for immediate release

Botanica Magnifica: Stories of the World’s Most Extraordinary Flowers and Plants

A Special Engagement

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213, direct
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (Feb. 9, 2010) — Dr. Jonathan Singer, Dr. W. John Kress and Marc Hachadourian will appear together for the first time since publishing their book, Botanica Magnifica: Portraits of the World’s Most Extraordinary Flowers and Plants, to discuss the landmark collaboration. This elegant art book features Dr. Singer’s celebrated photography. Dr. Kress will also discuss his new book, The Weeping Goldsmith: Discoveries in the Secret Land of Myanmar, a remarkable firsthand account of his travels in Myanmar. A unique blend of art and science, this program will offer an in-depth look at masterpieces of photographic art and a rare sneak peek into Myanmar, a biodiversity hot spot.

"Armed with a Hassleblad digital camera, Jonathan Singer has invented a new way of photographing flowers that reveals the plant form, color, and texture in remarkable detail," said Audubon magazine.

Copies of Botanica Magnifica and The Weeping Goldsmith will be available for purchase and signing. This lecture will foster a greater awareness of the plant kingdom and of the pressing need to preserve vanishing plant species. Jonathan Singer is a podiatrist and award-winning photographer. Dr. W. John Kress is curator of botany at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Marc Hachadourian is the manager of the Nolen Greenhouses at the New York Botanical Garden.

This special engagement is from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 19. Cost is $24. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $19. To register or for more information on classes through the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 24 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest is an organic vegetable and plant production enterprise that provides instruction in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to residents of Chicago’s North Lawndale and West Side neighborhoods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is also host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation. In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.