Gardens and Horticultural Library Legacy at Kingwood Center
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Posted by Christine Eirschele Jun 21, 2009 |
The lending and research library at Kingwood Center in Mansfield, Ohio, opened to the public in 1953. Just as Mr. King directed in his will, access to the gardens, mansion, horticultural library and use of the parking lots are free for all visitors. Especially in these economic times, this is truly a valuable legacy and the jewel of Mansfield, Ohio.
Research and Lending Horticultural Library
While there on a recent visit, I had an opportunity to talk with Bill Collins, Education Coordinator at Kingwood Center. Although I had been to the gardens before, I had not gone into the library in historical Kingwood Hall before now.
The family’s original library, smaller living room, and Mr. King’s office has been transformed into a peaceful public horticultural library. Their catalogue of books is connected to the Mansfield-Richland County Public Library and contains more than 9,000 volumes of gardening and horticultural books, a rare book collection and periodicals.
Students studying botany at the local Ohio State University campus frequently use the library for research. A children’s gardening section and a book section on gems and minerals are also part of the collection.
The Kingwood Horticultural Library is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 pm.
Historical Kingwood Center in Mansfield
Mansfield is an easy drive less than 2 hours northeast from Columbus, Ohio. As you know, the hallmark of a good botanic garden is reliable plant labeling and seeing a variety of imaginative plant groupings. Kingwood Center has all of this inside and outdoors. The herb garden, under construction last year, is nearly complete, do not forget to see it while visiting.
In addition to the variety of garden and plant clubs who meet and have plant sales on the grounds, the Center has their own greenhouse. There plants are sold throughout the growing season. It is an excellent way to support Kingwood Center, I say.
Here is more information about Kingwood Center:
- Desert Conservatories includes information about Kingwood
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