February 12, 2021 Organizing the Garden Shed, Jan Swammerdam, George Jackman, Walking Through the Garden at Night, Desert Gardens of Steve Martino by Caren Yglesias, and Celebrating William Mason
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Botanical History On This Day
1637 Birth of Jan Swammerdam, Dutch biologist and entomologist who proved insects develop from eggs rather than spontaneous generation. His detailed observations of bees revealed the queen’s role and described hundreds of male bees as “foolish, clumsy, useless,” yet vital to colony life. His poetic appreciation of the hive’s resilience remains inspiring.
1869 Death of George Jackman I, English nurseryman who, with his son George II, propelled the Jackman Nursery and pioneered clematis hybridizing. Their award-winning Clematis jackmanii, with rich purple blooms, remains popular. George’s legacy continued through the efforts of devoted workers and the influence of his family on English horticulture for generations.
Unearthed Words
In today’s excerpt, Elizabeth Ogren Rothra vividly captures how walking in a garden at night reveals a new world: shapes shift, familiar trees become mysterious silhouettes. Nocturnal wildlife thrives in a different rhythm. The hush and silvered moonlight transform the garden into a magically altered landscape to be explored and cherished.
Grow That Garden Library™
Read my review of Desert Gardens of Steve Martino by Caren Yglesias. This 2018 book celebrates Martino’s inspired desert garden designs that blend architectural elements with native plants and dramatic shapes. The interplay of vibrant colors, textured foliage, and geometric forms creates striking landscapes where nature and art converge.
Buy the book on Amazon: Desert Gardens of Steve Martino by Caren Yglesias
Today's Botanic Spark
1724 The birthday of William Mason, poet, artist, and garden designer, who pioneered the English romantic garden. His innovative designs rejected straight lines in favor of naturalistic island beds and garden temples, inspiring the picturesque style. Mason’s enduring verse reminds gardeners,
“Take thy plastic spade, It is thy pencil.
Take thy seeds, thy plants, they are thy colors.”
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