Theodosia Burr Shepherd, the first woman in America to hybridize flowers, owned and operated a seed and bulb business, established in Ventura, California in 1881. This dramatic biography chronicles the life of Theodosia—the brilliant feminist, freethinker and floral genius of the nineteenth century. Her story, rich in dialogue and detail, reflects a young America through the Civil War, the Women’s Suffrage movement, Westward expansion and the early history of Southern California.

Friends with Suffragist leaders, Julia Ward Howe and Susan B. Anthony, Theodosia promoted women’s empowerment through the practice of gardening and connection to Nature. Her inspiring life and work still resonates in this age of growing environmental awareness. Theo realized we are all part of one universal energy. In many ways, she is still ahead of her time.

“Theodosia has blazed a trail for other women to follow.” — Susan B. Anthony

Theodosia: The Flower Wizard of California

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”I couldn’t put it down! Theodosia is my new feminine hero!” — S·B·G.PHD

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐” Written from an intensely personal perspective, the biography truly brings this woman to life and provides a fascinating look at life in Ventura during a time of great change.” — Jospeh P. Cahill

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“The  book vividly describes Ventura’s environs and the daily lives of the American Yankee, Mexican, Chinese citizens living near the Mission San Buena Ventura in those times. Ventura “Home of the Begonia” is the backdrop for Theodosia’s development of floral horticulture. The book describes the many important local and national people whose lives were interwoven with Theodosia.” —TED in OJAI