Hello! This guide supports the Leafy Lending Program, or anyone who wants to learn about houseplants. Here you will find 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.
Indoor plants can improve air quality, encourage interest native ecological diversity, and are an easy and gorgeous way to style up your living space! Being surrounded by nature has been shown to decrease stress levels, which can help with focusing while studying and general quality of life. For any questions, email Elizabeth Salmon, Social Science Librarian.
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!
Plant Pick-up: January 30th & 31th @ 3:30pm, Main Library Lobby
Plant Doctor Session: TBD Olmsted Greenhouse
Greenhouse open office hours:
End of Semester Propagation Party: TBA!
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 are unsure of their plant growing skills or knowledge.
This is program welcomes everyone who is interested, experienced or not! We currently have 40 plants that are checked out at the beginning of the semester, and returned at the end of each semester. As a parting gift, we also offer cuttings of the plant if possible or seeds in return.
The Library offers almost kill-proof options & lots of advice. We try to pair you with a plant that will thrive in your home and skill level. If the plant doesn't make it, no problem at all. Throughout the semester we offer plant doctor sessions, propagation demonstrations, gardening tips, and information sessions.
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.
