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Exploring Special Collections Instruction Sessions: A Guide for Faculty

This research guide provides information regarding collaborations between Special Collections and faculty across campus.

Louise B. Belsterling Botanical Collection Overview and Significance

The Louise B. Belsterling Botanical Collection, established through Louise Belsterling's personal library, represents a significant botanical and horticultural resource with works dating from the 15th century. As a respected authority for the Dallas Garden Club and author of the 1941 Planting Manual for Dallas Gardens, Belsterling curated materials documenting botanical science, regional horticulture, and Texas gardening practices.

The collection continues to expand through the Louise B. Belsterling Foundation of the Dallas Garden Club's annual donations, supporting graduate research in horticulture while preserving early botanical and gardening knowledge. These materials provide unique insights into historical plant cultivation, regional adaptation, and the development of Texas horticulture.

Image of the Night Blowing Cereus from the Temple of Flora, or Garden of the botanist, poet, painter, and philosopher. The flower looks very bright against a dark background. It has orange and yellow pointy leaves surrounding a center white and yellow center.

The Night Blowing Cereus from the Temple of Flora, or, Garden of the botanist, poet, painter, and philosopher.

Academic Applications by Discipline: Arts, Humanities, and Technology

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIESThis is a picture from The Ladies' Flower-Garden of Ornamental Annuals. It is on yellowed paper with various flowers on long stems. The flowers are blue, yellow, white, and purple.

  • Study Dallas garden design evolution
  • Document women's horticultural contributions
  • Analyze urban landscape development
  • Research botanical illustration methods
  • Create virtual garden tours
  • Design historical garden exhibits
  • Develop interactive landscape timelines

 

 

 

 

 

The Ladies' Flower-Garden of Ornamental Annuals

Academic Applications by Discipline: Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, and Economics