I owned, at one time, the second house to be built in one of the Oregon coast range valleys (built by the same family that built the first house). There were no ornamental plantings of any sort. All plantings were productive and contributed to the livelihood of the family.
There were some nice old apple trees, each tree a different variety. The old place up the hill had apples, a prune tree, and a cherry. That place had a black walnut. No ornamental plantings of any sort at that place, nor at the one other really old homestead.
All places had some pretty extensive timber plantings.
Maybe the original settlers planted a few flowers? Mostly, they seemed to be interested in survival.
Oh, just remembered. My house had a very old yellow climbing rose, but I doubt that it was as old as the house. The roses were small, the plant was 2 stories tall, and covered in blooms from May until first hard freeze, perhaps November.
Good point Woodsmoke; and you described what I’ve continued as a priority on my inherited homestead: food production first, pretty stuff later. Though Great-grandma had her favorite climbing rose (which I’ve saved, though spring blooming only), Great-grandpa had his orchard of pears, apples, quince, peaches, cherries and prunes … with a garden to boot!
Though I never paid as close attention to any ornamentals, Oregon’s Champoeg State Park Heritage Area has a wonderful “pioneer garden†and orchard (with fruit trees propagated by our Home Orchard Society)
Beyond that, our band of fruit fanatics may be of little help
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