Luther Burbank (1849 –1926)
The thirteenth of eighteen children
Born in eighteen-forty-nine.
In Lancaster, Massachusetts
Horticulture he would refine.
Developed the Burbank potato
From seventy-two to seventy-four.
His experiments on plants
Would bring the world much more.
He purchased four acres of land
When he moved to Santa Rosa.
Established a greenhouse and nursery
His new home in California.
Then purchased a farm in Sebastopol
For more experimental growing.
Named it the Gold Ridge Farm
Inspiration by Darwin was showing.
Was criticized by scientists
For his poor record keeping.
The norm in scientific research
Results were what he was seeking.
A descriptive catalog
He published in eighteen-ninety-three.
“New Creations of Fruits and Flowers”
Some of his best varieties.
By all accounts was a kindly man
Interested in education.
Modest with his scientific fame
Fifty-five years of dedication.
In March of nineteen-twenty-six
Burbank suffered a heart attack.
His worked spurred the passing
Of the nineteen-thirty Plant Patent Act.
Sixteen patents were issued
By Congress authority.
For the new varieties of plants
To Burbank posthumously.
His home a National Landmark
Was an American botanist.
A pioneer in agricultural science
And dedicated horticulturist.
Another Massachusetts native who went elsewhere! Good work.
By: Jonathan Caswell on October 2, 2012
at 11:00 am
thanks!!!
By: Ron DuBour on October 2, 2012
at 11:26 am