Gertrude Jekyll: The Poetess of Flowers and Form

A young Gertrude Jekyll

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 29, 1843 On this day, Gertrude Jekyll (“Jee-kul”) was born — the British horticulturist, garden designer, photographer, writer, and artist who reshaped the art of gardening in the early 20th century. Gertrude…

Read More

David Austin: Breeding English Roses with Timeless Charm and Fragrance

David Austin, a renowned English rose breeder, shown alongside his famous 'Graham Thomas' rose.

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. February 16, 1926 Dearest reader, On this day, we celebrate the birth of the illustrious David Austin, an English rose breeder and writer whose visionary work transformed gardens across the world. Known affectionately…

Read More

Harold Hillier and the Legacy of Britain’s Champion Trees

Harold Hillier with his propagator Vic Polovsky.

Hillier Arboretum January 8, 1985  Today is the anniversary of the death of conservationist and plantsman Harold Hillier. In 1864, Hilliard’s grandfather Edwin began the family Nursery. His son was supposed to take over the family business, but he died during the war, and so it fell to Edwin’s grandson Harald to continue his legacy.…

Read More

The Man Who Made Roses Weep: Graham Stuart Thomas Remembered

Graham Stuart Thomas thumbnail image

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. April 17, 2003 On this day, the gardening world lost one of its most illustrious luminaries when Graham Stuart Thomas departed this mortal coil at the venerable age of 94. A man who…

Read More