Gardens

Gardens. Living History of the Oregon Trail. "We pitched our tent... remaining at this camp for about one week, feasting on watermelons and good, fresh vegetables right from the garden, which are brought in by the Clackamas County farmers in great abundance." E.W. Conyers on arrival in Oregon City, September, 25 1852 , Land brought the settlers west. These gardens demonstrate the critical role growing things played in emigrant life. From practical to nostalgic, these plantings unite many different traditions. Any one pioneer garden would not have had such variety. Settlers in those early year were too busy. , It was a rare woman who didn't bring at least one favorite flower from home. A stranger in a strange land, the pioneer woman determined to preserve beauty and hope - founding new Territorial traditions on memories of home. , Like gardeners to today, emigrants tastes varied. Some brought "romantic" plants like ivy and roses. Others chose ice plant and Christmas cactus. First plantings were usually a single flower protected by a packing crate next to the kitchen door where it could be easily soaked with wash water.