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The SHRF was instrumental in developing the ornamental landscaping familiar to Californians today

The Foundation conducted research into plant quality and propagation methods, evaluated trees and woody plants for street and shade planting, established test sites for investigations into climate and cultural techniques, and ultimately patented varieties of magnolia, Chinese pistache, and olive trees. The Foundation also investigated plants from Australia, New Zealand, and Chile as potential low-water-use and fire-retardant introductions to California gardens.

Pages 140–141 of a handwritten horticultural record showing germination data for Quercus agrifolia specimens, with notes on acorn quality, planting methods, and germination percentages, dated 1959–1960.

Horticultural Record, 1960

Photographer and assistant using a large-format camera on a tripod to capture a magnolia blossom placed on a reflective surface outdoors.

Photographing specimens

Close-up of a large white Magnolia grandiflora bloom with broad petals surrounded by dark glossy leaves

Magnolia grandiflora “Samuel Sommer”

Dwight Long working at a potting bench inside a lath house, examining plants in nursery containers surrounded by rows of potted seedlings.

Dwight Long, Horticultural Consultant

A man crouching beside a low nursery bed of year-old Ginkgo biloba seedlings, with rows of potted plants and a wood fence visible behind him.

Year-old Ginkgo biloba seedlings in nursery

Botanical illustration from Plant Patent 2,277, filed June 7, 1962, by M. Van Rensselaer, showing fall foliage of a Pistacia chinensis tree with three figures depicting compound leaves in red and individual leaflets in green.

Patent for Pistachia chinensis “Keith Davey”

Botanical illustration from Plant Patent 2,015, filed March 28, 1960, by M. Van Rensselaer, showing six figures of a Magnolia grandiflora tree including a white bloom, leaf, flower cross-section, bud, and seed structures.

Patent for Magnolia grandiflora “Samuel Sommer”

Introduction Trees and Landscaping

Exhibit: Saratoga Horticultural Research Foundation

Introduction Research Trees and Landscaping Outreach and Education Legacy
Exhibit from
Curated by Liz Phillips
For detailed information about the Saratoga Horticultural Research Foundation Collection, explore the finding aid at the Online Archive of California.
Previously on display March 24, 2008 - September 9, 2008 in the Shields Library (Lobby - Archives and Special Collections)