Last time, we talked about one of two astonishing botanical references in the book “Crazy Rich Asians.” The first was Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as Dutchman’s pipe cactus or the orchid cactus. more

Left to my own devices, I would prefer reading mysteries exclusively for entertainment. However, I discovered that there is a separate rack of both recently returned fiction and non-fiction at my local library. more

This column has taken three years to reach you, dear reader. more

Sometimes, what you expect is not what you get! Visiting Israel several weeks ago, I had made arrangements to see how the residents of Netzer Hazani, a reconstituted community that had been expelled from Gush Katif, were creating a tourist destination built on its bird population. more

Elizabeth Kals Reilley began collecting books on gardening, horticulture, botany and hydraulics in the 1960s, buying from American and European book dealers. Her father was a bibliophile and her love of books developed at an early age. more

The LuEsther T. Mertz Library at the New York Botanical Garden has a rare book and folio room, which requires special access. more