Hard-to-Find
Books
The first book, and one I have been coveting because it is
OP, is: Plants of the Chicago Region by Floyd Swink
& Gerould Wilhelm (Indiana Academy of Science/Morton Arboretum,
Lisle, IL). This signed copy of the 1994 (4th edition) arrived
from our amazing and knowledgeable client who is in the process
of developing an outdoor theatre in open land next to Skokie
River adjacent to her Lake Forest estate (PHOTO #21) where I've
been advising for many years. Read
all about Swink’s horticultural Bible in a review from
a magazine well worth subscribing to anyway.
My second wish came true when I opened my gift from Sarah to
find: FLORA of The Indiana Dunes by Donald Culross Peattie.
This 1930 edition (published by the Field Museum of Natural
History, Chicago, IL) was initially brought to my attention
by fellow MELA
board member, Lynn Bement, The Organic Garden Coach. The little
treasure sports the B & W photos plus a map of the region
whose crinkle delights when it unfolds.
Finally, how could our office library be complete without that
one volume I didn’t even know existed until one of our
favorite artists, Zuleyka Benitez, dropped it off with her lovely
standard black poodle, Lola, in tow? Who says oil companies
don’t do anything to benefit anybody besides their shareholders?
Originally published by Phillips Petroleum Company in 1963,
our 1980 edition’s (8th printing!) tame cover hardly divulges
its cool contents.
Yes, the educational value of Pasture and Range Plants is undisputed,
but the illustrations, lithographs on black backgrounds, are
just gorgeous! We urge you to experience one of Zuleyka’s
most fun interiors while dining in the Chicago restaurant TWEET.
If you want to enjoy something similar in your own digs, she
can be reached at her own company, Architectural Detailing,
(847) 328-0312.
|
