At a time of year when we reflect on American revolutionaries and independence, read about how an 18th century farmer who died in 1777 transformed both landscapes in England as well as the U.S. I’ve always been fascinated by John Bartram whose efforts and curiosity made him friends with people like Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. 
He created a gardening revolution in England long before the first shots were fired in New England. He fanned the flames of gardening obsession in England and “rooted” an appreciation of native species here at home. The Wall Street Journal recently did a great story linking today’s “gardening obsession” in England rooted in American history and a “revolutionary gardener.” Here is the link:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124061520220654895.html
