Chicago Botanic Garden

Education — Lenhardt Library

Library Exhibitions

Botanical Illustration

Papaver
The Botanical Magazine
by William Curtis, printed in 1787.
From the Library's rare book
and periodical collection.

SCHEDULE

February 14 – May 18
The Language of Flowers
Library Talk

May 23 – August 17
Temple of Flora
Library Talk

August 22 – November 23
Mushrooms
Library Talk

November 28 – February 1, 2009
Children's Books
Library Talk

 


The Language of Flowers

Exhibition: February 14 – May 18, 2008
Library Talk

Floral symbolism has inspired gardeners, artists and poets through the ages. Charming examples of the Victorian fascination with the language of flowers are featured in this exhibition, which opens on Valentine's Day.


Temple of Flora

Exhibition: May 23 – August 17, 2008
Library Talk

The Lenhardt Library's latest acquisition, Temple of Flora, an exceedingly rare book from 1799, will be on view. This gorgeous edition, considered "the single most famous of all florilegia," represents both the fulfillment of a dream and the cause of financial ruin for England's Dr. Robert John Thornton (1768-1837).


Mushrooms

Exhibition: August 22 – November 23, 2008
Library Talk

Mushroom enthusiasts have always prized accurate and well-illustrated descriptions of fungi. Beautifully illustrated color plates selected from the Rare Book Collection show the amazing range of mushroom species.


Children's Books

Exhibition: November 28, 2008 – February 1, 2009
Library Talk

Plants and gardens have played in important role in storytelling. Children's books selected from the Rare Book Collection provide a glimpse into the ways this genre has charmed young readers for generations.

 

 

For reviews of select new books, see Current Books in Gardening and Botany.