Rea, John 17th Century  

Rea was a professional gardener and was considered the best florist of his time. He was author of Flora: seu De Florum Cultura . . . . or a Complete Florilege, Furnished With All Requisites Belonging to a Florist, (1665). Subsequent editions were entitled Flora, Ceres, and Pomona, 1676, 1702. This was a practical and well informed book which was an excellent guide to Restoration Gardening and Horticulture on a "less grandiose scale" than had been practiced formerly. This book is well worth reading in order to note the very practical directions for the culture of fruit, florist and garden crops. At one time he had reportedly the largest collection of tulips in England. Died in 1681.

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