February 15, 2021 Pioneer Trees for the Forest Garden, Archibald Menzies, Ernest Henry Wilson, The Gardener-Botanists of the 1927 South Africa Expedition, Dried Flowers by Morgane Illes, and Garden Design Tips from David Stevens
Subscribe
Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart
Support The Daily Gardener
Connect for FREE!
The Friday Newsletter | Daily Gardener Community
Curated News
Botanical History On This Day
1842 Death of Archibald Menzies, Scottish surgeon and botanist who introduced the Chilean Monkey Puzzle tree to England by clandestinely carrying seeds in his pocket. Known as the “Monkey Puzzle Man,” Menzies’ discovery gave gardeners an iconic evergreen, now endangered but treasured for its unique form and history.
1876 Birth of Ernest Henry Wilson, legendary English plant collector and explorer. Trained by Augustine Henry, Wilson brought the rare Dove Tree from China to England and survived a landslide where mules marched over his crushed leg. Despite a lifelong injury, he continued to risk everything to discover new species, introducing hundreds of plants and leaving a lasting botanical legacy.
Unearthed Words
Today’s excerpt is fromAlice Coats, who recalls the illustrious 1927 South African gardener-botanists expedition, featuring Collingwood Ingram, George Taylor, Lawrence Johnstone, and Reginald Cory, whose generously bequeathed fortunes and collections enriched institutions such as Cambridge University and the Royal Horticultural Society’s libraries and gardens.
Grow That Garden Library™
Read my review of Dried Flowers by Morgane Illes. This 2020 guide redefines dried floral art for modern homes with top picks for preserved blooms and 15 creative projects, including wreaths, wall art, and terrariums. Morgane’s fresh take inspires gardeners to bring lasting beauty inside and refresh old perceptions of dried flowers.
Buy the book on Amazon: Dried Flowers by Morgane Illes
Today's Botanic Spark
1992 The garden designer David Stevens shared expert design tips emphasizing breaking outdoor spaces into smaller “rooms” to create mystery and interest. He warned against hasty planting without planning, urged simplicity in design, and highlighted the use of color and texture to manipulate space perception. Stevens advised gardeners to select plants suited to their climate and to develop their gardens gradually over several years for optimal results.
Thanks for listening to The Daily Gardener
And remember: For a happy, healthy life, garden every day.
Featured Book
Ways to Connect with The Daily Gardener
What Listeners Say
KIND WORDS FROM LOVELY LISTENERS
"I just discovered you!
I googled garden podcasts and
I'm so glad I found the show.
I start every day with The Daily Gardener!"
"I love gardening.
I been gardening for over 40 years.
A friend got me started on listening to gardening podcasts and yours just popped up.
I am all the richer for it!"
"I've been a Still Growing podcast listener for years.
You are so welcoming and your voice is so soothing!
I love The Daily Gardener because it's different. I can't imagine how much work it is to make a show like this but I thank you for it."
SI HORTUM IN HORTORIA PODCASTA IN BIBLIOTEHCA HABES, NIHIL DEERIT.