Moving Plants in the Victorian Era: Glass, Transplants, and the Wardian Case

This chapter introduces the Wardian case as a Victorian technology used for both presenting plants in the home and allowing plants to move beyond their home range. Looking closely at the Wardian case, we see the varying relationships of people with plants during the Victorian era. On the one hand, we witness the emerging middle class and passion for plants, in particular showcasing these rare and unique plants in their homes and greenhouses. On the other hand, we witness the journey that many plants took from the far reaches of the globe to European centers and for agricultural interests. This chapter introduces the Wardian case and the journey of plants in the Victorian era and touches upon some of the implications of these global transplants.