Mid-winter, with the moon just waning, it was unseasonably warm, as a group of Wayne and Joe’s well-wishers gathered in their honor at the Horticultural Society of New York Library. Wayne Winterrowd and Joe Eck, with their home garden in Vermont, arrived with exceptionally flavorful , large rounds of artisanal cheese which was paired with  wine in honor of , OUR LIFE IN GARDENS. These are sophisticated guys, you might think more cultured than necessary to be a gardener. Or, is that the lesson? Great gardens come from deep wells.

The  book is graced with the botanical art of a neighbor in their home state: the illustrious Bobbi Angell.
When in the city, she is busy illustrating for the New York Times and the New York Botanical Garden.

Three notable horterati, all with new books of their own in the works, joined in the festivity:  Page Dickey was accompanied by her son, Lynden Miller by her husband, and Jane Garmey arrived, stepping off the elevator accompanied by me. The most glowing, personable, and proud fellow of the event was just up from Philly, Joe’s dad. He’s not yet ninety.

Librarian Katherine Powis, likes to party while bulding awareness and a following for her unique midtown resource. Last week, Ken Druse brought some people by. Just guessing, but I bet Katherine feels:  NYC needs the library, has it , should use it and support it..

At evening’s end, after so much attention, the cheese waned,  after we had all we wanted. Wayne and Joe  head to Seattle,the start of a big, old-fashioned book tour. Perhaps, as the winter warms, you’ll pause for a moment, to follow their life in gardens. The book will sustain you,  sans wine and cheese.