Robert Buist

author

Robert Buist

1805–1880

A Scottish-born gardener who helped shape 19th-century American horticulture, he built a Philadelphia nursery and seed business and became especially known for roses and other ornamental plants. He also wrote practical gardening books that brought expert advice to everyday growers.

1 Audiobook

The American Flower Garden Directory

The American Flower Garden Directory

by Robert Buist

About the author

Born near Edinburgh on November 14, 1805, Robert Buist trained at the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens before coming to the United States in August 1828. After working for D. Landreth and then for Henry Pratt at Lemon Hill near Philadelphia, he entered the florist trade in Philadelphia in 1830 through a partnership with Thomas Hibbert.

After Hibbert's death, Buist developed his own nursery, greenhouse, and seed business in Philadelphia. Contemporary library and horticultural sources credit him with particular expertise in roses and verbena, and with helping introduce the poinsettia to the United States. He was also active in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, serving as treasurer from 1858 to 1862 and as vice-president for many years.

Buist is remembered not only as a plantsman but also as a clear, practical gardening writer. His books include The American Flower-Garden Directory (1832), The Rose Manual (1844), and The Family Kitchen-Gardener (around 1847). He died in Philadelphia on July 13, 1880.