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Australian Hovea pungens. Pointed-leaved Hovea Paxton botanical c1840

Australian Hovea pungens. Pointed-leaved Hovea Paxton botanical c1840

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by Paxton, Joseph

Beautiful antique print of blue-flowered Australian native plant from Monadelphia decandria family.

Original lithograph published in London circa 1840 by Sir Joseph Paxton for Paxton's Magazine of Botany & Flowering Plants. "In conjunction with most other Australian plants, this species delights in a situation well exposed to light and air.. When the specimen is inclined to manifest an extraordinary degree of exuberance, the quality of the earth may be modified.." (Wonderful turn of phrase..)

Sir Joseph Paxton (1803-1865) was a hugely talented man. Starting as a gardener at 15 years of age, with no formal education, his skill and enthusiasm were rewarded by promotion at the age of 23 to Head Gardener on the Duke of Devonshire’s Chatsworth estate, one of England’s finest gardens. Although considered a landscape gardener, Paxton’s diverse talents gained him a reputation as both architect and engineer, particularly for his design of glasshouses. His design for the glass house conservatory at Chatsworth served as a model for Paxton’s design of the Crystal Palace for the London Exhibition of 1851 (for which he received his knighthood). Apparently Paxton drew the intricate design for this building in under nine days - and was knighted in recognition of his achievements.

Size of page 230mm x160mm ( 9 x 6.25 inches). (The accompanying text is available.)

Stock Number: apbfP100Price: $185.00