April 20, 2021 Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, Charles Plumier, William Bartram, George MacDonald on April, Ken Druse’s New York City Gardener by Ken Druse and Peter Barr
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Curated News
Garden Blogger's Bloom Day For April | Phillip Oliver
Botanical History On This Day
1646 Birthday of Charles Plumier, a French priest and pioneering botanist born in Marseille. Renowned as the Father of the Fuchsia, Plumier discovered Fuchsia triphylla during his Caribbean expeditions to Hispaniola. He named the vibrant, drooping flower in honor of German botanist Leonhart Fuchs.
Beyond fuchsias, Charles also named the genera Begonia and Magnolia, making significant contributions to botanical classification. His influential 1703 book, New Plants of the Americas, showcased his discoveries and remarkable botanical illustrations, which Linnaeus and other notable figures admired.
1739 Birthday of American naturalist William Bartram, famed as "The Flower Hunter." The son of botanist John Bartram, William explored the American South, documenting plants such as the now-extinct Franklin Tree (Franklinia alatamaha) and the Oakleaf Hydrangea. His 1791 illustrated book, Travels, had a profound influence on European naturalists and poets, cementing his legacy as a pioneering American plant explorer.
Unearthed Words
In Scotland’s unpredictable April weather, spring flirts with winter’s chill, sending hailstorms and snow even as sunshine tries to break through. Celebrate this playful season with a poetic glimpse from George MacDonald, whose tender description captures April's lively spirit in Sir Gibbie.
Grow That Garden Library™
Read my review of Ken Druse’s New York City Gardener, a classic guide to thriving urban gardening in the Big Apple. Covering everything from tiny backyard patches to community plots, Ken’s tips and local resource suggestions make it an invaluable companion for city dwellers seeking green success.
Buy the book on Amazon: Ken Druse’s New York City Gardener
Today's Botanic Spark
1826 Birthday of Peter Barr, the Scottish nurseryman who popularized the daffodil, breeding over two million bulbs in his Surrey nursery. Known as the "Daffodil King," Barr’s legacy blooms every spring, fueling the daffodil craze that swept America post-Civil War and inspiring lovers of bright yellow blossoms worldwide.
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