The Library Unbound: Milne Library News

Letting the Plants Grow

The James M. Milne Library has been working over the past few years to embody the college’s core value of sustainability in work that it does. One recent project undertaken in this vein, was related to the plants that populate many areas throughout the library. While lovingly cared for, they needed some extra and targeted care to help them better thrive.

Heavenlee, one of the library’s student workers over the summer months, initially got involved taking care of the plants by volunteering to water them. When asked about why she was interested in taking on the plant watering, Heavenlee said that she was doing some inventory, moved some shelves slightly, and a whole branch of leaves fell off a plant, making her sad to see. Heavenlee stated that she grew up with an adopted mom who loves plants, and she herself loves trees. She always tries to be next to the plants, even when she’s doing homework in the building. Heavenlee shared that she didn’t like seeing something being neglected and that, since plants can’t talk, she wanted to speak for it.

After Heavenlee took on watering of the plants, she started doing research on how to properly maintain them. When asked if anything surprised her from her research, Heavenlee specifically mentioned two trees: Arlo and Bettina. These two trees, according to research Heavenlee found, aren’t native to the area and need really hot temperatures. Yet, they are still surviving. Heavenlee said “if they can still manage to survive after the years that they’ve been here, I want them to continue to survive.” Heavenlee was also surprised to learn that taking proper care of plants was about more than just underwatering or overwatering the soil. She said one thing she learned was that if you water plants from the leaves downward, they grow upwards more. So, now, Heavenlee stands on stools to water them.

All of the plants are named in the library, thanks to Heavenlee. She feels that everything should have a name. According to her, they also all have different personalities. For example, Eleni is extremely fickle. You can’t overwater or underwater her. Heavenlee’s favorite plant in the library is Arlo. While he has bad root rot at the moment, he is still going strong. She finds it inspirational that no matter what environment they are in, the plants are able to maintain themselves if they are given the right tools.

Photograph of Heavenlee Vazquez next to favorite tree "Arlo"

Due to the work that Heavenlee did over the summer, and the library’s commitment to sustainability efforts, the plants are getting rejuvenated soon. New pots and soil have been purchased, and a re-potting project will take place this summer during nicer weather.

You can learn more about the different plants in the library by following the library on Instagram (@milne.oneonta) and seeing our “Trees-day” posts. The plants are also labeled with informational cards, so you can visit them in person and say hello as well!