Asa Gray: The Birth of American Botany’s Greatest Voice

Asa Gray by Sir David McNee, 1838

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 18, 1810 On this day, Asa Gray (1810-1888) was born. He was a figure who would become America’s preeminent botanist and one of the most influential scientists of the 19th century. Born…

Read More

The Botanist Agnes Chase: “Grass is What Holds the Earth Together.”

Agnes Chase with specimens

“Grass is what holds the earth together. Grass made it possible for the human race to abandon his cave life and follow herds. Civilization was based on grass, everywhere in the world.” April 29, 1869 On this day, the botanist Agnes Chase, was born. Agnes was an agrostologist; a studier of grass. A self-taught botanist,…

Read More