When we think of the quintessential American garden, images of neatly manicured lawns, rose bushes, and vegetable patches may come to mind. However, the reality is that American garden traditions are far more diverse and have been profoundly shaped by waves of immigrants bringing their own horticultural practices, plants, and cultural values to their new home. From the earliest European settlers to more recent arrivals from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, immigrant communities have left an indelible mark on how Americans cultivate and appreciate gardens.
The Roots of American Gardening
The story of immigrant influence on American gardens begins with the earliest European colonists. English settlers brought with them ideals of formal gardens and productive kitchen gardens, while Dutch immigrants introduced their love of tulips and other bulbs. As waves of Germans arrived in the 18th and 19th centuries, they brought traditions of community gardens and beer gardens that took root in many American cities.
But even before European contact, indigenous peoples had been shaping the landscape through agriculture and land management practices for thousands of years. Many native plants that are now staples of American gardens, like sunflowers, squash, and beans, were first domesticated by Native Americans.
The 19th Century: A Horticultural Melting Pot
The 19th century saw massive waves of immigration that dramatically reshaped American culture, including its gardening practices. Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine brought their knowledge of potato cultivation. Italian immigrants introduced beloved vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants that are now staples of American cuisine and gardens.
Chinese immigrants, who came in large numbers during the California Gold Rush and to work on the transcontinental railroad, brought with them a rich tradition of intensive vegetable gardening. They introduced crops like bok choy, snow peas, and bitter melon to American soil. The influence of Chinese market gardens was particularly strong in California, where they helped establish the state’s agricultural prowess.
Eastern European Jewish immigrants brought their own vegetable gardening traditions, often cultivating small plots in urban areas to grow ingredients for traditional dishes. The practice of growing herbs like dill and parsley in window boxes can be traced back to these communities.
Early 20th Century: The Rise of Ethnic Enclaves and Community Gardens
As cities swelled with new arrivals in the early 20th century, ethnic enclaves became centers of cultural preservation – including gardening practices. In New York City, for example, Italian-American communities in Brooklyn and the Bronx maintained extensive backyard and rooftop gardens, growing figs, grapes, and vegetables central to their cuisine.
The community garden movement, which gained momentum during this period, owes much to immigrant traditions. In many cities, recent arrivals from Europe established allotment gardens reminiscent of those they had left behind. These gardens served not only as a source of fresh produce but also as community gathering spaces and a way to maintain cultural connections.
During World War I and II, these community gardening practices dovetailed with the government-promoted “victory garden” movement. Many immigrant communities were already well-versed in growing their own food, making them natural leaders in this national effort.
Mid-20th Century: Suburbanization and Assimilation
The post-World War II period saw a shift towards suburbanization and increased assimilation of many immigrant groups into mainstream American culture. This era gave rise to the iconic image of the American lawn – a practice with roots in English landscape traditions but which took on new significance in the context of postwar prosperity.
However, even as many second and third-generation immigrants embraced suburban gardening norms, they often maintained elements of their cultural heritage in their yards. Italian-American suburbs, for instance, often featured grapevines, fig trees, and vegetable gardens alongside manicured lawns.
Late 20th Century: New Waves of Immigration and Culinary Diversity
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 opened the doors to increased immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, bringing new influences to American gardens. Southeast Asian refugees, for example, brought tropical vegetables and herbs that were largely unknown in American cuisine. Hmong immigrants became known for their intensive and productive vegetable gardens, often transforming unused urban lots into thriving green spaces.
Latino immigrants have had a particularly strong influence on American gardening in recent decades. Many brought with them traditions of courtyard gardens and a love for vibrant, colorful flowers. Plants like bougainvillea, bird of paradise, and various succulents gained popularity in warm climate regions partly due to Latino influence.
The growing interest in ethnic cuisines also spurred many Americans to experiment with growing “exotic” plants in their own gardens. Herbs like cilantro, lemongrass, and Thai basil became increasingly common in home gardens as Americans sought to recreate dishes they had tasted in restaurants or on travels abroad.
Community Gardens as Cultural Bridges
In many cities, community gardens have become important spaces for cultural exchange and integration. A study of community gardens in New York City found that they often serve as “third spaces” where immigrants can connect with their cultural roots while also building relationships with diverse neighbors.
These gardens frequently feature a mix of plants from various cultural traditions, creating a horticultural reflection of America’s diversity. In one plot, you might find tomatoes growing next to bitter melon, or collard greens beside bok choy. This intermingling of plants often leads to an exchange of knowledge, recipes, and cultural practices among gardeners.
