February 4, 2021 Starting Seeds for the First Time, Henri Dutrochet, Ruth Havey, A Winter Larder, Bunny Mellon Garden Journal by Linda Holden, and the Secret Value of Weedy Plants
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Curated News
Starting Your Seeds for the First Time | That Bloomin’ Garden | Kristin Crouch
Botanical History On This Day
1847 Death of Henri Dutrochet, French botanist and physiologist who discovered osmosis and revealed the critical role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis. He was the first to study plant respiration, light sensitivity, and geotropism—the growth responses of plants to gravity—highlighting the vital function of the root cap in guiding roots downward.
1899 Birth of Ruth Harvey, American landscape architect and protege of Beatrix Farrand. Ruth played a key role in designing Dumbarton Oaks’ gardens, eventually leading projects like the Pebble Garden, a mosaic replacing a tennis court inspired by Italian pathways, embodying the seamless blend of architecture and landscape. Ruth was a trailblazer in the early generation of female landscape architects.
Unearthed Words
In today’s excerpt, Potager author Georgeanne Brennan describes traditional winter larder storage, including drying and preserving summer fruits, storing apples, pears, and quinces in cool, dark spaces, and utilizing brined olives and dried beans for hearty winter meals. She highlights how well-preserved beans bring zest to slow-cooked dishes, emphasizing the resourcefulness and flavor of seasonal storage.
Grow That Garden Library™
Read my review of Bunny Mellon Garden Journal by Linda Holden. This exquisite 2020 journal combines Bunny Mellon’s sketches with quotes about gardening and life, offering gardeners and designers a beautiful, practical keepsake to capture ideas and inspirations. With alternating lined and blank pages, an elastic band, a pocket, and a ribbon bookmark, it’s both inspiring and functional.
Buy the book on Amazon: Bunny Mellon Garden Journal by Linda Holden
Today's Botanic Spark
1995 Remembering the value of weeds from North County Times: plants like Yarrow, Chicory, Horsetail, Shepherd’s Purse, and Ground Ivy are often dismissed yet hold medicinal and historical importance. Author Pamela Jones advocates for abolishing the word “weed” due to its negative connotations, highlighting how these plants serve as remedies for various ailments, including fever, snakebites, headaches, and bleeding, while celebrating their resilience and healing power.
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