July 2022 Leaflet ~ Elisabeth C. Miller Library, UW Botanic Gardens

College of the Environment | University of Washington

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Volume 9, Issue 7 | July 2022

Spring Wildflowers of the Northeast andSummer Wildflowers of the Northeast by Carol GracieReviewed by Brian Thompson

“This book is written for all who share an interest in wildflowers.” Carol Gracie writes this statement in the preface for each of her two books: Spring Wildflowers of the Northeast (published in 2012) and Summer Wildflowers of the Northeast (published in 2020), both with the subtitle “A Natural History.”

This subtitle is key, because these are not typical field guides. Instead, they are collections of both charming and rigorous essays about key plant groups in the northeastern United States and adjacent parts of Canada. They are a bit large for a backpack, but instead best for reading at home after seeing the plants in the wild. Unlike most guides, these are very enjoyable to read cover-to-cover.

Of course, most readers of the Leaflet do not live in the Northeast, but I still recommend these books. The selected genera or plant families often have northwestern representatives and the Gracie refers to these to compare similar natural histories.

The author has another stated purpose. “I’m certain that as you become more familiar with the natural history of wildflowers, you will want to become an advocate for their protection and conservation. Many of our once common wildflowers are now rare for many reasons.”

These books are also beautiful, with photographs (by the author) that are both artful and well-chosen to enhance the surrounding text. Further research is encouraged by an impressive appendix of references.

Best of all, Gracie was a wonderful story-teller and these books will increase your love of wildflowers, their pollinators and other animal associates, and your appreciation of the impact on human medicine, gardening, and lore. Sadly, these are the last such books by this author as she died in the fall of 2021. It is a fitting tribute to her memory that in 2022 “Summer Wildflowers” won an Award of Excellence for Natural History and Field Guides from the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries.

Flower Pleasure by Katy GilmoreIn the Miller Library July 5-28

Flower Pleasure: Books, Bookmarks, and Watercolors opens July 5. Of her work for this show, Katy Gilmore writes:

Recognizing the threat of climate change to flowers and all our fragile world, the paintings and words here are a record of what we stand to lose - the joy, the beauty, the essential. On bad days I fear my endeavors are a record of conditions and events threatened existentially, on good days I believe in the important work to make note and celebrate the miracle of seasons and renewal, the adaptations by critter and plant, the uniqueness of species. It has been an immense pleasure this past winter to visit the Miller Library and explore its treasures - from centuries old herbals to the latest books on gardening and ecology. I love gardens and flowers and the books they inspire - such natural companions, writing and gardening. And it’s a joy to try to capture the fleeting life of flowers on paper with paint and brush.

Leaflet readers are invited to meet the artist on Thursday, July 7, from 3 to 5 pm in the Miller Library.

Calling all city farmers!

Urban farming resources on display

Many of our best resources on urban farming are now on display in the library, near the north windows. Enjoy the Miller Library's relaxing atmosphere while you learn about the latest developments in community food production, student farms, rooftop agriculture, and caring for urban goats and chickens. This collection is so unique, you must come and explore it for yourself. You can borrow items on display from our lending collection right away.

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