Victorian poetry Archives

Danske Dandridge: The Gardener-Poet of Rose Brake

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 19, 1854 On this day, Danske [“DAN-sker”] Dandridge, poet, historian, and garden writer, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her story begins with a diplomatic posting—her father, Henry Bedinger, served as President James…

A Victorian Ode to May: Phebe Holder’s Botanical Poetry

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. May 1, 1890 On this day in horticultural history, the enchanting poem “A Song of May” by the esteemed New England poet and gardener Phebe Holder graced the pages of newspapers, captivating readers…

Blooms and Gloom: The Poetic Landscapes of Charlotte Mary Mew

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: November 15, 1869 On this day, dear readers and fellow gardeners, we celebrate the birth of a most intriguing literary flower: Charlotte Mary Mew, the English poet whose verses bloomed with a haunting beauty that continues to captivate us to this very day. Born…

Mary Elizabeth Coleridge: A Gardener’s Poet in September’s Embrace

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. September 23, 1861 Dearest garden loves, as autumn’s gentle touch begins to paint our gardens in shades of amber and gold, we find ourselves drawn to contemplate the poetic nature of this transitional…