"Conservatory and Residence of Luther Burbank, Santa Rosa, Cal.," circa 1915

Luther Burbank (1849-1926), an American horticulturalist and author, gained a reputation for selective breeding that yielded more than 800 new fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other plants. In 1875, Burbank followed family from Massachusetts to Santa Rosa, California, attracted by a longer growing season. By 1881, Burbank's modest success with raising and selling plants allowed him to purchase the home depicted here.