Robert Buist: The Scotsman Who Shaped American Gardens

Robert Buist portrait sketch

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 14, 1805 Robert Buist, florist and nurseryman was born near Edinburgh, Scotland. Trained at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Buist emigrated to Philadelphia in 1828 at age 23, where he would become…

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The Dangerous World of Rare Orchids: A Tale of Beauty and Deception

Orchids in bloom

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 13, 1989 On this day, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune published a story that lifted the veil on the shadowy world of rare orchid trading. The article focused on Limerick Inc. and an alleged…

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Ruth Pitter: The Gardener-Poet of Hainault Forest

Ruth Pitter, notable English poet (1897-1992).

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 7, 1897 Today in botanical history, we celebrate Ruth Pitter [PIT-er] (1897-1992), a remarkable British poet whose deep connection to nature, primarily through her beloved Hainault Forest, shaped her literary legacy. Pitter’s…

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Remembering Martha Turnbull and her Rosedown Plantation Diary

Martha Turnbull portrait (colorized and enhanced).

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. October 25, 1973 My dear garden friends, let me transport you back exactly 50 years to a charming story that began with a simple newspaper article about two extraordinary plantsmen. “No Garden Should…

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From Muckraker to Garden Maker: Ida Tarbell at Twin Oaks

Ida Tarbell portrait with flowers (colorized and enhanced).

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 5, 1857  On this day, Ida Tarbell was born – a woman who would become known for exposing Standard Oil’s monopolistic practices but who found her greatest peace tending to her beloved…

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Saving Summer: The Indoor Garden Encore

Geraniums in summer

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 4, 1994 On this day, garden writer Barbara Pleasant finished writing her article about extending summer’s joy through winter by bringing our beloved bedding plants indoors. The article appeared in the Montgomery…

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A Pioneering Voice in Texas Botany: Maude Jeannie Young

Maude Jeannie Young with Texas yellow roses.

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 1, 1826 Maude Jeannie Fuller Young (pronounced “MAW-duh JEE-nee FULL-er YOUNG”) was born on this day in 1826. Though she would become known for many accomplishments, it’s her groundbreaking contribution to botanical…

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A Gardener’s Last Spring: Remembering Edward Ward

St Mary's church Troston

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. October 31, 1804 On this day, gardener Edward Ward laid down his trowel for the last time. He was 92. Edward wasn’t just any gardener – he was part of an extraordinary lineage…

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Finding Heaven in the Sky – Alfred Sisley’s Garden Wisdom

Alfred Sisley March 1863

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. October 30, 1839 Today, we find inspiration in the words of Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley, born on this day in Paris. Though primarily known for his landscapes, Sisley’s artistic philosophy offers profound wisdom…

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Pioneer in Plant Science: Effie Southworth

Effie A. [Southworth] Spaulding. Courtesy of the University Archives of the University of Southern California. (Colorized)

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. October 29, 1830 On this day, plant science pioneer Effie Almira Southworth [pronounced: EF-ee al-MY-rah SOUTH-worth], is born in North Collins, New York. Her story illuminates both the challenges and triumphs of women…

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Sophie Banks: The Quiet Force Behind Britain’s Greatest Botanist

Sarah Sophia Banks

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. October 28, 1744 On this day in history, we celebrate Sarah Sophia “Sophie” Banks [BANKS], born today.  Sophie, as her family and friends referred to her, reminds us that behind every great gardener…

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