Cyanotypes

Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. It was invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842, who was a prominent astronomer and scientist. Initially, the cyanotype process was used for reproducing drawings and diagrams, but it soon found a new purpose in the field of botany. The cyanotype process was particularly well-suited for botanical research because it produced a high level of detail and contrast, which allowed scientists to capture the intricate details of plants and their structures. In addition, the cyanotype process was relatively easy and inexpensive, making it accessible to a wide range of researchers.

English botanical artist, collector and photographer Anna Atkins was the first person to illustrate a book with photographic images. Her nineteenth-century cyanotypes used light exposure and a simple chemical process to create impressively detailed blueprints of botanical specimens.

Jackson

1111 Troost Ave

Built 1939 Purchased: 2011

In 1939, the homes original owner and “builder” of this corner lot house was Frank Otto Howard and wife Bonnie Jean Howard. The house remained in the family and occupied by their daughter Dianne Howard Beaty until 2011.

Current homeowner Diana Jackson bought the property in 2011 when the house was condemned by the Village during the deed transfer and was deemed unlivable. Diana bought the home “As Is” and from the sidewalk to the roof, the home was rehabbed and brought back to life. The entire yard was also completely cleared with the exception of the two trees and one white peony. The granddaughter of the original owners, Tina who lives in California, is welcomed in by Diana Jackson each year for a home stay because of the many memories growing up in the house.

“I think of my garden as an extension to my home and there is nothing more rewarding than having your own botanical garden at your doorstep. Gardening is very calming and offers a sense of tranquility. My father was an avid gardener so I guess it’s genetic,” says Diana Jackson. The Jackson Home front garden features a more traditional formal garden with symmetric lines and specific plantings. According to Diana Jackson, “It exudes elegance and order.”

The homes back garden is a cottage style garden that is lush and informal with plenty of blooms, color, vegetables & herbs incorporated throughout. The back garden features a pergola to relax after a day of gardening and a water fountain that is the neighborhood bathhouse for birds. The favorite feature of Diana’s Garden is the Waterfall Japanese Maple, “It displays beautifully with cascading branches with finely cut lime color foliage and bright golden fall color. Every plant, shrub and blade of grass was personally selected and planted by myself.”

The Jackson Home is showcasing the outdoor garden only, but look up into the windows, the family cat Bae might be watching you as you walk along the property!

Make your own Cyanotype here