February 13, 2020 North Carolina Wildflower of the Year, Vita Sackville-West, Joseph Banks, Lewis David von Schweinitz, Jeremiah Bailey, Julia Dorr, A Sting in the Tale by Dave Goulson, and Maria L Owen

The Daily Gardener Podcast Album Cover with a pot of rosemary - the herb for remembrance - beckoning gardeners to remember to listen to the show. Updated September 2025.

Subscribe Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart Support The Daily Gardener Buy Me A Coffee  Connect for FREE! The Friday Newsletter |  Daily Gardener Community Curated News 2020 Wildflower of the Year – North Carolina Botanical Garden The 2020 North Carolina Wildflower of the Year: marsh-pink (Sabatia angularis “Sah-BAY-tee-ah ANG-you-LARE-iss) @NCBotGarden aka:…

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Choosing

Mountain Clematis (Clematis montana), also known as Himalayan Clematis or Anemone Clematis.

by Julia Dorr Meadow-sweet or lily fair— Which shall it be? Clematis or brier-rose, Blooming for me? Spicy pink, or violet With the dews of morning wet, Sweet peas or mignonette— Which shall it be? Blue-bells and yellow-bells Swinging in the air; Purple pansies, golden pied; Pink-white daisies, starry-eyed; Gay nasturtiums, deeply dyed, Climbing everywhere.…

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Homesick

The distinctive branches of a Corkscrew Willow tree, also known by its botanical name Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'.

by Julia Dorr O my garden! Lying whitely in the moonlight and the dew, Far across the leagues of distance flies my heart to-night to you, And I see your stately lilies In the tender radiance gleam With a dim, mysterious splendor, like the angels of a dream! I can see the trellised arbor, and…

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An Answer to a Valentine

A dried, heart-shaped natural element hangs on a string against a softly lit, neutral background.

by Julia Dorr My true love sent me a valentine  All on a winter’s day,  And suddenly the cold gray skies  Grew soft and warm as May!  The snowflakes changed to apple blooms,  A pink- white fluttering crowd,  And on the swaying maple boughs  The robins sang aloud.  For moaning wintry winds, I heard  The…

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Beyond

A beautiful sunset over the ocean, capturing a serene and picturesque moment.

by Julia Dorr Beyond the sunset’s crimson bars,  Beyond the twilight and the stars,  Beyond the midnight and the dark,  Sail on, sail on, O happy barque.  Into the dawn of that Tomorrow  Where hearts shall find the end of sorrow  And Love shall find its own!       Notes: Today is the birthday…

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A Garden of Verses: Julia Dorr’s Floral Inspirations and Poetic Refuge

Julia Caroline Ripley Dorr (colorized and enhanced).

Today’s Garden Words were featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. Words inspired by the garden are the sweetest, most beautiful words of all. Julia Caroline Ripley Dorr (colorized and enhanced). February 13, 1825 On this day, Julia Dorr, affectionately known as Rutland’s poet and…

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Honeybee

A honey bee, scientifically known as Apis mellifera, on a flower.

by Julia Dorr Roly-poly honey bee, Humming in the clover, Under you, the tossing leaves And the blue sky over, Why are you so busy, pray? Never still a minute, Hovering now above a flower.  Now half-buried in it!     Notes: Today is the birthday of the heartfelt American poet and writer – known…

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Unanswered

A serene spring or summer day, showcasing a field of white flowers under bright sunshine with a blurred green background, likely a forest or trees.

by Julia Dorr And all the meadows, wide unrolled,  Were green and silver, green and gold,  Where buttercups and daisies spun  Their shining tissues in the sun.      Notes: Today is the birthday of the heartfelt American poet and writer – known as Rutland’s poet and Vermont’s unofficial poet laureate – Julia Dorr, born…

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Over the Wall

Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), also known as Japanese Creeper or Japanese Ivy.

by Julia Dorr I know a spot where the wild vines creep,  And the coral moss-cups grow,  And where at the foot of the rocky steep,  The sweet blue violets blow.         Notes: Today is the birthday of the heartfelt American poet and writer – known as Rutland’s poet and Vermont’s unofficial…

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A Red Rose

The image displays a deep red rose, likely a 'Veterans' Honor' Hybrid Tea Rose, known for its elegant form and vibrant color.

by Julia Dorr And the stately lilies stand Fair in the silvery light,  Like saintly vestals, pale in prayer;  Their pure breath sanctifies the air,  As its fragrance fills the night.         Notes: Today is the birthday of the heartfelt American poet and writer – known as Rutland’s poet and Vermont’s unofficial…

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Without And Within

A 'Julia Child' Floribunda rose, known for its distinctive features and popularity among gardeners.

by Julia Dorr Often I linger where the roses pour  Exquisite odors from each glowing cup;  Or where the violet, brimmed with sweetness o’er,  Lifts its small chalice up.            Notes: Today is the birthday of the heartfelt American poet and writer – known as Rutland’s poet and Vermont’s unofficial poet…

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Earth to Earth

Pansies, which are a popular cool-season annual flower known for their vibrant colors and distinctive "face-like" markings on their petals.

by Julia Dorr Plant a white rose at my feet,  Or a lily fair and sweet,  With the humble mignonette And the blue-eyed violet.         Notes: Today is the birthday of the heartfelt American poet and writer – known as Rutland’s poet and Vermont’s unofficial poet laureate – Julia Dorr, born on…

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At the Gate

A serene path winding through an avenue of trees, creating a natural archway or tunnel effect with their overhanging branches and moss-covered trunks.

by Julia Dorr Around in silent grandeur stood  The stately children of the wood;  Maple and elm and towering pine  Mantled in folds of dark woodbine.         Notes: Today is the birthday of the heartfelt American poet and writer – known as Rutland’s poet and Vermont’s unofficial poet laureate – Julia Dorr,…

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