Botanical Art Forever Stamps

Value: First-Class Mail Rate
Issued: January 29, 2016
First Day City: Atlanta, GA
Type of Stamp: Definitive (Imperforate)
Printed by: Ashton Potter
Format: Double-sided booklet of 20

Today, there are about 1,800 botanical gardens worldwide, ranging from intimate specialty plots to sprawling campuses featuring thousands of plant species.

For more than two centuries, botanical art has played a vital role in illustrating gardening catalogs and magazines. In 1784, David Landreth established America’s first mail-order seed catalog. His reputation flourished, earning customers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Landreth introduced the zinnia to the United States in 1798, followed by the country’s first true white potato and later the tomato. In 1832, he launched America’s first floral and horticultural magazine. His success inspired a 19th-century boom in seed companies and catalogs.

The Industrial Age ushered in an era of convenience and increased leisure time, sparking a passion for elaborate flower gardens. Seed catalog covers became the perfect place to showcase exciting new varieties. The W. Atlee Burpee Company, in particular, excelled at promoting innovative seeds each year. Their beautifully crafted cover art fueled desire and boosted sales, setting a trend that many companies continue today — preferring artistic covers over photography to highlight nature’s beauty.