1994 Summer Garden Flowers

The 1994 Summer Garden Flowers stamp set is part of the Garden Flowers series, continuing the theme of honoring flowers that bloom in each season. Here's a breakdown of the details:

Stamp Category: Commemorative
Series: Garden Flowers
Value: Set of five 29c stamps
First Day of Issue: April 28, 1994
First Day City: Cincinnati, Ohio
Quantity Issued: 166,014,000 panes
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Lithographed and engraved
Format: Printed in four panes of 5 vertical se-tenant stamps
Perforations: 10.9 vertically

Why the set was issued: Part of the Garden Flowers series, this set was the second installment aimed at producing visually appealing stamps that people would enjoy purchasing. The USPS aimed to meet public demand for attractive stamps.

About the stamp design: Designed by artist Ned Seidler, who also designed the 1993 garden flowers stamps, this set features summer garden flowers including the Lily, Zinnia, Gladiolus, Marigold, and Rose. Seidler used a combination of watercolor and gouache for the paintings, creating a cohesive bouquet effect across the stamps.

First Day of Issue Ceremony: The ceremony took place at the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, Flower and Garden Show.

Unusual fact about the gladiola stamp: The stamp featuring the gladiola sparked controversy due to its name. Despite being called "gladiola" on the stamp, some members of the Connecticut Gladiolus Society argued that the correct term is "gladiolus." The USPS chose to use the more popular term.

About the Series: The Garden Flowers series originated from the 1992 Wildflowers issue. It aimed to showcase garden flowers that bloom in each season. The series began with the 1993 Garden Flowers booklet and continued with subsequent booklets featuring summer, fall, and winter blooms.

History behind the stamps: Garden flowers, including those featured in the stamps, have been cultivated for centuries for their beauty and fragrance. Flowers like the Lily, Zinnia, Gladiolus, Marigold, and Rose have rich histories and cultural significance, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Sumerians, Greeks, and Egyptians. Today, these flowers continue to be beloved by gardeners worldwide for their aesthetic appeal and symbolic meanings.