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Curated News

The Little Fern That Could | Earth Island Journal | Anna Gibbs

Botanical History On This Day

1827 Death of Antoine Nicolas Duchesne, the French botanist who revolutionized the strawberry. A student of Bernard de Jussieu, Duchesne’s experiments led to the creation of the modern strawberry in 1764. He also explored plant mutation and worked with gourds, helping shape the fruits gardeners love today. For bigger strawberry harvests, plant in the sun, use well-drained soil, and trim the runners.

1902 On this day, the Showy Lady’s-Slipper became Minnesota’s State Flower. First discovered by William Aiton in 1789, this magical orchid is protected by law and revered by Native Americans as the moccasin flower. Difficult to cultivate, these orchids can take years to flower and may live a century. Thoreau once described their bold blooms carpeting the forest floor in June, a sight that was almost lost when collectors nearly drove them to extinction.

Unearthed Words

Nature writer Robert Finch laments the loss of America’s snowy owls. After learning that over 2,300 snowy owls were shot as trophies in 1926-27, Finch reflects on how hard modern conservationists must work to see even a glimpse of what was once abundant.

“We trudge so far today to see so little that the result is often a strangely pathetic elation.”

Grow That Garden Library™

Read my review of Ellis Rowan, 1848-1922 by Kate Collins.

This 52-page tribute captures the botanical artistry and adventurous life of Ellis Rowan, who painted Australia’s wildflowers, traveled the world, and collaborated with Alice Lounsberry on the flora of North America. Her work now graces the collections of Australia’s National Library—a victory for those who find wildflowers worthy of art.

Buy the book on Amazon: Ellis Rowan, 1848-1922 by Kate Collins

Today's Botanic Spark

1996 The Fairchild Tropical Garden’s iconic rare-plant house was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew, and was rebuilt and reborn as the Windows on the Tropics conservatory. Showcasing more than 2,000 plants—including air plants mounted like trophy stags, pitcher plants, towering ferns, and tropical economic crops—this hurricane-proof sanctuary introduced visitors to themed plant “windows” and sustainable rainwater systems. With its soaring modern architecture, the conservatory’s March reopening marked the culmination of the final restoration following the devastating storm.

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