Aimé Bonpland Archives

The Explorer Who Mapped Nature’s Web: Alexander von Humboldt’s Legacy

Charles Sauriol, a notable Canadian naturalist known for his significant contributions to conservation in Ontario and across Canada.

Bleeding Heart May 14, 1938 On this day, the Canadian conservationist and naturalist Charles Joseph Sauriol wrote in his journal, “I have some most beautiful Pansies from the seeds of last year. Pansies are a surprise packet. You never know what to expect, and you are never disappointed if you [don’t?] expect much.” We found…

Alexander von Humboldt: Explorer, Polymath, and Father of Ecology

Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), a renowned German naturalist and explorer, considered one of the founders of modern science.

The Polymath and Pragmatist May 6, 1859 Today is the anniversary of the death of the naturalist and botanist Alexander Von Humboldt. He was 89 years old. When it came to his expeditions, Alexander didn’t travel alone. In 1799, Alexander was accompanied by the French botanist Aimé Bonplant. In 1806, Friedrich Georg Weitsch painted his…

Aimé Chile Bonpland: The Explorer Who Discovered Plants and Peppers

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. August 28, 1773 On this day, my precious petal-tenders and botanical confidantes, the remarkable French explorer and botanist Aimé Bonpland drew his first breath in this glorious world of ours in 1773. How…