Early chapters reveal unique episodes in Norfolk Island's history. One chapter discloses the British penal colony period which was vicious but now fascinating from current perspective. The replacement of prisoners with devote closely knit families forms another chapter's subject. These families were descendants of the mutineers of the ship Bounty. Their influence extends into the present time.
The beginnings of development of Kentia Palm plantations and early trading during the Victorian Era compose other dramatic chapters. Queen Victoria loved the Kentia and decorated her royal residences with these palms. One nickname for Kentia Palms is "the Sentry Palm" because Queen Victoria requested that four of these large, graceful trees stand at the corners of her casket during her formal state funeral.
Emulating royalty, the wealthy in Europe and North America adopted the Kentia for indoor decor in their stately homes and mansions as status symbol. This chapter explains the Kentia's spread of popularity in the past centuries,
Later chapters explore the means by which growers across the globe have developed production and transport systems for the Kentia Palm. Photographs of their production methods were contributed by growers around the world. On Norfolk Island, Lord howe Island and in Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Hawaii, California and Florida the production process differs. The text and pictures explain the variations. Seed to Elegance demonstrates that this magnificent plant is readily available at a reasonable cost. Now every home consumer can enjoy a touch of class by owning an elegant Kentia Palm.
Final chapters ensure that owners know the proper care and maintenance of these plants. Numerous photographs demonstrate the artistic placement of Kentias in modern private homes, historical residences and notable hotels worldwide.
BOOK HIGHLIGHTS
