Fall color at The Morton Arboretum

I was just perusing the report of the Arboretum’s Color Scout. (Link to the current fall color report by the Arboretum's very own Ed, the Color Scout.) Along with a description and identification of some of the sensational fall colors to be found here at the Arboretum, he also provides a brief explanation of the mechanics of these brilliant colors. Be sure to review his explanation.

In the Sterling Morton Library, there are a number of resources about the garden in autumn. Whether you’re looking for some information on plants to select for superb fall color or wanting to read a little more in-depth about the fascinating process underway, the Library has a host of resources! Ready to go for a walk, crunch some leaves and immerse yourself in the red, yellow, orange, gold, maroon and, yes, green of this autumn? Before you head out for point beyond, stop by the Sterling Morton Library to look at:

• Fall color and woodland harvests : a guide to the more colorful fall leaves and fruits of the eastern forests by C. Ritchie Bell, Anne H. Lindsey.
• Autumn leaves : a guide to the fall colors of the northwoods by Ronald M. Lanner.
• The garden in autumn by Allen Lacy.
• Sketching outdoors in autumn by Jim Arnosky.
• When autumn comes by Robert Maass.
• The bear's autumn by Keizaburo Tejima.
• Another kind of autumn by Loren Eiseley.
• Autumn across America : a naturalist's record of a 20,000-mile journey through the North American autumn by Edwin Way Teale.
• A garden book for autumn and winter by Charles Downing Lay.
• My garden in autumn and winter by E.A. Bowles.
• Exploring nature around the year : fall by David Webster.
• Berried treasure : shrubs for autumn and winter colour in your garden by F. Kingdon-Ward.

Chicago Humanities Festival

At the last gathering of Leafing Through the Pages, the Sterling Morton Library’s book discussion group, the upcoming 18th Annual Chicago Humanities Festival (October 27-November 11, 2007) was mentioned. After our discussion break, I printed/passed around a schedule of the Festival’s activities. If you haven’t had an opportunity to review the upcoming event, complete details can be found at: http://www.chfestival.org/ This year’s theme of The Climate of Concern is presented through “16 unforgettable days of talks, panels, readings, performances, exhibits, screenings, and conversations about the clear and urgent challenge we face: how do we, as a community of fellow humans, come to envision – with lucidity, vigor, and hope – our responsibilities toward each other, our progeny, and the planet?” On perusing the schedule, I discovered that some of the authors we have read/might be planning to read in the book discussion group will be participating at the festival. Imagine -- authors like Elizabeth Kolbert, Curt Meine, Bill McKibben, Terry Tempest Williams, Diane Ackerman, May Berenbaum and David Orr will all be participating. Festival events and activities will be presented in a number of different venues throughout the city. What a terrific opportunity to immerse yourself in this challenging global dialogue.

While flipping by the stations on Sunday morning, I came across a local public service program that featured the Festival. One of the guests described the hyperbolic crochet coral reef ("a woolly celebration of the intersection of higher geometry and feminine handicraft, and a testimony to the disappearing wonders of the marine world") on exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center. As an earnest student of science, community and yarn, I found this to be a fascinating idea and project! From challenging speakers to concerts to a community of crocheters, find a way to involve yourself in this remarkable festival of events!

Plant Information Online

One of the great pleasures of gardening is discovering new and wondrous plants to introduce to the garden and landscape. One of the great puzzles of gardening has been trying to locate some of these new and wondrous plants! Plant Information Online ably sorts out this horticultural conundrum. As of this posting, this newly free service of the University of Minnesota Libraries can be used to discover sources in 923 North American nurseries for 100,693 plants, find 347,530 citations to 132,648 plants in science and garden literature, link to selected websites for images and regional information about 9,595 plants, and access information on 2,293 North American seed and nursery firms. Whew! (Why the tentative phrase as of this posting? This is a dynamic resource and new nurseries/plants/citations/links are continually added.) What a boon to gardening enthusiasts and students, as well as professional botanists, horticulturists, researchers and all horticulturally inclined!

Review this site and explore these resources. The nursery catalog collection within the Sterling Morton Library has many of the catalogs included in Plant Information Online and also much of the literature included in this resource. Take time to visit the Library and prowl through our treasure trove of botanical and horticultural resources!

The Sterling Morton Library is located in the Administration and Research Building of The Morton Arboretum, southwest of the Visitor Center. Library patron parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the Research and Administration Building.

The Morton Arboretum Chamber Concert Series 2007-2008

Each year, The Morton Arboretum presents a delightful Chamber Concert Series at the Thornhill Education Center. Founded in 1980, the Series strives to present a diverse palette of performers, instruments and composers.

Join us for our 2007-2008 season and revel in the performances of:

Sunday, November 4, 2007 – 2:15 p.m.
The Metropolis Quartet

Sunday, December 2, 2007 – 2:15 p.m.
Axia Chamber Ensemble

Sunday, January 13, 2008 – 2:15 p.m.
Table for 5

Sunday, February 3, 2008 – 2:15 p.m.
Carpe Diem String Quartet

Saturday, March 1, 2008 – 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 2, 2008 – 2:15 p.m.
Patrick Ball
The Flame of Love: The Romance of Tristan & Iseult

All concerts are presented in the Auditorium of the Thornhill Education Center. After each performance, a reception in the adjoining Founder's Room offers the opportunity to enjoy snappy conversations with the artists and fellow audience members in the splendor of the original library of the Arboretum's founder, Joy Morton.

Tickets
Individual ticket: $18.00 – Arboretum members and $23.00 non-members
5-concert series ticket: $85.00 – Arboretum members and $110.00 non-members
Tickets are available at:

• The Arboretum’s Visitor Center


• By calling 630-725-2066 (Monday through Friday from 9-5)


• Via snail mail

Celebrate the winter season at the Arboretum and attend an upcoming concert!