Leaves from the Library: You Can’t See the Forest Without the Trees
by Jane Hockaday, Library Volunteer, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Each year, the Pocahontas Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society makes a donation to Lewis Ginter’s Lora M. Robins Library. They graciously allow our librarian, Maggie Southwick, to select the titles to be added to our collection so that we have a very comprehensive and current botanical book collection. Well, The Virginia Native Plant Society has donated some wonderful books recently, — and one in particular caught my eye. The beautiful cover alone, looks like a work of art.
In Teaching the Trees: Lessons from the Forest by Joan Maloof, the author asks us not only look up to the top of the trees but also to look down at their base. Maloof gives a wealth of information on the symbiotic interaction of each tree with the insects, soil, and even the air surrounding it. She encourages us to not only enjoy trees but to do our part in aiding in their preservation. I found her writing to be quite lyrical:
“I have been intimate with sycamore trees: my nose an inch from the bark, my arms wrapped around the trunk, my skinny schoolgirl legs stretching for the next branch. I am a climber of sycamore trees (Platanus occidentalis). The trees and I grew up together in the same suburban neighborhood.”
The Library has many books on trees and other plant life. They can be found listed on our catalog, which is available online. Books are available for 2-week loan to Garden Members and we have a cozy reading room, with WiFi and a fireplace just waiting for visitors to enjoy. The library is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Speaking of trees, if you love them, you won’t want to miss our Tree Care Symposium coming up on February 12th. Featuring Elements of Health, Highlighting recent research on essential elements of tree ‘feeding.’ Dr. Kim Coder, University of Georgia, and several other area experts, the symposium offers 5 continuing education hours for those who are seeking certification.