Legacy

Louisa’s nod to conservation and preserving greenspace for all reflects the beginning of a trend that continues today. One can see the importance of these public greenspaces today through the surge of visitors to parks created during the Wylie’s lifetime. Post-pandemic Americans journeyed to the nation’s national parks relishing in the freedom to enjoy nature after spending months confined to their homes with limited travel. The first national park, Yellowstone, founded in 1872, saw a record number of visitors in August of 2021, proving that the land set aside more than a hundred years ago is still relevant today. 

Not only did the generation which encompasses the Wylies preserve some of our nation’s most stunning greenspaces, but women gardeners of the time, like Rebecca, Emma and Louisa paved the way for women in the horticulture field. The field was new even to men of Louisa’s era, but when schools did form, they often restricted female enrollment. Today, female students typically outnumber male students in garden design programs. The joy which Louisa found in her garden continues to inspire many women today. 

Wylie House Museum continues the Wylies participation in the horticulture community. Beyond a meticulously kept garden used for interpretation, Wylie House Museum holds a yearly seed giveaway. Mirroring how the Wylies traded seeds and slips with their family and friends, the museum shares the bounty of its garden by making heritage seeds available to the community.