May 10, 2019 Botanical Intuition, Leonard Mascall, John Hope, Alan Grimmel, Canada’s Compost Week, The Friends School Plant Sale, Cecelia Payne, Botanical Sketchbook, Helen and William Bynum, Photo Friday, and Mascall on Tree Placement

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Monologue

Have you ever intuited the name of a plant?

A few years ago, I traveled to San Diego. I was sitting on a bench outside the hotel, and I spied the most amazing blossom - three bright orange petals and three blue petals - it looked like the head of a bird.

My mind latched onto "bird of paradise." I looked it up on my phone, and sure enough, it was just that.

These are the moments that scientist Celia Page would call "White Stone" moments; White Stone is referenced in Revelation 2:17 and in new-age teachings, and it stands for your divine nature.

Botanical History On This Day

1589 Leonard Mascall, English author and early garden writer, was buried in Buckinghamshire, leaving behind influential works on grafting, pruning, and the timeless gardener’s habit of rising early to remove slugs by hand.

1725 John Hope, botanist of the Scottish Enlightenment and founder of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, was born, later educating more than 1,700 students and shaping modern botanical instruction.

1913 Alan Robertson Gemmell, beloved professor and long-time voice of BBC’s Gardeners’ Question Time, was born, earning the affectionate nickname “Spud Gemmell” for his scholarly devotion to potatoes.

1995 International Compost Awareness Week continues through May 11, promoting composting as one of the most effective tools gardeners have to nourish soil and cool the climate.

1989 The Friends School Plant Sale celebrates its 30th anniversary in the Twin Cities, offering thousands of plant varieties while supporting a Quaker K-8 school in Saint Paul.

Unearthed Words

1900 Scientist Cecilia Payne was born, later recalling how her first encounter with a bee orchid revealed the emotional thrill of discovery that would guide her scientific life.

Grow That Garden Library™

Read The Daily Gardener’s review of Botanical Sketchbooks by Helen and William Bynum

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Botanical Sketchbooks by Helen and William Bynum

Today's Botanic Spark

1891 Advice from Leonard Mascall reminds gardeners that even in the sixteenth century, thoughtful placement and protection allowed tender trees to thrive against convention and climate.

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And remember: For a happy, healthy life, garden every day.