Community gardens have been particularly important for refugee communities. Organizations like the International Rescue Committee have established programs that use gardening as a tool for helping refugees adjust to life in the United States while maintaining connections to their agricultural heritage.
Immigrant Influence on Professional Horticulture
The impact of immigrant communities on American gardening extends beyond home and community gardens. Many immigrants and their descendants have made significant contributions to professional horticulture and landscape design.
Take, for example, the story of the Domoto family. Japanese immigrants Kanetaro and Takanoshin Domoto established what would become one of the largest nurseries in California in the late 19th century. Their son, Toichi Domoto, became a renowned horticulturist, introducing many Japanese plants to American gardens and playing a crucial role in popularizing camellias.
Similarly, the Burpee seed company, one of the largest in the United States, was founded by W. Atlee Burpee, the son of Canadian immigrants. The company played a major role in introducing and popularizing many vegetable varieties that are now considered quintessentially American.
In the field of landscape architecture, immigrants and their children have also left their mark. Dan Kiley, one of the most influential modernist landscape architects, was the son of Irish immigrants. His designs, which often incorporated European influences, helped shape the American landscape in the mid-20th century.
Cultural Preservation Through Seeds
For many immigrant communities, preserving traditional plant varieties is a way of maintaining cultural heritage. Organizations like Seed Savers Exchange have worked to collect and preserve heirloom varieties from various cultural traditions. These efforts not only maintain genetic diversity but also keep alive the stories and culinary traditions associated with these plants.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in “culturally appropriate” or “culturally relevant” foods among immigrant communities. This has led to increased efforts to grow traditional crops, even in climates very different from their places of origin. For instance, Hmong farmers in Minnesota have developed techniques for growing tropical vegetables like bitter melon in the state’s cold climate.
Contemporary Trends: Fusion Gardening and Global Influence
Today, the influence of immigrant gardening traditions is often seen in the form of “fusion” gardening – a mix of styles and plants from various cultural traditions. This might manifest as a Japanese-inspired meditation garden in a traditional English cottage garden setting, or the incorporation of Mexican talavera tiles in a Mediterranean-style garden.
The increasing globalization of the horticultural industry has also made it easier for gardeners to access plants from around the world. This has led to a more cosmopolitan approach to gardening, where the emphasis is often on creating diverse, eclectic spaces rather than adhering to a single cultural tradition.
Challenges and Controversies
While the influence of immigrant communities has greatly enriched American gardening traditions, it has not been without challenges and controversies. The introduction of non-native plants, for instance, has sometimes led to issues with invasive species. Plants like kudzu (introduced from Japan) and water hyacinth (from South America) have caused significant ecological problems in some regions.
There have also been instances of cultural misunderstanding or appropriation in gardening practices. The popularity of “zen gardens,” for example, has sometimes led to oversimplified or inaccurate representations of Japanese garden traditions.
In some cases, immigrant gardening practices have come into conflict with local regulations. For instance, some cities have restrictions on front-yard vegetable gardens or the keeping of livestock, practices that are common in many immigrant communities.
Looking to the Future
As America continues to evolve as a multicultural society, so too will its gardening practices. Climate change is likely to drive further changes, potentially making it easier to grow tropical plants in northern regions while challenging traditional gardening practices in others.
Urban agriculture and food justice movements, which often draw on immigrant gardening traditions, are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping American cities. These movements often emphasize the importance of culturally relevant foods and the preservation of traditional agricultural knowledge.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked renewed interest in home gardening and food self-sufficiency, echoing the victory gardens of earlier eras. This trend may lead to a greater appreciation for the diverse gardening traditions that immigrant communities have long maintained.
Final Thoughts
The story of American gardens is, in many ways, the story of America itself – a tale of diverse influences coming together to create something unique and ever-evolving. From the earliest colonial gardens to today’s urban community plots, immigrant communities have played a crucial role in shaping how Americans interact with the land and what they choose to grow.
These influences have enriched American horticulture, expanded our culinary horizons, and created spaces for cultural expression and community building. They remind us that gardens are not just about plants, but about people – their histories, their cultural values, and their dreams for the future.
As we face the challenges of the 21st century, from climate change to urbanization, the diverse gardening traditions brought by immigrants offer a wealth of knowledge and practices to draw upon. By embracing this diversity and continuing to learn from one another, we can cultivate gardens that are not only beautiful and productive, but that also reflect the best of America’s multicultural heritage.