Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Join Ashley Rose Young and Dianne Choie at the Library of Congress as they explore how people have recorded and illustrated wildflowers over time. From an 1847 edition of American Flora to hand-colored Victorian books and rare, hand-painted editions, this video highlights the beauty and variety of botanical art. Along the way, you'll discover how artists combined science, poetry, and creativity—capturing not just how flowers look, but what they mean. Learn about the "language of flowers," where blooms like lily of the valley and dahlia carried special messages, and see how different books reflect different ways of understanding nature. The journey continues with a modern artist who uses historic printmaking techniques to create her own flower illustrations. Whether you love art, nature, or history, this video will inspire you to look closely at the plants around you—and maybe even create your own botanical artwork.

For transcript and more information, visit loc.gov/item/video-11933