Judith M. Taylor Boeken

The book explores the impact of socialism on the horticulture industry, particularly floriculture, in Russia and Eastern Europe during the twentieth century. It highlights how this political and economic experiment distorted industry operations and caused significant harm to the population, while also shedding light on the lesser-known consequences faced by the floriculture sector amidst the broader historical context.

Gardeners of today take for granted the many varieties of geraniums, narcissi, marigolds, roses, and other beloved flowers for their gardens. Few give any thought at all to how this incredible abundance came to be or to the people who spent a good part of their lives creating it.

Walk into any nursery, florist, or supermarket, and you'll encounter displays of dozens of gorgeous flowers, from chrysanthemums to orchids. At one time these fanciful blooms were the rare trophies of the rich and influential-even the carnation, today thought of as one of the humblest cut flowers.