Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

Author Talk: Matthew Fleming

Stories, Science, and History of Trees

2025-04-08 14:00:00 2025-04-08 15:00:00 America/New_York Author Talk: Matthew Fleming Smithsonian Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming, guides us through the secret world of trees as is revealed in the beautiful and absorbing guide to the giants of the plant world. Virtual: Library Speakers Consortium -

Tuesday, April 08
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-04-08 14:00:00 2025-04-08 15:00:00 America/New_York Author Talk: Matthew Fleming Smithsonian Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming, guides us through the secret world of trees as is revealed in the beautiful and absorbing guide to the giants of the plant world. Virtual: Library Speakers Consortium -

Smithsonian Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming, guides us through the secret world of trees as is revealed in the beautiful and absorbing guide to the giants of the plant world.

Join us as Smithsonian Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming, guides us through the secret world of trees as is revealed in the beautiful and absorbing guide to the giants of the plant world—The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees.

Trees occur naturally throughout the world and have been a part of human history for almost as long as humans have existed. Used for shelter, tools, fuel, and food, they also help supply the atmosphere with oxygen and form astonishingly diverse ecosystems, as well as some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Now the intricate world of leafy woodlands and abundant rainforests is revealed in this extensive visual guide to trees, exploring their key scientific traits and their ecological importance, as well as their enduring significance in human history and culture. From ancient oaks and great redwoods to lush banyans and imposing kapoks, The Tree Book reveals the anatomy, behaviors, and beauty of these incredible plants and habitats in detail. 

Combining natural history and a scientific overview with a wider look at the history, uses, symbolism, and mythology of trees, this book is a new kind of guide to these fascinating organisms. Register today to learn more about the beautiful world of trees!

About the Presenter: Matthew Fleming has been a horticulturist at the Smithsonian Gardens Greenhouse Facility in Suitland, Maryland since 2010. In addition to serving as a supervisory horticulturist, he manages three greenhouses with nearly a thousand tropical specimens that are displayed throughout the many Smithsonian gardens and landscapes along the National Mall during the warmer months. He has given talks on a wide variety of plant-related topics at the Smithsonian ranging from indoor pests to overwintering tropical plants.  Prior to coming to the Smithsonian, Matt was a purchasing agent and garden center assistant manager for a full-service landscaping firm.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences where he studied Horticulture and Landscape Contracting. 

 
 

 

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Orange County Library System.

AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Authors - Books - Writing |

TAGS: | meettheauthor | epd | bb-meet-the-author |

Online


Hours
Skip Opening Hours widget
Mon, Feb 16 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Feb 17 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Feb 18 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Feb 19 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Feb 20 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Feb 21 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Feb 22 1:00PM to 6:00PM

About the branch

Upcoming events

Skip Upcoming Events widget
Fri, Feb 20, 4:45pm - 5:45pm
Virtual Room - Windermere
Join us to practice your English speaking skills with us on a virtual English Conversation Hour. Each session will have specific topics for discussion. Register today!
Registration is now closed

Sat, Feb 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Bring your design ideas to life with Canva, a free graphic design application. Use thousands of templates to gain inspiration and ideas for your next project.

Sun, Feb 22, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
In this beginner-friendly session, explore what artificial intelligence really is, what it isn’t, how it works, how it is used across different fields, and its effects in everyday life.

Sun, Feb 22, 1:45pm - 2:15pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn how to put AI to work with practical demonstrations across multiple models.

Sun, Feb 22, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn about Adobe’s Powerful AI engine and how it integrates into their apps.

Mon, Feb 23, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Improve your English speaking and pronunciation skills. Intended for advanced English language learners. Recommended ages 18 & up.

Mon, Feb 23, 10:30am - 11:45am
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
In this limited series, we learn hand seaming techniques traditionally used to seam Bojagi wrapping cloths. The ssamsol technique (flat felled seam) is used on projects without a lining.
This event is full

Mon, Feb 23, 11:00am - 11:40am
Virtual Room - Alafaya
Preschoolers will delight in interactive stories, songs, and rhymes that inspire a love of reading and build early literacy skills. Recommended for ages 3–5.

