Garden Stories
The Garden blog with stories and information about our vast plant collections
August 21, 2026
From the Diary of a Cone-oisseur
Before magnolias, sunflowers, or orchids evolved, ancient conifers were reproducing with remarkable structures that still surround us today
August 10, 2026
Colchicum autumnale is the source of colchicine, one of the oldest medicinal drugs still used today
July 2, 2026
Collection Building in the South American Area
Highlights from a collection building field trip to central Chile
June 10, 2026
Student Spotlight: Arman Omidvar’s Digital Archaeology
The 'Dead Card Project"— Bridging a 40-Year Data Gap using cutting edge digital tools.
May 11, 2026
Juveniles and Adults in the Plant World
The genetic "molecular switch" controlling the lifecycle of plants
April 21, 2026
Virtual Tour through Namaqualand
Take a virtual plant expedition to South Africa with Horticulturist Ethan Fenner and Director of Collections Andrew Doran
March 6, 2026
Nature’s Savings and Loan: How Epiphytes Survive Without Soil
Have you ever wondered how orchids and other epiphytes survive without a speck of soil?
December 4, 2025
Chocolate starts its life not as a delicious truffle or warm drink, but as the seed of a tropical fruit
