The Garden as Sanctuary: R. S. Thomas’s Poetic Gesture Against the Wild

R. S. Thomas in his eighties.

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. March 29, 1913 Dearest reader, On this day, we celebrate the birth of Ronald Stuart Thomas—better known as R. S. Thomas—a Welsh poet and Anglican priest whose words wove the rugged beauty of the…

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Humble Blooms: The Garden Wisdom of Henry King

Henry King Bishop of Chichester

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. September 30, 1669 On this day, we mark the passing of Henry King, Bishop of Chichester and intimate friend of John Donne, whose verses on flowers reveal both the humility of a true…

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Isaac Watts: The Hymn Writer Who Saw Gardens in the Divine

Isaac Watts, an English Nonconformist minister and prolific hymn writer, often referred to as the "father of English hymnody".

The Godfather of English Hymnody November 25, 1748   Today is the anniversary of the death of the English Christian minister (Congregational) and prolific hymn writer Isaac Watts. Known as the “Godfather of English Hymnody,” Isaac’s hymns are still sung in churches today: “O God our Help in Ages Past,” “There is a Land of…

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Phoebe Hinsdale Brown: The Twilight Hymn of a Garden Soul

A white stone statue of a kneeling woman in a robe and veil, hands clasped in prayer, surrounded by lush green foliage in a garden setting.

by Phoebe Hinsdale Brown Yes, when the toilsome day is gone, And night, with banners gray,  Steals silently the glade along  In twilight’s soft array. I love to steal awhile away From little ones and care,  And spend the hours of setting day  In gratitude and prayer. I love to feast on Nature’s scenes When…

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