April 14, 2022 Helene Cramer, Harry Saier, Jim Zampini, A Naturalist’s Book of Wildflowers by Laura Martin, and Kathleen Drew-Baker
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Botanical History On This Day
1844 Birth of Helene Cramer, German landscape and flower painter who began her artistic journey at 38 alongside her sister Molly, defying their father's wishes. Together, they exhibited widely, including the 1883 Chicago World's Fair. Helene’s favorite work, "Marsh Marigolds and Crown Imperials," beautifully captures nature’s ephemeral charm. Buried in Hamburg's Garden of Women, her legacy blossoms still.
1888 Birth of Harry Saier, American nurseryman and prolific seed distributor from Lansing, Michigan. His exhaustive catalogs, boasting up to 18,000 seed varieties, were a last refuge for gardeners searching for rare plants. His nursery evolved into a flourishing floral shop, complete with the state's largest icebox and a fountain centerpiece—a true horticultural oasis. Harry’s dedication inspired many, including Elizabeth Lawrence’s heartfelt tribute.
2017 The Beijing Crabapple Conference commenced, celebrating the vibrant flowers of beloved cultivars developed by the late Ohio nurseryman Jim Zampini. Known for varieties like Brandywine and Weeping Candied Apple, crabapples enchant gardens with their prolific blooms and storied folklore—dream seeds and Valentine’s Eve rituals abound for this charming tree.
Grow That Garden Library™ Book Recommendation
Read The Daily Gardener review of A Naturalist's Book of Wildflowers by Laura Martin, a beautifully illustrated tribute to 85 native North American plants, blending scientific detail, folklore, and charming sketches for gardeners young and old alike.
Buy the book on Amazon: A Naturalist's Book of Wildflowers by Laura Martin
Botanic Spark
1963 On April 14, Japan honors Kathleen Drew-Baker, the British phycologist whose discovery of red algae’s life cycle revolutionized seaweed farming and supported post-war Japan’s recovery. Known as the “Mother of the Sea,” Kathleen’s legacy is celebrated annually at her shrine overlooking the Ariake Sea.
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