The Annual CBHL Literature Awards

The Helen Fowler Library is honored to be a member of the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries (CBHL). Each year, the Council reviews and votes on exemplary titles, and the winners are typically announced at the annual conference, which was held online instead of at the chosen location of Washington D.C. for 2020.

So many wonderful books are being published illuminating the rich history and culture of our botanical interests. Subjects covered luminaries such as Carl Linnaeus and studies in grasses, native plants and the beloved cherry blossom tree. 

Below are the 2020 annual literature award winners (and links to two eBooks you can check out):

“Field Guide to the Grasses of Oregon and Washington” by Cindy Talbott Roché et al

Annual Literature Award for a work that makes a significant contribution to the literature of botany or horticulture

“Rankafu: Orchid Print Album” by Stephen Kirby

Award of Excellence in Botanical Art and Illustration

“Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest, 3rd. ed.” by Arthur Kruckeberg and Linda Chalker-Scott

Award of Excellence in Gardening and Gardens

“The Sakura Obsession: The Incredible Story of the Plant Hunter Who Saved Japan’s Cherry Blossoms” by Naoko Abe

Award of Excellence in History

“What Linnaeus Saw: A Scientist’s Quest to Name Every Living Thing” by Karen Magnuson Beil

Award of Excellence in Children and Young Adult Literature

“The Night Flower: The Blooming of the Saguaro Cactus” by Lara Hawthorne

Award of Excellence in Children and Young Adult Literature

We hope that all plant lovers will be able to indulge in these award-winning titles. Just like our gardens, we look to grow, diversify and expand our knowledge on these subjects. We look forward to sharing these titles with you when it is safe to open the library. Until then, happy reading!