From Macabre to Marigolds: Vincent Price’s Horticultural Haven

Vincent with the totem in his garden.

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. May 27, 1911 On this day, dear reader, we celebrate the birth of a most intriguing figure in the annals of both cinema and horticulture: Vincent Price. While his name may conjure images…

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Clark Gable and Carole Lombard: Hollywood’s Farming Sweethearts

Clark Gable, often referred to as the "King of Hollywood".

Ma and Pa December 1, 1932 On this day, the American actor Clark Gable was photographed at his Beverly Hills villa watering his flowers. By the end of the decade, Clark would marry Carole Lombard, an actress who shared Clark’s love for the natural world. As newlyweds, Carole and Clark had bought a 21-acre estate…

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Paul de Longpré: The King of Flowers and His Lost Hollywood Garden

Paul de Longpre Headshot Enhanced and (colorized).

The King of Flowers (aka Joujou’s Father) April 18, 1855 Today is the birthday of the botanist and flower breeder Paul de Longpré (Books By This Author). Known as the “King of Flowers,” Paul painted exceptional portrayals of roses (his first love) and wildflowers (his second love). If you look at Paul’s work, you’ll find…

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Mary Pickford: The Rose-Eating Starlet with a Green Thumb

Mary Pickford thumbnail image

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. April 8, 1892 On this day, America’s sweetheart and Hollywood legend Mary Pickford was born Gladys Marie Smith—a woman who, dear readers, possessed not only a talent for captivating audiences but also a…

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