China Archives

Frank Kingdon-Ward: The Last of the Great Plant Hunters

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 6, 1885 On this day, the renowned British botanist and explorer Frank Kingdon-Ward was born in Manchester, England. The son of a distinguished botanist, Frank seemed destined to follow in his father’s…

The Botanical Martyr: Remembering Jean-André Soulié

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. October 6, 1858 On this day, dear readers, we commemorate the birth of a most intriguing figure in the annals of botany and missionary work. Jean-André Soulié, a name that might not roll…

February 15, 2021 Pioneer Trees for the Forest Garden, Archibald Menzies, Ernest Henry Wilson, The Gardener-Botanists of the 1927 South Africa Expedition, Dried Flowers by Morgane Illes, and Garden Design Tips from David Stevens

Today we celebrate the man who introduced the Monkey Puzzle tree to England. We’ll also learn about the prolific plant explorer who was disabled after searching for the regal lily – but he never had any regrets. We hear some words about the 1927 expedition to South Africa. We Grow That Garden Library™ with a…

January 13, 2021 Gardening Trends for 2021, John Gilbert Baker, Joseph Francis Rock, Holly, and Ivy with Beth Chatto, A Small Porch by Wendell Berry, and Helen Morgenthau Fox on Garden Cinderellas

Today we celebrate a man who was regarded as the most revered British field-botanist of his time. We’ll also learn about the botanist who considered China to be his real home. We’ll hear thoughts on holly and ivy from one of my favorite gardeners. We Grow That Garden Library™ with a book of Sunday poems…

The Viral 1930s Article Featuring Plant Explorer Frank Kingdon-Ward and his Botanical Adventures

“On another of his Tibetan expeditions, he discovered the blue poppy, a flower sought by all horticulturists in this country and obtained by few.” July 1, 1932 On this day, newspapers worldwide ran a fascinating article about the botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward titled “Plant Explorer Finds Adventure.” Here’s what the Altoona Mirror out of Altoona, Pennsylvania,…