"THE BROTHER Gardeners" by Andrea Wulf is a beguiling tale of two men related only by their shared enthusiasm for nature. Specifically, they were pioneers of horticulture ("botany" sounds too narrow). Set in the mid-18th century, when John Bartram farmed near Philadelphia and Peter Collinson sold cloth in London, their story unfolds through 30-odd years of correspondence. As one was a colonial and the other lived in the mother country, their botanical pursuits played out against the backdrop of coming revolution. But their loyalties were scientific; they swore allegiance to shrubs, flowers and trees.
The English countryside at this time tended to be drab --relatively few natural plants and little being done to improve matters. The brothers changed all that. Bartram was a virtual second Columbus in his forays up rivers into the Appalachians, trailblazing through pristine lakes and valleys, venturing into Virginia and finally down to Florida. He was also a second Adam for his naming and identifying.
His shipments were eagerly awaited by Collinson, who sent a few specimens back but mainly grew and sold the marvelous New World varieties. English gardeners had begun revolting against the high-walled, formally planned, carefully manicured gardens of the Continent. The new scientific interest in nature would let her reign in all her haphazard, charming abundance. Far more exciting to meander through overgrown pathways and make new discoveries--as also transpires in this tale of many surprises.
Dan Dervin is a freelance writer living in Fredericksburg.
THE BROTHER GARDENERS By Andrea Wulf(Knopf, $35)
Copyright 2009 The Free Lance-Star Publishing Company.
