Celebrating Newspaper Editor and Nature-lover W. Earl Hall

Tulips on a Sunny Spring Day

“It’s the best time of the year for gardeners: the season is before us, and the garden offers limitless possibilities.” April 7, 1897 Today is the birthday of W. Earl Hall, the Editor and publisher of the Mason City Globe-Gazette.  He’s remembered for loving weather-lore. Earl wrote, “Science has never drummed up quite as effective…

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Celebrating Garden Writer and Pioneering Journalist Anne Scott-James

Anne Scott James at her Aldworth home

“However small your garden, you must provide for two of the serious gardener’s necessities: a tool shed and a compost heap.” April 5, 1913 Today is the birthday of one of Britain’s pioneering female journalists and a marvelous garden author, Anne Scott-James. In 1934, Anne started as a secretary at Vogue before rising through the…

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A Robert Frost Poem for Gardeners: Lodged

Umbels bending in the storm

“In six little lines, Robert connects himself to the flowers in the flowerbed. Pelted by the wind and rain, the flowers manage to survive.” March 26, 1874 Today is the birthday of the American poet and Poet Laureate Robert Frost. Here’s a short, sweet poem (and a gardener favorite) by Robert Frost called ‘Lodged.’ In…

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Celebrating Herbal Chia Seeds on National Chia Day

Chia Seeds

“Gardeners might be surprised to know that the Chia seed comes from an herb – a Salvia plant (Salvia hispanica).” Today is National Chia Day. This day recognizes the tiny yet powerful chia seed – one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet.   And I know what you’re probably thinking right now -…

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Remembering the Ill-fated New York Horticultural Society (NYHS)

David Hosack

“David’s leadership elevated the organization – making it an elite place for horticultural education and prestige.” March 22, 1822 On this day, the New York Horticultural Society (NYHS) was founded. The NYHS was the first horticultural society in the nation and survived until the late 1800s. While the Massachusetts and the Pennsylvania Hort Societies flourished,…

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Remembering American Philanthropist and Gardener Harriet Barnes Pratt

Mrs. Pratt speaking at the dedication of the Harding Laboratory at the New York Botanical Garden on Oct. 24, 1956

“Harriet is remembered for coming up with the idea for Gardens on Parade – a half-acre, stunning display during the 1939 World’s Fair.” On this day, March 18th, 1969, the philanthropist and gardener Harriet Barnes Pratt died.   Harriet had married Harold Irving Pratt, the youngest son of the Pratt Institute’s founder and a founder…

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