February 16, 2022 Marie Clark Taylor, David Austin, the New Jersey State Flower, Sleepy Cat Farm by Caroline Seebohm, and Elizabeth Gilbert
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Botanical History On This Day
1911 Birth of Marie Clark Taylor, American botanist and the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in botany from Fordham University. A devoted professor at Howard University, she mentored future science teachers and enriched biology education through her summer institutes. An auditorium at Howard honors her legacy.
1926 Birth of David Austin, famed English rose breeder who combined the charm and fragrance of heirloom roses with the color and repeat blooms of modern varieties. Known as "Mr. A" to his staff, his legacy lives on through his family-run nursery and his philosophy of enhancing nature’s beauty.
1971 On this day, the New Jersey State Flower, the Violet, was officially adopted following a spirited legislative debate. Senator Josephine Margetts championed its selection, praising its symbolism of love, purity, and esteem, while a dissenting senator declared himself a "marigold man."
Grow That Garden Library™ Book Recommendation
Delve into Sleepy Cat Farm by Caroline Seebohm, a 2021 gardener’s journey transforming six acres into a garden haven with a celestial pavilion, koi pond, maze, and more. This richly illustrated book captures the magic and grandeur of Sleepy Cat Farm, a Greenwich, Connecticut, treasure.
Buy the book on Amazon: Sleepy Cat Farm
Today's Botanic Spark
2006 Release of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, chronicling her transformative journey around the world. Among its many vivid moments, Gilbert fondly recalls “a serving of fried zucchini blossoms with a soft dab of cheese... prepared so delicately that the blossoms probably didn’t even notice they weren’t on the vine anymore.”
Thanks for listening to The Daily Gardener
And remember: For a happy, healthy life, garden every day.
Botanical History On This Day
1911 Birth of Marie Clark Taylor, American botanist and the first woman awarded a Ph.D. in botany from Fordham University. She became a beloved professor at Howard University, where she passionately mentored future science teachers and enriched biology education through her summer science institute. Her legacy is honored by an auditorium named after her at Howard.
1926 Birth of David Austin, renowned English rose breeder and writer who masterfully blended the fragrance and charm of old roses with the repeat blooms and range of modern varieties. Known affectionately as "Mr. A" to his staff, his nursery continues under family stewardship with a commitment to enhancing nature’s beauty.
1971 On this day, the New Jersey State Flower, the Violet, was officially adopted after Senator Josephine Margetts advocated for its beauty and symbolism of love, faith, and dignity. The bill passed overwhelmingly despite one senator’s humorous declaration, “I’m a marigold man.”
Grow That Garden Library™ Book Recommendation
Explore Sleepy Cat Farm by Caroline Seebohm, a 2021 gardener’s journey detailing the transformation of six acres into an enchanting garden with a celestial pavilion, koi pond, maze, and splendid features. The book’s stunning photography and narrative capture the heart of this Greenwich, Connecticut gem.
Buy the book on Amazon: Sleepy Cat Farm
Today's Botanic Spark
2006 Release of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, a memoir chronicling her worldwide journey after divorce. Among many vivid scenes, Gilbert fondly describes a serving of fried zucchini blossoms with a soft dab of cheese, prepared so delicately the blossoms barely noticed they were off the vine.
Thanks for listening to The Daily Gardener
And remember: For a happy, healthy life, garden every day.
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