The Southern US and Asia

Above is a detail of an oil painting on paper  of a camellia grouping. This is one of the paintings that will be on exhibit at French and Michigan Gallery in the fall. 

Camellias orginated in Asia and were seen in England around 1739 and taken to America in 1797. They have flourished in the Southern United States.  Jungle Gardens in Avery Island, LA is home to a camellia preserve which approximately 450 varieties of camellias. 

As I research the plants that are so closely associated with Louisiana and the South, I am finding that there is a very direct connection with Asia.  The camellia, azalea, gardenia and some magnolias were introduced from Asia. The species of magnolia and iris native to the US have cousins in Asia whose connection predates the continental divide. Most of the documentation of species or introduction of these plants to the southern colonies comes from the late 1600's or early 1700's. 

There is something quite interesting about the Asian influence on the aesthetic of gardens in the Southern US.  During colonial times while the Asian design was influencing gardens it was also influencing textiles and home interiors.  I find this intersection of cultures and cross pollunation of ideas and aesthetics fascinating.