Henry Shaw: Plants were his Children
"Madame, did you ever know a mother to forget the names of her children?
These plants and flowers are my little ones."
May 3, 1819
On this day, botanist and philanthropist Henry Shaw arrived in St. Louis.
St. Louis had been founded over fifty years before Shaw's arrival, and the population by 1820 was just over 10,000 people.
While researching Henry Shaw, I stumbled upon a story that reveals Henry's great love for the plants in his garden.
The story was posted in the St. Louis Star and Times on April 5, 1933.
Mr. Shaw was escorting a lady through his gardens, pointing out objects of interest.
The visitor said:
"I cannot understand, Sir, how you can remember all these difficult names?"
He replied, with a courtly bow,
"Madame, did you ever know a mother to forget the names of her children?
These plants and flowers are my little ones."
This post was featured onThe Daily Gardener podcast:
helping gardeners find their roots,
one story at a time
Henry Shaaw at 85
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