Asa Gray: The Birth of American Botany’s Greatest Voice

Asa Gray by Sir David McNee, 1838

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 18, 1810 On this day, Asa Gray (1810-1888) was born. He was a figure who would become America’s preeminent botanist and one of the most influential scientists of the 19th century. Born…

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Therese of Bavaria: The Princess Who Found Freedom in Flowers

Princess Therese of Bavaria (sketch is colorized & enhanced), 1810

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 12, 1850 On this day, Princess Therese of Bavaria (teh-RAY-zuh of buh-VAIR-ee-uh), was born.  This remarkable woman found her true calling not in the gilded halls of Bavaria’s royal palaces but in…

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The Father of American Dendrology: Remembering Humphry Marshall

Depiction of Humphry Marshall by Adrian Martinez, 2016

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 5, 1801 On this day, America lost one of its pioneering botanists, Humphry Marshall. His legacy as the “Father of American Dendrology” continues to influence our understanding of native trees and shrubs…

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Pioneer in Plant Science: Effie Southworth

Effie Almira Southworth Spalding

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. October 29, 1830 On this day, plant science pioneer Effie Almira Southworth [pronounced: EF-ee al-MY-rah SOUTH-worth], is born in North Collins, New York. Her story illuminates both the challenges and triumphs of women…

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From Scurvy to Science: Sir Frederick Hopkins’ Vitamin Victory

Frederick Gowland Hopkins

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. June 20, 1861 On this day, dear readers, we celebrate the birth of a most remarkable gentleman, Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins. Born a day before the summer solstice, Hopkins would go on to…

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