nature philosophy Archives

The Botanical Brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. May 2, 1519 On this day, the world bid farewell to Leonardo da Vinci, the mathematician, scientist, painter, and botanist. Ah, Leonardo, a true Renaissance man, a master of all trades. Like a…

Waldo in Bloom: The Botanical Journey of Ralph Waldo Emerson

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. May 25, 1803 On this day, dear readers, we celebrate the birth of a man whose words have blossomed through the ages, much like the flowers he so adored — Ralph Waldo Emerson.…

Henry David Thoreau: The Philosopher Who Found Wonder in Seeds

National Simplicity Day Today is the birthday of the American essayist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. An advocate for living a simple life, National Simplicity Day is observed every July 12th in Thoreau’s honor. Thoreau said: “Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great…

John Burroughs: The Poet Naturalist of the Catskills

John O’ Birds Today is the birthday of the Naturalist, poet, and philosopher John Burroughs (books by this author) was born on a dairy farm in Roxbury, outside of Boston on this date in 1837. He was sent to the local school, where his desk was next to that of Erie Railroad Robber Baron, Jay…