Many public gardens seek to connect with visitors in a variety of ways and many are exploring the interface between art, science, and nature. Holden Arboretum just completed an innovative “Seasons of Haiku” program featuring seasonal haikus on their woodland trail. By partnering with the Haiku Society of America, they held a poetry contest that challenged poets from around the world to submit an entry. Staff at Chicago Botanic Garden have experimented with various poetry-themed programs—some taking place at a new Unearth Science Festival and a new series of free, interpretive poetry walk programs led by a Chicago poet. In Chicago, we are in year three of a One Book One Garden program with the Garden’s library.
Presenters will share their experiences by delving into the world of literary arts and making connections to public garden settings. We’ll explore with audience members other ways to bring the arts to nature and science during a discussion period.
Presenters: E. Rodriguez, Holden Arboretum, Kirtland, OH; K. Webber, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL, J. Warther, Midwest Chapter, Haiku Society of America, Dover, OH; C. Salach, poemgrown, Chicago, IL
