Wormwood
2014: Bay Leaves  Red Peppers  Mustard
2013: Cardamom  Poppy Seeds  Sugar Cane
2012: Allspice  Cloves  Ginger
2011: Cacao  Cinnamon  Nutmeg Vanilla

Books and Movies

Learn more about the plants discovered all over the world, and watch films that depict an era of exploration and discovery.

The Story of Gardening
1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus
The Lore of Spices
Captain James Cook (Jan 2015)
Captain Cook: Obsession and Discovery (Jan 2015)
Mutiny on the Bounty (Jan 2015)