Purple Serendipity: The Day James Bates Discovered Nature’s Violet Surprise

Blue Mustard Florescence

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. April 24, 1914 On this day in horticultural history, a serendipitous discovery graced the fields of Nebraska, forever altering the landscape of botanical intrigue. James M. Bates, a keen-eyed observer of nature’s whims,…

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The Flying Flowers: Dr. Hugh Cutler’s Botanical Airmail Adventure

Dr. Hugh C. Cutler

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. July 2, 1940 On this day, dear readers,the esteemed pages of the St. Joseph Gazette revealed a most delightful botanical discovery. Dr. Hugh C. Cutler of St. Louis—a gentleman of scientific prowess—had unearthed…

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