Fruit: From the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

by Lee Reich

Lifelike and delectable watercolors of fruit―in a book about as tall as a pear Between 1886 and 1942, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pomology Division―pomology being the study of fruit growing―commissioned an illustrated register of fruits, most of which were painted by women artists. These watercolor illustrations were invaluable to growers, who used them as records of prized varieties that were in danger of being stolen or counterfeited by competitors. Today, the watercolors serve as a time capsule of America’s past agricultural landscape, including many heirloom varieties now lost. This little book highlights 250 of the most mouthwatering paintings from the Pomological Watercolor Collection, including fruit from all fifty states and around the world, from apples and oranges to gooseberries and plums. It will make a delightful gift for gourmets and gardeners alike.

288 pages, Hardcover

Published October 25, 2022

About the author

Lee Reich, PhD is an avid farmdener (more than a gardener, less than a farmer) with graduate degrees in soil science and horticulture. After working in plant and soil research with the USDA and Cornell University, he shifted gears and turned to writing, lecturing, and consulting.

He writes regularly for a number of gardening magazines and his syndicated gardening column for Associated Press appears biweekly from coast to coast.

His farmden has been featured in such publications as the New York Times and Martha Stewart Living, has won awards from National Gardening and Organic Gardening magazines, and has been included in “Open Days” tours of the Garden Conservancy.