Photo by Julie Borneman
People with an interest in plants gathered on February 28 at Birch Tree Bookstore in Leesburg to discuss Founding Gardeners: The Revolutionary Generation, Nature, and the Shaping of the American Nation by Andrea Wulf. Not everyone had read the book, but there was a lively discussion generated by those who had. People who weren’t fans of history found this book a palatable way into that subject. Comments about the author’s poetic writing style came up as well as the density of the read. One issue emerged about the treatment of slavery. Though it was not the focus of the book, some readers felt it was an oversight to exclude it. The bookstore provided online access to the program, enabling online participants to engage through chat and direct conversation. Enthusiasm for a plant-focused book group was high.
This program was co-sponsored by Watermark Woods native plant nursery, Loudoun County Public Library and Birch Tree Bookstore as part of the library’s Read! Plant! Grow! book club that focuses on native plants. The next book club meeting will take place on May 30.