hi, i’m rose
I’m a writer, editor, historian, garden advocate, and optimist. I write a blog called A Polyphonic Life most weeks, alternating between a non-fiction long read and thoughtful curation of topical content. I’m currently writing a historical novel.

blog: a polyphonic life
Among other things, I’m a choral singer. In musical terms, “polyphonic” is music with multiple independent melodies occurring at the same time, resulting in rich, complex harmonies. Kind of like life, I think.
A Polyphonic Life explores history, politics, writing, music, nature, faith, food, technology, culture, and other things that interest me. I try to be optimistic and reflective in my writing, to hold up the good work of others, and share resources that I hope add value to my readers.
“My writing questions are my life questions:
What do we take? What can we leave behind? What do we remember?
What sustains us?”
— Rose Hayden-Smith
My book:
Sowing the Seeds of Victory: American Gardening Programs of World War I
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