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.

Seasons of Splendor: Illustrations of Japanese Flowers Arranged by Season

Daily March 18 - Aug. 12
Skyway Gallery

Revel in the beauty of these Japanese floral prints, from a work titled Shichijūnikō meika gajō [Illustrations of Japanese Flowers arranged by Seasons] by Shoseki Kose (1843-1919). The four-volume set includes subtle, delicate renditions of cherry blossoms, peonies, magnolias, lilies, and more.

Living Arts of Japan: Bonsai, Ikebana, and Garden Design

Daily March 18 - Aug. 12
Andersen Horticultural Library

During library hours, view original paintings by Koichi Kawana, designer of the Arboretum’s Japanese Garden, along with several items from Andersen Horticultural Library’s collection, live bonsai specimens and more. Kawana (1930-1990) was famed for his work with many botanic gardens, including the Missouri Botanical Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden and Denver Botanic Garden.

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.