For me, it’s spring when annuals start showing up at the store. I know logically that it’s still February and there’s a lot of cold weather and rain left, and maybe even a little snow. But, in my heart, it is now spring. Whether that is a coping mechanism for the long gloomy months we have in the Pacific Northwest or some eternal optimism, I don’t know. But, when those primroses show up, I’m ready to plant and get out my sandals. I keep telling myself it’s spring, but I know we aren’t done with frost, so my rational self takes over and I wait until May to plant the flowers. In the meantime, I enjoy the daffodils we have in abundance in our yard and some years, I snap photos of them in the snow. That’s a good reminder that there’s my spring and then there’s real spring. But now it’s May and flowers are fair game. So, whether you want to identify them, grow them, or paint them, here are some books at the library to help.
- Wildflowers of North America : the complete identification reference to wildflowers--with full-color photographs; updated range maps; common names; and authoritative notes on flowering season, usages, scent, habitat, and conservation status by Jim Cirigliano. Covers 853 species of wildflowers, with nearly 5,200 full-color photographs. Includes a glossary and an index, and each species features up to five vibrant photographs to aid with identification, along with notes on range, season, flowers, stems, fruit, conservation status, and more.
- The color of roses : a curated spectrum of 300 blooms by Danielle Dall’Armi Hahn. This modern compilation of the world's 300 most beautiful roses includes the essential statistics for each one, including name, plant type and size, breeder, and more to help gardeners, rose lovers, and floral designers discover their new favorite.
- Lei aloha : celebrating the vibrant flowers and lei of Hawai'i by Meleana Estes. Explore Hawai'ian culture through the art of lei making with flower inspirations and gorgeous photography from stylist, fashion designer, and local island icon Meleana Estes.
- Watercolour flowers for the absolute beginner by Fiona Peart. A complete course in learning to paint flowers, packed with handy hints and tips for new artists. A range of flowers are included, from hydrangeas to camellias to hellebores. Includes 21 full-size, traceable outlines for those who wish to get started quickly.
- Super bloom : a field guide to flowers for every gardener by Jac Semmler. A new look at the flower and gardening encyclopedia, this book includes seventy-five plant profiles of the most beautiful flowers and foliage to bring color and dimension to your garden.
Library tip of the month:
From May through October, our libraries are hosting programs from Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau on topics ranging from tribal fishing rights to Woody Guthrie to UFOs in the Northwest and more. Most are also available online. Find a complete list of events and locations at bit.ly/HumanWA.
