April 18, 2019 Plant Pet Names, Paul de Longpré, Elsa Beata Bunge, Maryland State Flower, Black-Eyed Susan, John Gay, Studio Oh, and Planning for Arbor Day
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Monologue
Do you have pet names for your plants?
Amy the Amaryllis.
Jerry the geranium.
Once, I bought some dahlias at a private plant sale. Before I drove away, I rolled down the window to ask for the seller's name; it was Doris.
They’ve been my “Doris“ dahlias ever since.
So whether they are called Howard or Bertie, Harry or Liz, if you’ve named your plants, you are not alone. The gesture of honoring a loved one, or the little laugh evoked by a cleverly named plant, all add to the joy of gardening. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Botanical History On This Day
1855 Paul de Longpré, the “King of Flowers,” was born. His luminous watercolors of roses and wildflowers turned a Hollywood villa and garden of 4,000 rosebushes into a cultural sensation.
1734 Elsa Beate Bunga, a fearless Swedish amateur botanist, was born. Her grapevine studies, correspondence with Linnaeus, and unconventional dress made her unforgettable.
Unearthed Words
The story of Black-Eyed Susan and Sweet William recalls the 1918 selection of Maryland’s state flower and the enduring ballad of lovers whose blooms meet each summer.
Grow That Garden Library™
Read The Daily Gardener’s review of
Studio Oh! Capture Life’s Moments Cactus Journal
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Studio Oh! Capture Life's Moments Cactus Journal
Today’s Garden Chore
Plan for Arbor Day by sourcing saplings, increasing tree diversity, and considering a Kentucky coffee tree for long-term beauty and shelter.
Today’s Botanic Spark
The story of Paul de Longpré and his daughter Pauline offers a tender image of art and devotion, a father cycling into the garden with easel and child beside him, flowers waiting to be painted.
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And remember: For a happy, healthy life, garden every day.
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