A Taste of History Season 3 Episode 3 Bartram's Gardens: A Revolution in Gardening

In the third episode of the third season of A Taste of History, titled "Bartram's Gardens: A Revolution in Gardening," host Chef Walter Staib visits the historical Bartram's Garden in Philadelphia. The episode explores the fascinating history of the garden that was established in 1728 by John Bartram, a botanist and explorer who was known for his contributions to the field of horticulture.

The episode starts with Chef Walter Staib arriving at Bartram's Garden, which is a 45-acre National Historic Landmark. He is welcomed by Joel Fry, the curator of Bartram's Garden, who takes him on a tour of the garden. Fry explains how John Bartram started the garden as a way to collect and study plant specimens, but eventually turned it into a commercial enterprise, selling rare plants to wealthy clients in Europe and America.

As Chef Walter explores the garden, he learns about the various plant species that John Bartram collected and cultivated, such as the Franklinia tree, which was named after Benjamin Franklin, and the American Sweet Chestnut tree, which is now almost extinct due to a blight. Chef Walter also learns about the medicinal properties of some of the plants, such as the Black Cohosh, which has been used by Native Americans for centuries to treat women's health issues.

In addition to exploring the garden's rich history, Chef Walter also gets to taste some of the fresh produce grown in the garden. He meets Chef Andrew Wood, who prepares a three-course meal using ingredients from the garden, such as asparagus, rhubarb, and heirloom tomatoes. Chef Andrew explains how he focuses on using seasonal ingredients, which not only taste better but are also more sustainable.

Throughout the episode, Chef Walter and Joel Fry discuss the impact that Bartram's Garden had on the field of horticulture, and how John Bartram's work paved the way for future generations of botanists and scientists. They also discuss the challenges that the garden faces today, such as climate change and urbanization, and how the garden is adapting to these changes.

Overall, "Bartram's Gardens: A Revolution in Gardening" is an insightful and engaging episode that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of one of America's oldest and most important gardens. Through its exploration of the garden's history and the culinary delights that it produces, the episode shows how Bartram's Garden is not only a testament to the past, but also a source of inspiration for the future.