Benjamin Samuel Williams ( 1824 - 1890 )

Orchids had become widespread in popularity by the middle 1800s -but almost exclusively among botanists and wealthy horticulturists . Prior to that time it had not even been considered that the middle classes could presume to learn the techniques necessary for growing the " Queen of Flowers," nor were prices sufficiently reasonable for the average person to take an interest in orchids as a hobby pursuit . Thanks to Benjamin S. Williams ,however , through his articles on orchids and their cultural requirements , greater understanding of orchid culture was provided and orchids began to enjoy a new popularity as subjects for the average gardener.

Benjamin Samuel Williamsn was born at Hoddesdon , Hertfordshire , England , on 2 March 1824, the fourth son of Mr. James Williams , at that time gardener to Mr. John Warner , at The Woodlands . At the age of fourteen young Williams left school and began a career of gardening under the supervision of his father . At seventeen years of age he left the Hoddesdon garden for another position , where he remained for six years. During those early years his first interests were with pansies and ranunculus, and he often exhibited these plants at local exhibitions . From these he became interested in horticulture in general and became a formidable opponent in exhibiting fruits and vegetables in suburban London shows .

After a short term in the nurseries of Messrs.Adam Paul & Son at Chestnut , he returned to The Woodlands in the capacity of foreman under his father , in charge of the fruit and vegetable gardens . In this position he soon proved himself so capable that Mr. Warner appointed him orchid grower to the large and extensive collection being formed at the estate . His talents and energies expanded in this sphere ,and shortly he gained the reputation of being one of the foremost and successful orchid cultivators of his day and generation . He continued in Mr. Warner's employ for several years , adding to his skill as a plantsman and during at least one year taking first prize for orchids in the London shows in competition with Mr. Hanbury ,Mrs.Lawrence , and others who owned the leading orchid collections of England .

In 1856 William began business as a nurseryman with Mr. Robert Parker at Seven Sisters Road ,Holloway . The partnership continued until 1861, when it was dissolved by mutual consent . Williams then moved the business to Upper Holloway , where it continued well past the turn of the century s the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries . The firm enjoyed a worldwide reputation for the excellence of their plants and seeds, and as a cultivator of orchids Williams always held his own both at home and abroad . He was a continuous exhibitor at all the principal shows: London , Manchester , on the Continent ,and in the United States .In every instance he maintained hie reputation honorably ,winning numerous prizes and awards.

Williams first became a horticultural writer in 1851 when, at the suggestion of Dr. John Lindley , he wrote a series of articles for the Gardeners' Chronicles entitled " Orchids for the Millions." This series on orchid cultivation formed the basis of The Orchid Growers' Manual , which had passed through seven editions by 1894. His Choice Stove and Greenhouse Plants - in two volumes devoted to flowering and finefoliaged plants -went through three printings ,and his Select Ferns and Lycopods was also popular. He furnished the cultural notes for Mr. Robert Warner's select Orchidaceous Plants , which was begun in 1862, and in 1881, in association with Mr. Warner again , he commenced the publication of The Orchid Album , a monthly illustrated periodical which gained great popular favor. Thus , through these many workds, the fascination of the Orchid Family was widespread and popularized in every gardening circle.

Williams was an enthusiastic supporter of every movement for the welfare of horticulture or his fellow man. He supported the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution for over forty years; served on the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society ; was a member of the committee that planned and carried out the memorable International Horticultural Exhibition of 1866; and , showing the warm interest he took in everything affecting the welfare fo gardeners,was present at the inaugural meeting held for the proposed establishment of the Orphan Fund.

A capacity for suffering must also have been one of Williams' virtues , for , beginning in 1888,he was plagued by a steadily worsening internal disorder which was extremely painful. For two years he bore the agony stoically ,but the death of his wife struck him a blow from which he never recovered ; he died shortly afterward , on 24 June 1890.

References

Arnold ,Ralph E. 1954.Other Days. The Orch.Rev. 62,no. 738.

Gardeners' Chronicle . 1890. Obituary-B.S. Williams .Vol. 7, no. 183.

Gardeners' Chronicle . 1890. The Late B.S. Williams .Vol. 8, No. 184.

Gardening World ,The . 1890.6 (1889-90). June 28.

Williams H. 1891. Obituary .The Orchid Album 9 . London : B.S. Williams & Son.