Botanic Spark
The Adirondack Botanical Society: A Vibrant Community with an Active Facebook Group
“I used the “measure” app on my iPhone to measure the trunk of a large eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). I attach a photo that the app generates with the total length printed on the screen. ” April 30, 2011 Today is the tenth anniversary of the Adirondack Botanical Society. “[ABS is] an organization…
Read MoreThe Train was Delayed and the Flowers Didn’t Arrive – But Cornelia Vanderbilt’s Wedding Day was Beautiful Thanks to Biltmore’s Gardeners
“In 2001, the Biltmore commemorated the 75th anniversary of the wedding with a month-long celebration among 2,500 blooming roses in June.” April 29, 1924 Today is the wedding day of Cornelia Vanderbilt. This year (2021) marks her 95th wedding anniversary. When Cornelia married British nobility, the diplomat John Cecil, the wedding flowers had been…
Read MoreThe History and Lore Surrounding the State Flower of Alaska: the Forget-Me-Not
“Professor Dean gave the illustration of a country doctor who in the spring, would carry Forget-me-not seeds which he sprinkled on the waters of the streams he passed. In time, these streams were lined with Forget-me-nots; a memorial when he was gone.” April 28, 1917 On this day, the State Flower of Alaska was adopted:…
Read MoreHonoring Flora – the Goddess of Flowers and Spring – in Lore and History
“Today, carpology studies fruits and seeds, and carp is the fruiting body of a fungus. The Latin term Carpe diem or Seize the day could also be considered Make the day fruitful.” On this day, April 27, the Romans honored Flora – the goddess of flowers and spring. Today, the word flora is a…
Read MoreA Look Back at the Massive Funeral for Charles Darwin
“Darwin was buried at the Abbey next to the eminent scientist Sir John Herschel and just a few feet away from Sir Isaac Newton.” April 26, 1882 On this day, thousands of people attended the funeral of Charles Darwin, which was held at noon sharp at Westminster Abbey. On his deathbed, at Down House,…
Read MoreCelebrating St George’s Day with Garden Poems about Bluebells
“Bluebells are reminders of the very origins of ‘spring,’ the great gush of life.” Today, April 23, is St George’s Day – the feast day of the patron saint of England, St. George. Known as the dragon slayer, St. George was partial to the color blue, and he is remembered with the English bluebell…
Read MoreRemembering the Dedication of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and Garden Designer Bunny Mellon
“In fact, the basketweave brick hardscaping in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden is a replica of Bunny’s paving at Oak Spring. To make the surface permeable, Bunny ensured that no mortar touched the bricks. April 22, 1965 On this day, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was dedicated. Jackie did not attend the dedication. Her mother attended…
Read MoreEnglish Gardener and Writer Frances Perry and her Thoughts on Ferns
“Sure enough, there was a baby fern growing inside. The spores can survive in their millions until conditions for growth are right.” April 21, 1985 On this day, the garden writer Frances Perry shared a charming article in her regular gardening column in The Observer about how to grow a fern spore. She wrote: My father-in-law,…
Read MoreCelebrating Scottish Nurseryman Peter Barr: Daffodil King and Primrose Prince
“Over his lifetime, Peter bred over two million daffodils in his Surrey nursery. Peter’s work even inspired a daffodil craze after the Civil War ended.” April 20, 1826 Today is the birthday of the Scottish nurseryman and merchant Peter Barr. Peter is remembered as the Daffodil King and the man who popularized the Daffodil. …
Read MoreCelebrating National Garlic Day with Folklore, Herbalism, and the Gilroy Garlic Festival
“Garlic has antibiotic properties and helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Herbalists recommend garlic as a remedy for colds.” Today is National Garlic Day. It is observed every year on April 19th. Garlic, or stinking rose, is a member of the lily family. Onions, leeks, and shallots are also in the family. This…
Read MoreCelebrating National Orchid Day with Orchid Lovers
“Orchids were not made by an ideal engineer; they are jury-rigged from a limited set of available components.” Today is National Orchid Day. It has been observed annually on April 16th since 2015. Orchids are my new go-to order from the florist. If I need to give a gift, I’ll send an orchid because…
Read MoreRemembering English Loyalist and Botanist Alexander Garden: the Gardenia is his Namesake
“Botanic Sparks are sweet stories to close the show that draw gardeners closer to gardening, as John Ellis’ letters inspired Alexander Garden. April 15, 1791 Today is the anniversary of the death of the English botanist Alexander Garden. Alexander’s story is fascinating, starting with the fact that he had the perfect last name for a…
Read MoreRemembering Jim Zampini and the Art and Joy of Growing Crab Apples
“If you want to plant a mini-orchard of Crabapple trees, space the saplings 6 to 15 feet apart. Group them on the closer end of that range if you are planting dwarf or more upright varieties.” April 14, 2017 On this day, the Beijing Crabapple Conference began. Visitors toured the Crabapple Garden during the…
Read MoreFun Facts for Gardeners on National Licorice Day
“The secret to licorice flavor and sweetness is hidden in the plant’s long roots and rhizomes.” Today is National Licorice Day. The botanical name for licorice means “sweet root.” In Dutch, it’s zoethout (“Zoot-Howt”), which means “sweet wood.” Licorice is fifty times sweeter than sugar. The secret to licorice flavor and sweetness is hidden…
Read More