ABSTRACT
In this chapter we describe – and speculate upon – longitudinal and latitudinal trajectories of horticultural influence. There is no doubt that Smyth brought an inherent genius to the selection and arrangement of plants in space, and yet there are underlying structural movements at play. His composition of fresh and unprecedented plant assemblies played a crucial part in the narrative of artistry that formulated around him. He was supported in turn by specific histories of plant culture in New Zealand. We offer some vignettes, part investigative, part speculative, in the hope of creating a framework for the thoughtful reception of his work as a plantsman.
