Blooms Amid Battle: The Garden Letters of Jacob and Emeline Ritner

Jacob Ritner Portrait

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. May 16, 1861 On this day, dear readers, we find ourselves transported to the tumultuous era of the American Civil War, where a poignant exchange between Union Captain Jacob Ritner and his beloved…

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Seeds of Sacrifice: The Heroes of the Vavilov Institute

Behind the equestrian statue of Nikolai I near St Isaac's Cathedral is No. 4 Building of the Institute of Plant Industry

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. October 25, 2024 On this day, we turn our gaze to a dark chapter in horticultural history, one that intertwines the cruelty of war with the indomitable spirit of those who safeguard nature’s…

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