Posts Tagged ‘botanical journals’
Grass Roots Faith: How Heinrich Muhlenberg Cultivated American Botany
This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 17, 1785 On this day, the botanical world welcomed a luminary whose influence would extend far beyond the pulpit – Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg, a man of God who found divinity in…
Read MoreHenry David Thoreau: On Maple Sap, Willows, and the Warm Places of Spring
Maple Trees and Warm Places March 22, 1856 Today Henry David Thoreau writes about spring and flowing sap in Maple trees in his journal. He also writes about microclimates – he calls them “warm places.” “Part of the White Maples now begin to flow, some perhaps two or three days. Probably in equally warm positions,…
Read MoreTheodore Vogel, the Niger Expedition, and the Trials of a Botanist at Sea
A Peaceful Passing December 4, 1841 On this day, the German botanist Theodore Vogel was laid low with dysentery. After joining the Niger (“nee-ZHER”) expedition, Theodore recorded in his journal the difficulties of traveling without the benefit of a Wardian Case on board a naval warship called the Wilberforce: “As soon as I got on…
Read MoreNathanael Pringsheim: Pioneer of Algology and Botanical Science
The Founder of Algology November 30, 1823 Today is the birthday of the German botanist Nathanael Pringsheim. Nathanael was a founder of algology or the study of algae. Nathanael’s work led to an understanding of how algae and fungi live, develop, and reproduce. In 1882, Nathanael founded the German Botanical Society. This post was…
Read MoreEdward August Von Regel: The Visionary Behind Russia’s Imperial Botanical Garden
Garten Flora Today is the birthday of the Russian botanist Edward August Von Regal. Edward was born in Switzerland – but he lived most of his life in Russia. Edward worked in a number of botanical gardens, including gardens in Germany and Switzerland. In 1852, Edward founded a magazine called Garten Flora, where he described…
Read MoreBenjamin Lincoln Robinson: Reviving Harvard’s Gray Herbarium and Launching Rhodora
Harvard Botanist Today is the anniversary of the death of the botanist Benjamin Lincoln Robinson. In 1892, Benjamin was appointed the curator of the Asa Gray Herbarium at Harvard. When Benjamin took over, both the herbarium and the library were in dire straits. Benjamin brought in funding and expanded the herbarium. Today, the Gray Herbarium…
Read MoreGotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg: Pastor, Botanist, and Academic Pioneer
White Cloud Today is the day the American Lutheran Pastor and botanist Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg was made a member of the American Philosophical Society. He was always referred to by his second name Heinrich. The Muhlenberg family was a founding family of the United States, and Heinrich came from a long line of pastors.…
Read MoreWilliam MacGillivray: Scottish Naturalist, Ornithologist, and Tireless Traveler
A Walk to London Today is the birthday of the Scottish artist, naturalist, and ornithologist William MacGillivray (“Mick-ILL-vree”). He once walked 838 miles from Old Aberdeen to London to visit the natural history museum there. Along the way, MacGillivray documented all the flora and fauna he encountered. You can read about it in a book…
Read MoreThe enduring legacy of Rhodora: How a Botanical Journal Bloomed in 1899
The Patron Saint of Gardeners 827 Today is the anniversary of the death of x (pronounced Alard) of Corbie – a patron saint of gardeners – who died on this day in 827. Adelard was related to Charlemagne; they were first cousins. In addition to serving as the Abbott of the Abbey, Adelard was also…
Read MoreAndré Michaux’s First Encounter with Rhododendron minus
First Glance of a River Plant On this day in 1788, Andre Michaux made his way from Georgia into South Carolina by crossing the Tugalo River. In his journal, Michaux wrote: “At dawn, I went to look at the banks of the river and I recognized the yellow root, [a new species of rhododendron], mountain…
Read MoreCharles Eliot: The Visionary Landscape Architect Who Shaped New England’s Natural Beauty
The Boston Botanist Today is the birthday of Charles Eliot, who was born on this day in 1859. Eliot was the son of a prominent Boston family. In 1869, the year his mother died, his father Charles William Eliot became the president of Harvard University. In 1882 Charles went to Harvard to study botany. A…
Read MoreGilbert White’s April Garden Journal: Cuckoos, Cucumbers, and Canterbury Bells
Five gallons of French brandy from London. Cucumbers show fruit in bloom. Cuculus cuculat: the voice of the cuckoo is heard in Blackmoor Woods. Sowed Hollyhocks, Columbines, Snapdragons, Stocks, Mignonette, all from S. Lambeth, in a bed in the garden. Also Sweet Williams, & Canterbury Bells. Note: On this day the Naturalist Gilbert…
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