Frankincense

The Ancient Resins of Mystery and Survival: Frankincense & Myrrh

Discover the ancient origins of frankincense and myrrh, their uses in rituals and medicine, and the…

purple and orange carrots at market

Carrots Were Originally Purple: Did You Know?

Discover the colorful history of carrots! From purple roots in Central Asia to the sweet orange…

Amaryllis flower

Amaryllis: A Mythical Bloom with a Vibrant History

Explore amaryllis, a winter bloom with mythical roots, vibrant colors, and a legacy of beauty…

history of daylight savings

Falling Back: The Impact and History of Daylight Savings Time

Learn the history of daylight savings time, its health impacts, and how the seasonal clock change…

Hyssopus officinalis

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis): Did You Know?

Hyssop, a mysterious Biblical plant, symbolizes cleansing and protection in rituals, yet its exact…

miniature roses

Miniature Roses: Did You Know?

Miniature roses began in 18th-century China, became popular in Europe, and breeders developed…

Luther Burbank on the Steps of his Cabin

Pioneer of Modern Plants & Crops: Luther Burbank

Luther Burbank, a pioneering breeder, developed the Russet potato, Santa Rosa plum, and Shasta…

burbank paradox walnut

Burbank Paradox Walnut: Did You Know?

The Burbank Paradox Walnut, a hybrid by Luther Burbank, grows fast, offers robust rootstock, and…

Marechal Niel rose thumbnail

Maréchal Niel Rose: Did You Know?

Maréchal Niel is a historic tea rose with vibrant yellow blooms and a sweet fragrance, beloved in…

Rhododendron flowers

History of Tropical Plant Hunting: Uncovering Botanical Treasures

Tropical plant hunters braved perilous expeditions to discover exotic species, shaping botany and…

Chrysanthemums flower

Chrysanthemums: From Ancient Herb to Japan’s Imperial Symbol

Discover chrysanthemums' journey from ancient Chinese herbs to Japan's Imperial symbol and source…

Angraecum sesquipedale Madagascan orchid

Darwin’s Predicted Moth: A Triumph of Scientific Theory

Darwin predicted a moth with a long proboscis to pollinate a specific orchid. Decades later, in…

terrarium inventor

Inventor of the Terrarium: Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward

Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, born in London in 1791, discovered the terrarium in 1829, revolutionizing…

passenger pigeon on american chestnut tree

Interwoven Extinctions: The Passenger Pigeon and American Chestnut

The decline of the passenger pigeon and the American chestnut tree are intertwined examples of…

GE Neri Ficus carica

Fig ‘GE Neri’ (Ficus carica): Did You Know?

Experience the allure of ‘GE Neri’ fig: prized for its colossal size, rich flavor, and versatility,…

poisonous tomato

The Poisonous Tomato Triumph: Did You Know?

Discover the tale of Colonel Robert Gibbon Johnson, who challenged the tomato's deadly reputation…