ANN ARBOR—Not even the predicted unusually hot and dry summer will keep these flowers from blooming. They are indoors as part of the University of Michigan’s “Flowers: Rare Books and Prints” exhibit located on the seventh floor of University of Michigan’s Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library. This display of colorful blossoms will continue through Aug. 31.

Unfortunately, fragrance is not a part of this exhibit, but the artists’ and illustrators’ renderings of these spectacular specimens are open for viewing Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon. Admission is free.

Following the early 15th and 16th century herbals, books primarily about “useful” plants for medicinal purposes, interest grew in purely ornamental or garden flowers. Thus, the 18th and 19th centuries are known as the era of the “Great Flower Book,” a result of botany’s emergence as a separate science and the introduction of the metal plate to replace the woodcut in illustration. And so, the “florilegium” or picture book of beautiful plants came into being.

Samples of this art form in the exhibit include one of the first great flower books which was published in 1613; a publication by the French artist Redoute; and the most famous color plate book of American plant and animal life.

The exhibit includes roses, lilies, American plants, English plants, and even the flora of Austria and the Himalayas.

For more information or to arrange a tour, call (734) 764-9377.

seventh floor