May 27, 2021 Grasses, Floral Clock, Vincent Price, Yellow in the Garden, Plants by Kathy Willis, and the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans
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Botanical History On This Day
1873 On this day, a detailed guide to making a floral clock inspired readers in Pratt’s Junction, Massachusetts, to chart the hours by watching flowers open. From Yellow Goat's Beard at 3 a.m. to Field Marigold at 9 a.m., early risers found timekeeping magic in the bloom and close of country blossoms, offering a charming pursuit for those who claimed country life was dull.
1911 Birthday of Vincent Price, legendary American actor and enthusiastic gardener. Price filled his California garden with cymbidium orchids, ponds—including one made from an old bathtub—and a dramatic 40-foot totem pole acquired from John Barrymore’s estate. His garden bristled with rescued plants and unique finds; when he passed away in 1993, his family honored his wishes by scattering his ashes at sea with rose petals and his beloved garden hat.
Unearthed Words
From Carole Carlton’s Mrs. Darley series and Mrs. Darley's Pagan Whispers: “Yellow is the colour of early spring… The most cheerful of colours, almost reflective in its nature, and it is, of course, the colour of the mind. Yellow light encourages us to think more positively. It lifts our spirits and raises our self-esteem in time for summer.”
Grow That Garden Library™
Explore Plants by Kathy Willis, a 2015 treasure subtitled “From Roots to Riches.” Willis, the science director at Kew Gardens, distills 250 years of botanical discoveries into 100 objects and stories—unfolding the impact of plants on science, society, and survival. The book features original photos from Kew’s archives and reveals how essential plants remain to our advancement and existence.
Buy the book on Amazon: Plants: From Roots to Riches
Today's Botanic Spark
1873 On this day, the inaugural Preakness Stakes—now nicknamed The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans—was held in Baltimore. Although no real Black-Eyed Susans bloom in May, the winner’s sash is crafted from painted daisies to evoke Maryland's iconic state flower.
Black-Eyed Susans honor botanist Olaus Rudbeck, illuminating gardens until frost, nurturing silvery checkerspot butterflies, and symbolizing encouragement—a golden heart for gardens and races alike.
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