The Earl and the Bee: Lord Chesterfield’s Garden Poetry

Philip Dormer Stanhope the 4th Earl of Chesterfield

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. September 22, 1694 My dearest garden enthusiasts, on this day we celebrate the birth of Philip Dormer Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, whose connection to our world of gardens comes through a…

Read More

Chasing Seasons of Love: Ann Batten Cristall’s Garden of Enchantment

A 'Purple Gem' Rhododendron, a dwarf evergreen shrub known for its vibrant violet-purple flowers.

by Ann Batten Cristall, English poet and schoolteacher Through springtime walks, with flowers perfumed, I chased a wild, capricious, fair Where hyacinths and jonquils bloomed, Chanting gay sonnets through the air; Hid amid a briary dell Or ‘neath a Hawthorn-tree, Her sweet enchantments led me on And still deluded me. While summer’s ‘splendent glory smiles…

Read More