Plowing New Ground: The Legacy of Harry Ferguson

Harry Ferguson Statue at his Memorial Garden at his former home at Growell.

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 4, 1884 Today we celebrate Harry Ferguson [FUR-guh-sun], born on this day near Dromara [droh-MAR-ah] in County Down, Ireland. While we often think of gardening in terms of hand tools and intimate…

Read More

John H. Heinz and the Innovation of Vegetable Sorting Machines

John H. Heinz thumbnail image

Vegetable Assorters Today John H. Heinz received a patent for an improvement to Vegetable-Assorters – the machines used for sorting produce like fruits, vegetables, etc. I, myself, have created some excellent vegetable sorters – their names are Will, Emma, PJ, & John.   This post was featured onThe Daily Gardener podcast: helping gardeners find their…

Read More

The Plow Pioneer: Celebrating Stephen McCormick’s Agricultural Legacy

Stephen McCormick

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. August 26, 1784 My dearest garden companions, today we celebrate the birthday of Stephen McCormick, who graced this earth on this very day in 1784. Oh, how marvelous it is to consider, my…

Read More