A good little book, Seeds to elegance

[happypalms]

A nice book worth reading, the history of the kentia palm. An interesting book that chapters the history of the Howea palm species from the very beginning of the island to modern day. If you like Howea species than this is a good book worth having a read. 

[Harry’s Palms]

Great book. I’ve never seen it but that was the first seed I germinated . It takes patience ! Worth it though . I wonder if they mention the farm I sold seeds to in Oxnard , California. By 1990’s the largest Kentia Farm in North America , or so they said. Harry

I did a few about 2 1/2 years ago. 

[happypalms]

6 hours ago, Harry’s Palms said:

Great book. I’ve never seen it but that was the first seed I germinated . It takes patience ! Worth it though . I wonder if they mention the farm I sold seeds to in Oxnard , California. By 1990’s the largest Kentia Farm in North America , or so they said. Harry

I did a few about 2 1/2 years ago. 

Was his name Kevin Williams, that’s the author of this book? 
Richard

[Harry’s Palms]

No , the farm was called Keeline Wilcox and the owners were Richard ( odd name 😂) and Sarah (brother and sister) . They would buy seeds at 5 cents each . The Sullivans sold thousands . I believe Richard and Sarah were second generation Kentia farmers , they sure knew a lot about cultivating Howea F. Taught me a lot . By the way , I found a copy of that book on Amazon  but they were asking $97 plus shipping! It wasn’t signed. I passed on it .  Harry

[happypalms]

On 12/25/2025 at 12:08 AM, Harry’s Palms said:

No , the farm was called Keeline Wilcox and the owners were Richard ( odd name 😂) and Sarah (brother and sister) . They would buy seeds at 5 cents each . The Sullivans sold thousands . I believe Richard and Sarah were second generation Kentia farmers , they sure knew a lot about cultivating Howea F. Taught me a lot . By the way , I found a copy of that book on Amazon  but they were asking $97 plus shipping! It wasn’t signed. I passed on it .  Harry

First up $97 bucks is it gold leafed, it was a huge industry the Howea back in the day, iam sure the European market must be just as strong still. The company I worked for sold there palms to the indoor plant hire businesses, shopping centres and office buildings as well as high end hotels. 
Unfortunatly now that all remains of the growers of the past is a name of said growers, and if that name  is Richard it can’t be that bad of a name 🤣
Richard