Garden Science Archives

John Joly: The Poet-Scientist Who Understood Plant Magic

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 1, 1857 John Joly (pronounced “JOLLY”) was born on this day in Hollywood House near the village of Bracknagh (pronounced “BRACK-nuh”) in County Offaly, Ireland. Joly was an Irish polymath whose profound…

The Lichen Lady: Annie Lorrain Smith’s Scientific Revolution

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. October 23, 1854 Today we also celebrate the birth of the remarkable Annie Lorrain Smith, and oh my dears, what a story she has to tell us about persistence in both gardens and…

A Birthday of Botanical Brilliance: Hugo von Mohl and the Secrets of Plant Cells

Hugo von Mohl portrait as a young man colorized and in a tux

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. April 8, 1805 On this day, dear reader, the world welcomed Hugo von Mohl—a name perhaps unfamiliar to those who merely dabble in the garden, yet one that should be etched into the…