Mon, Feb 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Stream live video on YouTube or Facebook with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). Learn how to capture or record live streaming video & share with your audience or save for later viewing. (Melrose)

Mon, Feb 23, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
Speaking Clearly is a pronunciation class for beginners. The class is designed to introduce learners to the basics of the sounds of English for pronunciation. Recommended ages 18 & up.

Mon, Feb 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Learn how to use advanced sort and filter options; apply data validation and other data tools to organize your data.

Mon, Feb 23, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn the fundamentals of Adobe Acrobat, the differences between Pro and DC versions, and their many features.

Mon, Feb 23, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Join this 10-part class series and learn how to model, texture, rig, and animate a character for a video game.

Mon, Feb 23, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
Raise your video production value with motion graphic elements. Animate lower-third titles by using After Effect's shape layers, solid layers, type tool and anchor point tool.

Mon, Feb 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
This class will cover a wide array of topics from accepting and rejecting an invitation to engaging in small talk. Recommended for those with a basic understanding of English, ages 18 & up.

Mon, Feb 23, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
Take animation to the third dimension! Discover how to use 3D Layers, 3D cameras and Z-space to create the illusion of depth and motion with still photographs.

Mon, Feb 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Virtual Room - Windermere
Use absolute and relative references to ensure your data is calculated accurately. Analyze data by using functions like COUNT. Visually represent your data with tools like recommended charts.

Mon, Feb 23, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn what this fully featured photo editor can do and how it fares as a Photoshop alternative.

Mon, Feb 23, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
This class is designed for students with a beginner level knowledge of English. Practice basic vocabulary and grammar.

Mon, Feb 23, 7:00pm - 7:45pm
Virtual Room - Alafaya
Preschoolers will delight in interactive stories, songs, and rhymes that inspire a love of reading and build early literacy skills. Recommended for ages 3–5.

Mon, Feb 23, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Author and editor Alli Martin will discuss how to mine your idea to discover the character's motivation, obstacles, and secrets to create a story. This is a generative, collaborative workshop.

Tue, Feb 24, 10:00am - 10:30am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Learn about transparency features, organizing documents with layers, and much more.

Tue, Feb 24, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn about lens type characteristics, distortions, aberrations and how to fix them. We’ll also explore the relationship between lens focal length and sensor sizes.

Tue, Feb 24, 10:30am - 11:30am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Join us for a virtual meeting using ZOOM where we will focus on grammar for complex ideas, including sentence structures, paragraph, and essay writing. 

Tue, Feb 24, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn how different types of photography flashes work and how to use them to achieve professional results

Tue, Feb 24, 2:00pm - 3:45pm
Virtual Room - Citizenship Inspired
During this 4-session program, students will meet to prepare for the U.S. Naturalization (Citizenship) Test and Interview. 2/17 Session 1; 2/18 Session 2; 2/24 Session 3; 2/25 Session 4.

Tue, Feb 24, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Tom D. Crouch, a Smithsonian veteran of almost 45 years, paints a robust picture of a unique American establishment and its lasting legacies in his book Smithson’s Gamble.Register

Tue, Feb 24, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Join this 10-part class series and learn how to model, texture, rig, and animate a character for a video game.

Tue, Feb 24, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Literary agent Paula Weiman will discuss how writers can reframe rejection, build resilience, and stay motivated on the path to publication.

Tue, Feb 24, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual Room - Southwest
Join us to discuss historical fiction novel The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry. Recommended for ages 18 and up.

Wed, Feb 25, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Create photorealistic product mockups of branded merchandise using this intuitive 3D application.

Wed, Feb 25, 10:00am - 11:30am
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Join us for this year long series to create a realistic style crocheted bouquet of flowers. This class meets once a month to complete a longform project together in a warm and welcoming environment!
Registration is now closed

Wed, Feb 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Join us on ZOOM to practice academic style writing along with more complex vocabulary.

Wed, Feb 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Virtual Room - West Oaks
With expert Bruce Buzbee from Roots Magic we will explore the benefits and techniques to truly strengthen your genealogy research!

Cancelled
Wed, Feb 25, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
A series of workshops in which students can practice their English speaking and listening skills. Recommended for those with a basic understanding of English.

