These are general notes that are meant to emphasize important points and provide you a general framework for the Historical Development of Horticulture. Where possible, I have embedded links to relevant sites on the Internet for further exploration. Arguably a valid question, but one that is asked by students in Horticulture. There are many reasons why it is important to gain an historical perspective of the development of Horticulture. The following quotes express some of these reasons nicely.
Art is a continuous process.
However new the circumstances may be, it is virtually impossible to create a work of art without antecedents. The challenge of history is not whether it should be studied, but rather the interpretation of what is constant and therefore alive today, and what is ephemeral and only academic. In making a sensitive, constructive use of plants in the landscape, it is helpful to understand the relationship of man to those parts of the landscape that he developed during the course of history, for man's gardening in any period reflects much about the cultural, economic, and political nature of people. A study of history can, furthermore, provide a better understanding of man today and how he is motivated to express himself in landscape development. Outline Follow the links below to learn about the History of Horticulture References for this document.