Hello! This guide supports the Leafy Lending Program, or anyone who wants to learn about houseplants. This guide covers the basics of houseplants; specific care for individual plants and how to propagate them; where to get more information about houseplant care; and how you can get more involved with botany on campus.
If you have any questions please feel free to email Elizabeth at esalmon@vassar.edu.
Plant Pick-up: September 12th & 13th @ 3:30pm, Main Library Lobby
Plant Doctor Session: 10/9, 3:30- 5:00pm, Greenhouse
Greenhouse open office hours:
End of Semester Propagation Party: TBA!
Indoor plants require minimal watering, can improve air quality, and encourage interest native ecological diversity. Being surrounded by nature has been shown to improve stress levels for students, which can help with focusing while studying and general quality of life. This can be especially important during the winter months when students cannot study outside as easily and seasonal depression creeps in. Overall, indoor plants are an easy and gorgeous way to style up your living space.
The Leafy Lending Program is offered by Vassar College Libraries and The Olmsted Greenhouse. This program is intended to help students who want to try out growing their own houseplants, but not ready to make a long-term commitment or unsure if they have the skills or knowledge to do so.
This is program is designed to welcome everyone who is interested, experienced or not! Plant are usually given out during the second week of classes at the library. We currently have 40 plants that handed out on a first-come first-served basis. Students are able to borrow a plant for a semester, but are welcomed to check out the same plant if they grow attached. As a parting gift, we also offer to take a cutting of the plant if possible or seeds in return.
There is no worry if you are a beginner or don't have a green thumb, as the library offers offer almost kill-proof options & lots of advice. We try to pair you up with a plant that will thrive in your home and skill level. But if the plant does "pass on", no problem at all. We chalk it up to a learning experience! Throughout the semester we offer chances to learn more about houseplant care with a plant doctor session with one of the greenhouse staff, propagation demonstrations, gardening tips, and information sessions how to get involved with plant on campus!
The Olmsted Greenhouse houses the Biology Department teaching plant collection and supports faculty and student research. The diverse teaching collection includes more than 700 specimens from over 120 plant families. Orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and cacti, as well as some rare and unusual plants, are part of the collection. Students, faculty, and staff of Vassar College are welcome to visit the greenhouse.
Make an appointment by contacting the greenhouse via email at acontelmo@vassar.edu. For more information, follow the Vassar College Biology Greenhouse and Herbarium Facebook Page and the Vassar Greenhouse Instagram page.
