A Daffodil’s Devotion: A Tribute to George Herbert Engleheart
This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast:
On April 25, 1851, George Herbert Engleheart, an English pastor and plant breeder, was born.
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” - Audrey Hepburn
Oh, dear reader, spring has sprung!
Once cloaked in winter’s icy embrace, the earth has awakened to a symphony of verdant hues and fragrant blossoms. At the heart of this botanical revival is a remarkable figure: George Herbert Engleheart.
A man of the cloth and a lover of nature, George was a true daffodil devotee. His dedication to breeding these cheerful blooms was nothing short of obsessive.
Imagine a pastor, his parishioners eagerly awaiting his Sunday sermons, instead finding a note on the church door that read,
"No service today, working with daffodils."
A charming eccentricity, indeed!
George's passion was infectious.
His tireless efforts resulted in the creation of over 700 daffodil varieties, many of which grace our gardens today. From the radiant Beersheba to the elegant White Lady, we owe a debt of gratitude to this horticultural hero.
As I wander through my own garden, basking in the springtime sunshine, I cannot help but feel a sense of connection to George Engleheart. The joy he found in tending to his plants is mirrored in my own heart.
Working the earth, watching seeds sprout and blossoms unfold, can bring profound peace and tranquility.
And let us not forget the culinary delights that spring brings. Asparagus, rhubarb, and even hosta leaves - all offer a taste of nature's bounty. As I savor these seasonal treats, I am reminded of life's simple pleasures and the natural world's enduring beauty.
Engleheart's charming note to his parishioners reminds me of the little notes today's gardeners hang on their porches or on their front doors, saying something sweet, like "in the garden."
(And, dear gardener, if you don't have one of those darling signs, you can grab a little chalkboard, twine, and make your own.)
