June 21, 2019 The Best Time in the Garden, Abraham Mignon, Cyrus McCormick, Frederick Law Olmsted, Summer Solstice, Donald Culross Peattie, Flowering Earth, National Selfie Day, and Advice on Weeding from 1843

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Monologue

When is the best time to divide? To prune? To transplant?

In general, the answer I most often give is that the best time to do anything is when you're standing there with a shovel, or a knife, or a spade in your hand.

We are all so busy. Our gardens can get away from us.

Our good intentions of getting to things at a later date can evaporate faster than water on a hot July day.

Thus, the saying, "There is no time like the present."

So, if you're in your garden, and you have helpers, or you have the right frame of mind to tackle that more significant project, to move that plant, or split that rhubarb, I say go for it!

Botanical History On This Day

1640 Abraham Mignon, Dutch Golden Age painter celebrated for sumptuous floral still lifes, was born — a prodigy whose brief life nonetheless influenced generations of botanical artists.

1834 Cyrus McCormick patented his revolutionary reaping machine, forever changing agriculture and earning his place as the Father of Modern Agriculture.

1872 Frederick Law Olmsted was nominated, without his consent, for Vice President of the United States, a distinction he politely declined, even as it confirmed his stature as a national figure.

Summer Solstice
The First Day of Summer arrives with the year’s longest day when the sun is at its northernmost pause before beginning its slow return.

Unearthed Words

1898 Nature writer Donald Culross Peattie was born. He was a lyrical voice who reminded us that walking, observing, and wondering are essential tools of the naturalist.

Grow That Garden Library™

Read The Daily Gardener review of Flowering Earth by Donald Culross Peattie

Buy the book on Amazon: Flowering Earth by Donald Culross Peattie

Today's Botanic Spark

1843 A brief but enduring lesson from The New England Farmer reminds us that diligent weeding today saves years of toil tomorrow.

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