It was a privilege to be asked to talk at The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and a pleasure to have the chance for my first visit there. Pamela Thompson, the Manager of Adult Education, welcomed me and managed the entire event superbly. It was co-sponsored by The Garden Conservancy and The Friends of the Wellesley College Botanic Garden so there was a large audience which filled the lecture hall and to my delight, included some good friends.
Before my talk, I was fortunate to have Lisa E. Pearson, Reference and Serials Librarian, introduce me to the wonders of the library there, linked with the vast library collections of Harvard University, all online and many books digitized and available to all of us without charge. Extraordinarily impressive and I know I shall draw on this in future. Then Sheryl White, Visitor Education Assistant, took my husband and me on a walking tour of the wonders of the plantings of the Arboretum. Although still far too early to see much other than the encouraging Witchhazels, the structure and collection of trees and shrubs were evident.
