Archibald Menzies’ Santa Barbara Sojourn: A Botanical Milestone

Archibald Menzies

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 18, 1793 On this day, Archibald Menzies (MEN-zeez), the Scottish surgeon-botanist, reluctantly departed Santa Barbara aboard the HMS Discovery during Vancouver’s expedition. Menzies had spent several productive days exploring the Santa Barbara…

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John Joly: The Poet-Scientist Who Understood Plant Magic

John Joly (enhanced & colorized)

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 1, 1857 John Joly (pronounced “JOLLY”) was born on this day in Hollywood House near the village of Bracknagh (pronounced “BRACK-nuh”) in County Offaly, Ireland. Joly was an Irish polymath whose profound…

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Antoine de Jussieu: The Botanical Bard of Lyon

Antoine de Jussieu

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. July 6, 1686 On this day, dear horticultural enthusiasts, we celebrate the birth of a true titan of botany, the incomparable Antoine de Jussieu. Born in the fragrant city of Lyon, young Antoine…

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From Royal Roots to Public Paradise: The Birth of Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes (French for Garden of the Plants)

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. June 10, 1793 On this day, dear garden enthusiasts, we find ourselves transported to the heart of Paris, where a horticultural jewel is about to unfurl its petals to the world. The year…

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