John Stempien, Emeritus Director of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum and co-editor of the Gardener's Companion, dives into the legacy of Liberty Hyde Bailey, the 'father of modern horticulture.' He explores how Bailey's timeless work, particularly 'The Holy Earth,' remains relevant today. Stempien reflects on his transformative journey in gardening, emphasizing the emotional connections we form with nature. He also discusses integrating nature study into education, celebrating gardening as a spiritual practice that fosters deeper bonds with the world around us.
01:00:08
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Discovering Gardening Through Museum Role
John Stempien became connected to gardening through his role as director of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum.
Before this, gardening was not part of his life until he discovered Bailey's inspiring legacy.
insights INSIGHT
Nature Study Fosters Earth Stewardship
Liberty Hyde Bailey's Nature Study Idea emphasizes spirit and attitude over facts in learning.
It aims to open a child's mind to their natural existence to foster joy and stewardship of the earth.
insights INSIGHT
Gardening as Spiritual Practice
Bailey viewed gardening as a spiritual practice elevating human connection with the earth.
He believed divine presence is embedded in nature, accessible in everyday life.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Liberty Hyde Bailey's "The Nature Study Idea" advocates for an educational approach that connects children directly with the natural world. He emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to develop a deep appreciation for nature's wonders. Bailey argues that nature study is not simply about acquiring scientific knowledge but about cultivating a spiritual connection with the environment. The book promotes a holistic approach to education, integrating scientific observation with artistic expression and ethical considerations. Its enduring legacy lies in its influence on environmental education and its emphasis on the importance of fostering a love for nature.
The holy earth
Liberty Hyde Bailey
Liberty Hyde Bailey's "The Holy Earth" is a seminal work exploring the spiritual connection between humanity and nature. Bailey argues that the natural world is inherently sacred and that gardening is a divine practice. He emphasizes the importance of appreciating the ordinary wonders of nature and fostering a sense of stewardship towards the earth. The book blends scientific observation with spiritual reflection, urging readers to find holiness in everyday life. Its enduring relevance lies in its timeless message of environmental responsibility and the inherent beauty of the natural world.
Liberty Hyde Bailey Gardener's Companion
Liberty Hyde Bailey Gardener's Companion
Essential Writings
Liberty Hyde Bailey
John Lindstrom
In this holy season of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, with the earth reviving herself in greenery and flowers, birds, bees, and butterflies all around us, I am so pleased to be in conversation today with a gardener who will represent another gardener -one in the here now and one from more than a century ago, whose words resonate into the present. I believe in the future, so beautifully.
John Stempien is the emeritus director of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum in South Haven, Michigan. He joins us today to share more about his garden life path, following in the footsteps of the great garden life path sown, grown, and walked on by Liberty Hyde Bailey, Jr, avid and reverent gardener, often considered to be the "father of modern [Western] horticulture”
Cultivating Place now has a donate button! We thank you so much for listening over the years and we hope you'll support Cultivating Place.
We can't thank you enough for making it possible for this young program to grow even more of these types of conversations.
The show is available as a podcast on SoundCloud and iTunes. To read more and for many more photos, please visit www.cultivatingplace.com.
Cultivating Place 
