Leaves from the Library: a Garden Haven
by Jane Hockaday, Library Volunteer, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Summer seems to have moved into the Garden, but it is June after all. There are many shady spots to get out of the sun, but if you need to cool off come see us in the Garden’s Library where it is cool, quite, and lovely. You can enjoy the glass sculpture, rest your feet and learn something, too.
Gardens take a lot of work but give back so much. Each garden has its own personality and each gardener has an individual take on how to create and preserve that personality. Amidst the books in the Library about plants, garden design, and pests, I’ve found some gems about living with our gardens. These books are available to members for checkout.
The Invisible Garden by Dorothy Sucher: about the healing that can come from the frustrations and triumphs of having a garden.
Crazy About Gardening: Humorous Reflections on the Sweet Seductions of a Garden by Des Kennedy: sometimes it can seem that nature is out to get you, but with a little help from neighbors and local lore you can learn something. A laugh-out-loud book you are sure to enjoy.
Poisons in Our Path: Plants That Harm and Heal by Anne Ophelia Dowden: a lovely little book, with color illustrations, about the toxicity and/or healing properties of some of our favorite plants.
Eat More Dirt: Diverting and Instructive Tips for Growing and Tending an Organic Garden by Ellen Sandbeck: a series of essays about producing a paradise garden whose whole purpose is to create bliss. Includes practical suggestions for tools, planting, and exercises for the gardener.
Speaking of dirt, join us in the Library this Friday, June 11, from 11 a.m. to Noon, for the Botanical Book Club. Our selection for this meeting is Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations by David R. Montgomery. The book club is free and open to the public. Being a Garden member is encouraged, but not required.
If you’re like me and enjoy being in the Garden on over-cast, misty days, the Library also provides a dry respite from traversing the damp paths. And don’t forget, there are always the Cafe and Tea House to enjoy too… and the Gift Shop! There are lots of things to enjoy in the Garden on days when the weather is less than perfect. Come, join us in the Garden.