Victorian Era, 1865-1899

Thanks to new technology and expanding railroads, Ohio became a chief player in American industry. Ready-made goods and labor-saving devices allowed people to spend more leisure time at home. The open, clipped lawn became a family gathering spot for games of croquet, golf, and lawn tennis. Victorian architecture, with its eclectic display of gables, porches, and excessive detailing , met its match in the garden. People embraced a variety of plants and bedding styles, and exotic plants such as bamboo and palms became quite popular. Home gardeners found "stuff to dream on" in the new garden magazines, which established a foothold that has remained strong ever since.

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