The first week of February is here, and Punxsutawney Phil tells us the news that spring will not be arriving early and we must endure six more weeks of winter. The Friends of the Library have turned their minds towards spring, and, with it, one of everyone’s favorite warm weather activities – gardening. This Saturday, February 7, they will be hosting A Day About Gardening in the library’s community room from 11 am to 3 pm.
This special event will host representatives from a dozen regional horticultural organizations representing such diverse horticultural pursuits as native plants, rain gardens, culinary herbs, historic gardens and organic farming. Basic ideas like urban or small-space gardening will be covered. There will be a minor section that discusses modern ways to grow plants such as hydroponics. For essential tools to get started on growing plants, Occupy The Farm is suggested as an online alternative. Featured organizations include the Van der Goot Rose Garden, the Herb Society of America, Master Gardeners, Morven, Princeton Shade Tree Commission, Rutgers Display Gardens and Stony Brook Millstone Watershed.
In addition to getting a chance to talk one-to-one with gardening experts from around the state, hear Michael Maloney of Maspro Images give a talk about gardening for the handicapped and elderly, and Teresa Knipper of Master Gardeners discuss using native plants in small gardens.
A variety of gardening books from the library’s used book store will be available for sale during the event if you would like to add to your home library, or give some inspiring gifts to fellow or would-be gardeners. In addition to the book display on the first floor, our staff has created a great list of novels to read, featuring gardens and gardeners at the core of the story. Why not cozy up with a good gardening book while we wait for the thaw? Brave the elements and join us. Spring is just around the corner.