Breaking Ground: Helia Bravo Hollis and Her Beloved Cacti

Helia Bravo Hollis iconic photo next to a large cactus holding a knife.

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. September 30, 1901 Today we celebrate the birth of Helia Bravo Hollis, that most remarkable Queen of the Cacti, whose pioneering spirit broke ground not only for women in science but for our…

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Townshend Stith Brandegee: A Life of Botany, Love, and the Great Western Forests

Mulberry Trees February 16, 1843 Today is the birthday of the American botanist Townshend Stith Brandegee. Townshend was born into one of America’s oldest and prominent families, and he was the oldest of twelve children. Townshend’s middle name, Stith, was his mother’s maiden name. Townshend was descended from three generations of men named Elishama. Townshend’s…

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