John Janney
Gardening
Gardening
John writes of his grandmother's large garden. Gardens were between an acre and 3 acres in size. John doesn't mention the size of his grandmother's garden, but judging by his description, it must have been very large. He says that the garden was large enough to supply the family with vegetables. Vegetables were planted in the early spring and harvested in the summer. A late summer garden was planted towards the end of August.
Vegetables mentioned in Janney's book
Potatoes
Beets
Turnips
Parsnips
Green beans
Cabbages
Janney writes that his grandmother had two large flower gardens that grew a variety of flowers such as marigolds, bachelor's button, cockscomb and nasturtiums. Nasturtium seeds were used for making spicy pickles. Asparagus was grown in the flower garden but was not consumed. Instead, it was used for flies to nest on.
Herb Garden
Janney's grandmother kept a large herbal garden for treating ailments. The theory of treating diseases in the early 19th century had changed little since the time of the ancient Greeks. There was no germ theory at the time. The discovery of germs and sterilization did not occur until the late 1860's. Herbs can also be used to keep rodents out of the garden by planting them around the sides.
Herbs listed in Janney's book (refer to the herb list for uses)
Garlic
Parsley
Thyme
Sage
Lavender
Chamomile
Balm
Tansey
Wormwood
Horehound
John writes that his grandmother administered most of the medicines. The only mention of a doctor was when he came out to the farm to bleed his grandmother. Bleeding people was a common practice dating back to ancient times. People believed that bad blood was the cause of illnesses, so the bad blood was released by bleeding.
John describes two treatments for sore throats and colds. Goose grease was used for sore throats and a stew was made from whiskey, butter and ginger for colds.
Flowers
Janney grandmother had two ten feet square flower gardens on each side of the garden. Nasturtiums were used to make spice pickles. Asparagus was hung around the fire place to for flies to roost on.
Nasturtuim
Asparagus
Lilies
Marigolds
Bachelor's Button
Cockscomb
Trees
Hollyhocks
Rose of Sharon
Quinces
Peaches
Cherries
Plums
Watermelon
Current Bushes
