Andersen Horticultural Library
The Andersen Horticultural Library is a unique and inviting destination open to the public. A reading and reference library specializing in horticulture, plant sciences and natural history, its rich collections include a trove of art in the form of vintage seed catalogs, botanical wall charts, 19th-century wildflower paintings and rare books of exquisite bird and flower images from the past 500 years.
In addition to the reference collection, custom-built Nakashima furnishings make this space a welcoming retreat for reading and reflection.
Library Happenings
The Art and Legacy of Nakashima Woodworkers
The Library is home to the largest publicly accessible collection of George and Mira Nakashima furniture. In celebration of its 50th year, the Library is hosting a weekend of special events surrounding the stunning collection of Nakashima furniture.
Portraits of the Plots: Biodiversity at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
March 22-Aug. 23, 2024
Don Luce presents a series of paintings that capture the character of the individual test plots that make up Cedar Creek’s Big Biodiversity (Big Bio) experiment. The paintings were made in a process that mimicked the growth of the plots, starting from a sand-colored base, with details of the plants layered on top.
Library Coloring Pages
We’ve turned images from the Andersen Horticultural Library’s Flora & Fauna Illustrata (FFI), rare book and seed packet collections into coloring pages. Help us celebrate these wonderful collections by adding your own artistic touch.
Flora & Fauna Illustrata
The Andersen Horticultural Library is looking for artists to create scientifically accurate fine art for our Flora & Fauna Illustrata (FFI) collection. This “hundred-year project” aims to document all the plant and animal species that make the Arboretum their home. The library permanently archives the art and facilitates periodic FFI exhibitions. The collection provides a regional and national resource to aid research and serves to inspire learning, discovery, and enjoyment.
Friends of the Andersen Horticultural Library
Join our Friends of the Andersen Horticultural Library to attend interesting talks on a variety of subjects, receive invitations to special events and meet others interested in supporting this very special place.