Wed, Feb 25, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Have a great time mingling with other Central Florida fiber artists while working on your craft. Be sure to bring your work in progress, yarn and tools. All levels are welcome.

Wed, Feb 25, 2:00pm - 3:45pm
Virtual Room - Citizenship Inspired
During this 4-session program, students will meet to prepare for the U.S. Naturalization (Citizenship) Test and Interview. 2/17 Session 1; 2/18 Session 2; 2/24 Session 3; 2/25 Session 4.

Wed, Feb 25, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Join this 10-part class series and learn how to model, texture, rig, and animate a character for a video game.

Wed, Feb 25, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Get moving with this energizing and relaxing Chair Yoga sequence for all-levels. Tap into the strength, balance, flexibility and relaxation that your body can provide you. Requires use of a chair.

Thu, Feb 26, 9:00am - 9:55am
Virtual Room - West Oaks
Need help breaking through a brick wall? Unsure where to look next? Book a 1-hour private Zoom appointment with Lisa for personalized genealogy guidance.

Thu, Feb 26, 10:00am - 10:55am
Virtual Room - West Oaks
Need help breaking through a brick wall? Unsure where to look next? Book a 1-hour private Zoom appointment with Lisa for personalized genealogy guidance.
This event is full

Thu, Feb 26, 10:15am - 11:15am
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Learn to stitch using Sashiko hand sewing techniques. This Japanese hand sewing technique uses the simple running stitch to form geometric patterns.
This event is full

Thu, Feb 26, 11:00am - 11:55am
Virtual Room - West Oaks
Need help breaking through a brick wall? Unsure where to look next? Book a 1-hour private Zoom appointment with Lisa for personalized genealogy guidance.
This event is full

Thu, Feb 26, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual Room - West Oaks
Discover free digital libraries packed with books, newspapers, and hidden gems to power your genealogy research—no library card required! Recommended for Adults. Registration required.

Thu, Feb 26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Join this 10-part class series and learn how to model, texture, rig, and animate a character for a video game.

Cancelled
Thu, Feb 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
A series of workshops in which students can practice their English speaking and listening skills. Recommended for those with a basic understanding of English.

Thu, Feb 26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
Explore the fundamentals of sound theory. Discuss how the physics of sound affects recordings. Learn key digital audio concepts, including sample rate, bit depth and file types. (tic101)

Thu, Feb 26, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Room - Learning Central
Travel to a famous library from around the world without leaving the comfort of your own home. Registration is required. Ages 18+

Thu, Feb 26, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
Join us for a virtual meeting using ZOOM where we will focus on the parts of speech, the organization of sentences, and vocabulary building.

Thu, Feb 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual Room - Winter Garden 1
Join us as we discuss this months title, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.

Fri, Feb 27, 10:00am - 11:00am
Online Technology Classroom 1
Aprenda cómo insertar transiciones de diapositivas, agregar animaciones e enlaces. Crea un álbum de fotos con herramientas que son fáciles de usar.

Fri, Feb 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Create visually appealing and effective presentations. Dive into thousands of free Canva presentation templates. Once you have selected a template, edit it with ease and implement Canva elements.

Fri, Feb 27, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Online Technology Classroom 1
Da vida a tus ideas de diseño con Canva, una aplicación gratuita de diseño gráfico. Utilice miles de plantillas para obtener inspiración e ideas para su próximo proyecto.

Fri, Feb 27, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Join this 10-part class series and learn how to model, texture, rig, and animate a character for a video game.

Fri, Feb 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Learn how to apply data subtotals, outlines, data consolidation and conditional formatting to organize your data.

Rescheduled
Fri, Feb 27, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
New date Friday, February 27, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Join this 10-part class series and learn how to model, texture, rig, and animate a character for a video game.

Fri, Feb 27, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Join us each month in 2026 for a stitch-along design featuring a cute little shop. We'll put them together to make a community!

Fri, Feb 27, 4:45pm - 5:45pm
Virtual Room - Windermere
Join us to practice your English speaking skills with us on a virtual English Conversation Hour. Each session will have specific topics for discussion. Register today!
This event is full