Happy Arbor Day!

As The Morton Arboretum gears up for our upcoming Arbor Day celebration, I began to think about some of the remarkable aspects of the Library’s collections focusing on trees. From our special collections, I’ve recently been consulting Henri Louis Duhamel du Monceau’s Traite des Arbres et Arbustes qui se cultivent en France en pleine terre published in Paris in 1755. Duhamel’s work describes over 1,000 trees and is illustrated with 250 woodcuts. Curiously, most of these woodcuts were originally used to illustrate Mattioli’s works printed in Prague in 1562 and 1563. (Our modern 21st century motto of “recycle and reuse” seems to have a much more ancient origin!) Many of the outstanding examples of woodcut botanical illustrations found in these volumes were created by Giorgio Liberale and Wolfgang Myerpeck with some slight alterations made by Duhamel. When published, this two volume set was the definitive work on trees in France.

What are some other tree-related jewels in our collections? Wherever I turn my gaze whether it is spying out the window on the Arboretum grounds, examining a rare book, wandering through our children’s collection, paging through our nursery catalog collection or viewing some of the artwork on exhibit in the Library, I am immersed in a world of trees and woody plants. In addition to the bold enlarged photo images from Jacob G. Strutt’s Sylva Britannica (published in 1826) over the fireplace in the Library’s Reading Room, there are two specially commissioned original works of art permanently on display. Funded by the Arboretum’s Employee Giving Program, an amazing watercolor on vellum by Kate Nessler of an early woodland scene (entitled Ground Level, Spring) is presented along with Ann Farrer’s watercolor color on paper of Juniperus oxycedrus. Wow! There is an abundance to absorb and be inspired by in the Sterling Morton Library. As you head out to take part in Arbor Day festivities, stop by the Library and prepare to be dazzled by the images, words and ideas about trees!

If you are interested to learning about resources within the Sterling Morton Library exploring the history of Arbor Day and the day’s founder J. Sterling Morton, father of the Arboretum’s founder, please view my earlier blog posting.

Happy Arbor Day!

Articles of note in the Sterling Morton Library : April's offerings

These are some recent articles that can be found within the journal collection of the Sterling Morton Library at The Morton Arboretum. Please visit the Library to discover the incredible botanical and horticultural resources that await you! If you are unable to visit the Library and interested in reviewing one of these articles, I would be delighted to help you at rhassert@mortonarb.org.

Abrams, Marc D. Tales from the blackgum, a consummate subordinate tree. BioScience, v. 57, no. 4, p. 347-359.

Baker, Jennifer L. Bird gardening : ornamental grasses. Bird Watcher’s Digest, v. 29, no. 5, p. 66-75.

Burrell, C. Colston. Wonderful wood ferns. Horticulture, v. 104, no. 4, p. 64-59.

Cole, Anna Gahl. Expanding the field : revisiting environmental education principles through multidisciplinary frameworks. The Journal of Environmental Education, v. 38, no. 2, p. 35-44.

Coskie, Tracy, Michelle Hornof, and Heidi Trudel. A natural integration : student-created field guides seamlessly combine science and writing. Science and Children, v.44, no. 8, p. 26-31.

Michaud, Michael. Turn up the heat. Garden, v. 132, pt. 4, p. 238-241.
“Enjoyed in Central and South America for thousands of years, the bewildering range of chilies available today reflects their importance to cuisines worldwide.”

Steffen, Richie. Epimediums : the stars of the spring garden. Washington Park Arboretum Bulletin, v. 69, no. 1, p. 16-20.

Walliser, Jessica. Twilight in your garden : in just a corner of your yard, you can create an oasis to relax in at the end of the day. Organic Gardening, v. 54, no. 4, p. 62-66.

If the lure of these journal articles isn't enough for you, the bloodroot is in bloom within the May T. Watts Reading Garden adjacent to the Sterling Morton Library! Consider visiting the Garden to view and celebrate all of the remarkable spring wildflowers and the Library to learn more about their fascinating stories.

Climate change and global warming - at a planet near you!

As I was driving (hmmm … instead of walking/biking/carpooling) to the Arboretum this morning, I was musing about yesterday’s discussion of climate change and global warming. The Sterling Morton Library’s book discussion group (a.k.a. Leafing Through the Pages) met to discuss Elizabeth Kolbert’s Field Notes from a Catastrophe : man, nature, and climate change. Our discussion centered on various aspects of global warming including climate change, greenhouse gases, the shrinking ozone layer and our changing environment.
Prowling through the collections of the Library, I found a number of supplementary resources focusing on these topics. Starting points for research within our Library include searching our catalog using subject headings such as Global warming, Climatic changes and Greenhouse effect, Atmospheric. Additionally, within our journal collection there are a number of articles relating to climate change/global warming and the effect on ecosystems, flora and fauna. Be sure to ask a Library staff member for help!

Further resources can also be found at:

• “EPA's Climate Change Site offers comprehensive information on the issue of climate change in a way that is accessible and meaningful to all parts of society – communities, individuals, business, states and localities, and governments.”
• EPA’s Climate Change Site for Kids
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Global Warming
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

As “a light one candle” sort of person, I’ve been mulling over what I can do on a personal level. What is our personal responsibility for our planet? We have a huge appetite for resources/energy as a society. What can we do as an individual or community to make a change/difference? Will it be BAU (business as usual) or can we modify our appetites and levels of use? Some starting points to consider:

Figure out your own annual contribution to greenhouse gas emissions at the EPA Personal Emissions Calculator

What else can I do? Me? I'll think more seriously about alternative forms of transportation. Also, I can use less and be more efficient with what I do use. There are a number of upcoming events offering opportunities to cull items from my garage, basement, car trunk or dining room table that can be recycled or, still better, reused by someone else:
Wheaton Recycling Extravaganza – April 21, 2007
Electronics Recycling – West Chicago – April 21, 2007
Oswego Reuse & Recycling Extravaganza – April 21, 2007
Glen Ellyn Recycling Extravaganza – April 28, 2007

Reduce, reuse and recycle!

Inspired by Nature: the Picturesque Landscape Garden

Works by four prominent landscape designers, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, Humphry Repton, Frederick Law Olmsted and Jens Jensen, accompanied by images of contemporary environmental artist Patrick Dougherty’s larger-than-life sculptures are featured within the new exhibit in the Sterling Morton Library. This exhibit recognizes that landscape designers have always been inspired by nature. Each generation has looked at the world around them and been compelled to improve upon it, idealize it, or view it as ever-changing. This exhibit features rarely displayed historic books and art highlighting the work of these significant designers and artists. Other visual treats on display in the Library are stipple-engraved flower portraits from a recently acquired work published in 1801 by Gerard van Spaendonck. If this wonderful exhibit piques your interest about landscape design and architecture, be sure to examine additional resources in the Library exploring these topics. Library staff would be delighted to assist you in your exploration!
The Sterling Morton Library is open:
Tuesday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This exhibit is available for viewing during Library open hours through August 1, 2007.