June 1, 2021 Alberta Botanic Garden, Richard Irwin Lynch, Edith Wharton, Practical Houseplant Book by Zia Allaway and Fran Bailey, and Colleen McCullough
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Welcome June!
Why Was June Made? by Annette Wynne
Why was June made?—Can you guess?
June was made for happiness!
Even the trees
Know this, and the breeze
That loves to play
Outside all day,
And never is too bold or rough,
Like March's wind, but just a tiny blow's enough;
And all the fields know
This is so—
June was not made for wind and stress,
June was made for happiness;
Little happy daisy faces
Show it in the meadow places,
And they call out when I pass,
"Stay and play here in the grass."
June was made for happy things,
Boats and flowers, stars and wings,
Not for wind and stress,
June was made for happiness!
Botanical History On This Day
1850 Birth of Richard Irwin Lynch, gardener and botanist. He followed his father’s footsteps, began working at Kew Gardens at 17, and later transformed the Cambridge University Botanic Garden as its curator. Lynch expanded the garden’s collections and authored the classic "The Book of the Iris," emphasizing that irises require full sun for optimal blooming and noting their historical use in perfumery and skincare.
1837 Birth of Edith Wharton, acclaimed American novelist and garden designer. Wharton drew inspiration from the grand gardens of Europe and was influenced by Gertrude Jekyll. She authored the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Age of Innocence and the renowned garden book Italian Villas and Their Gardens. Her own garden at her estate, The Mount, was a testament to her artistry and affection for the natural world.
Unearthed Words
Jane Hamilton wrote in A Map of the World:
"The dust on the gravel had enough energy to drift and collapse on the flower beds, while the sun’s white light burned through the day. The plants felt as if they were singing dirges for the fading summer.”
Grow That Garden Library™
The Practical Houseplant Book, written by Zia Allaway and Fran Bailey, offers a vibrant collection of over 175 indoor plants, each accompanied by detailed profiles and DIY projects, including macramé hangers, terrariums, and plant shelves. This 224-page book offers creativity and care tips to help you build your indoor oasis with style.
Buy the a copy on Amazon: Practical Houseplant Book by Zia Allaway and Fran Bailey.
Today's Botanic Spark
1937 Birth of Colleen McCullough, bestselling Australian author of The Thorn Birds. She created a personal garden paradise on Norfolk Island that echoed the passion and intimacy found in her novels — a garden where purple sweet peas mingled with Persian cats, transforming every day into a celebration of life and nature.
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And remember: For a happy, healthy life, garden every day.
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