‘Semiosis’ is the Community Read at Longwood Gardens

I’m honored to announce that Semiosis is this year’s Community Read at Longwood Gardens, along with the nonfiction book Weird Plants by Chris Thorogood, and for younger readers, The Enormous Potato by Aubrey Davis.

Longwood Gardens is a public horticultural garden in Kennett Square, near Philadelphia, PA, where “garden design, horticulture, education, and the arts interplay to inspire and enlighten our guests.”

Community Read events start on February 1, including book discussions at local public libraries, workshops such as a potato planting, and storytimes.

I will be at Longwood on Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28.

On Friday morning, I’ll teach a class, Creative Writing: Telling a Plant’s Story. The class description:
“Open your mind to the endless possibilities about plant life and its interaction and interdependence with humans. Join acclaimed author Sue Burke as she guides you through writing exercises to explore ways to approach plants as a point of view, using the tools of both speculative and literary fiction. Spend the afternoon writing and reflecting using Longwood Gardens as your inspiration. What new plant might you invent? What new world might you create?”
If you attend, I can tell you about the writing exercise that led to Chapter 1 of my novel.

On Saturday evening, I’ll participate in ”Attack of the Plant Nerds: Science Fiction vs. Science Fact. The event description:
“Are you Team Science Fiction or Team Science Fact? Join Semiosis author Sue Burke and a team of plant nerds for an evening exploring plants both real and imaginary. Burke discusses the inspiration behind the world of Pax, as well as answers questions about Interference, the sequel to Semiosis. Plant nerd experts round out the evening by sharing tales of their favorite odd and unusual plants.
“Following the talk, continue the conversation in our glorious Conservatory. Burke will hold a book signing, and the plant nerds will be available to answer questions. A light dessert reception adds to the fun.”
I’m hoping for a chocolate dessert.

When I’m not busy with events, you’ll find me wandering through the beautiful gardens.

If you can make it to Longwood Gardens, I’d love to meet you.