John Lindley: The Orchid Lover Who Saved Kew Gardens

John Lindley (1799-1865), a prominent English botanist, gardener, and orchidologist.

The Lindley Library February 5, 1799 Today is the birthday of the British botanist, pomologist, pioneer orchidologist, and flower show organizer, John Lindley. John’s dad was a nurseryman, and he ran a commercial nursery in England. Despite his array of botanical talents and knowledge, the family was always under financial duress. Growing up in his…

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Jean Jules Linden: The Orchid Pioneer Who Transformed European Horticulture

Jean Jules Linden, a prominent 19th-century Belgian botanist, explorer, and horticulturist.

Appreciation for Orchids January 12, 1898 Today is the anniversary of the death of the 19th-century Belgian botanist, explorer, horticulturist, rare orchid hunter, and businessman Jean Jules Linden. Before he reached 20, Jean began collecting rare orchids in South America. In 1844, Jean discovered the Dendrophylax lindenii or the Ghost orchid in Cuba. But there…

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Benedict Roezl: The Orchid Hunter with an Iron Hand

Benedict Roezl

Orchid Master Hunter August 13, 1823    Today is the birthday of Benedict Roezl, who was born on this day in Czechoslovakia. Benedict was probably the most famous collector of orchids during his lifetime. Benedict had an interesting life. As a gardener, he traveled all over Europe. He was also the founder of a Czech…

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and Green Thumb: Benedict Roezl’s Iron Hook Botanical Adventures

Benedict Roezl thumbnail image

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. August 1, 1823 On this day, my dearest green-thumbed companions, the world welcomed Benedict Roezl, born in the verdant landscapes of Czechoslovakia in 1823. Oh, what a remarkable plantsman he was! Perhaps the…

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