1955 Ortho Gardening Dress

I found this wonderful Ortho Gardening Book from 1955 that offers advice on plants, fertilizing and tools. Let’s be honest, the best thing in the booklet is the “Chrysanthemum yellow, figure flattering wrap around” gardening dress. The selling point: “it has dozens of uses for the active gardener, the modern homemaker, and those who entertain outdoors.” It must be true because the Ortho dress was designed by American designer Claire McCardell, who dismissed French fashion to create the American women's look.

 

Not only do I love the color, but the front “kangaroo pocket” is amazing! A gardener can hold seeds and hand tools in there, a homemaker can store cookies and spatulas and the outdoor entertainer can keep her company’s drinks fresh with paper umbrellas and cocktail napkins! Sadly, the offer of the $6.95 Ortho dress ended December 31^st 1956.

While we can’t wear one of these versatile dresses, at least we can look at the great gardening photos!