Depression, War, & Modernization (1918–1970)
About This Garden
In the Depression, communities turned to dandelion, peppermint, and willow bark for their healing properties. During World War II, shortages of imported medicines revived interest in local plant substitutes such as dogwood bark and aloe. Governments encouraged the cultivation of medicinal herbs such as digitalis (foxglove) and castor bean for wartime supplies. Industrial pharmaceuticals gradually replaced most herbal treatments, though willow’s salicin became aspirin, and foxglove compounds became digitalis drugs. Interest in herbal remedies persisted in folk traditions and the growing field of alternative medicine. Plants in this garden will include medicinal plants, aesthetic plants, and cultural staples like witch hazel.