June 19, 2019 Iris, Joseph Banks, Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Theodore Payne, Elbert Green Hubbard, James Matthew Barrie, Reader’s Digest New Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, and New Work Gloves

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Monologue

Irises are in full bloom right now.

Although there are around 300 species of iris, Bearded Iris and Siberian Iris are two of the most common types of irises grown.

Iris takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow.
During the Middle Ages, irises were linked to the French monarchy, and the fleur-de-lis is now a national symbol of France.

Botanical History On This Day

1820 Joseph Banks, famed botanist of Captain Cook’s Endeavour, died in England, leaving behind an enduring legacy that helped shape Kew Gardens and Britain’s botanical ambitions.

1840 Pierre-Joseph Redouté, the “Raphael of flowers,” died twenty years after Joseph Banks. He is remembered for his exquisite roses and lilies, as well as for his close ties to Marie Antoinette and Joséphine Bonaparte.

1872 Theodore Payne, champion of California native plants, was born. He was a seedsman and designer whose work reshaped landscapes and loyalties across the Golden State.

1856 Elbert Green Hubbard, writer and philosopher, was born. He was a man who believed flowers fed the soul as surely as bread fed the body.

Unearthed Words

1937 The author of Peter Pan, James Matthew Barrie died. His Garden Reflections drew from the leafy inspiration of Kensington Gardens, where fallen leaves, flowers, and childhood itself become symbols of fleeting beauty.

Grow That Garden Library™

Read The Daily Gardener review of Reader’s Digest New Encyclopedia of Garden Plants & Flowers

Buy the book on Amazon: Reader’s Digest Encyclopedia of Garden Plants & Flowers

Today's Botanic Spark

1991 The American actress and film star of the 1930s and 1940s, Jean Arthur, died. To honor her, we look back at clever wartime style, featuring Jean in Victory Garden fashion. Even in difficult times, gardens and gardeners find ways to bloom.

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