We usually associate libraries with the indoors — buildings, books, computers, programs and classes. But a lot of thought and care goes into the landscapes surrounding our buildings as well.
Mathew Roland, senior gardener, is a member of the Library’s Facilities team, which works hard around the year to keep our spaces clean, safe, well-functioning, and beautiful. An avid photographer, Mathew enjoys documenting the work that his team does and the seasonal changes that he observes.
Below, he shares a bit about his favorite plants and blooms around our libraries in the spring.
SPL: What is a typical workday like for you?
MR: As a gardener my days vary by the season. I work on projects like lawn maintenance, pruning, shearing, operating and fixing irrigation, weeding, and leaf pickup. I enjoy landscaping the library grounds in the spring because the weather begins to warm up and dormant plants emerge for the season.
How does taking photos inform your work?
When maintaining library landscapes, I often take before and after photos, which helps me visualize the improvements. I also find it motivating to photograph the library grounds in their best light, often at sunrise.
Can you share a few favorite spring blooms?
This is a Western azalea in bloom at the Broadview branch. A smaller cousin of the rhododendron, it produces fragrant flowers and often blooms in late spring.
Here is new growth on Western sword fern at the Northeast branch, which begins unfurling in spring.
A star magnolia outside the Central Library is a small magnolia variety that blooms in early spring.
What is a favorite under-the-radar Library service of yours?
Inside the Central Library, it’s the genealogy collection. I’m also a fan of the sweet-smelling star jasmine planted outside the High Point Branch, which blooms in the summer, although I’m not sure this constitutes as a library service.
Thank y0u, Mathew! We appreciate the work you do for the Library!
– Elisa M., Communications
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