We have a floral arranging class coming up next week and it’s got me thinking about how much I need green space.

Flowers are beautiful, of course, but they’re also healing. Taking a mason jar of cuttings from your garden to someone who’s having a hard time, glorious bouquets designed by professional florists, broad swaths of wild flowers or wooded glens—just the sight lifts the spirit. The natural world doesn’t solve all our problems, but there are studies that show that being around green things does have a statistically meaningful effect on all kinds of things including our literal, physical health.

But does the natural world not solve all our problems? The most biologically diverse and thriving ecosystems exist mostly in indigenous lands and, in fact, their very diversity is what keeps the planet going. The interdependence of plants, animals, minerals sustains us all, and it’s a powerful symbol of how we can interact with each other better. (I read Braiding Sweetgrass recently—it’s a gorgeous, hopeful read.) The mess of nature thriving heals the planet, which helps heal us.

Green space heals us, maybe green games can too? Read on to learn about new game Floral, and try out other flower- and plant- themed games in our library like Trellis, A Gentle Rain, Arboretum, The Gardens, Evergreen, Earth, and Lacuna. Also check out Vines and Flowers, a gorgeous game coming out next year with table presence.

Alice C, board game librarian

Play Floral!

Brand new to our library, Floral came out last year and packs a lot of game into a small box. Players build their own garden tableau by playing cards on top of others already placed, covering at least two squares, and aiming to have the largest connected areas of color so they can score the cards in the middle of the table. It’s abstract and deceptively pretty—don’t let the flower theme turn you off! It’s quick and thinky and mean (precisely the descriptors for many of my favorite games!). Bartender Cole Finley says what he likes about it is “anticipatory sabotage,” meaning you can build bits of your garden so that other players simply can’t score anything worthwhile or even at all. But with a total play time of 10 minutes for a two-player game, you’ll get your chance for revenge! Find Floral in the basket of small games on our party games shelf.

Try our new Avocado Toast for brunch!

Whole wheat toast with our house-made guacamole and black bean relish—it’s healthy, it’s filling, it’s delicious! Shown here with our spiced home fries and house sauce and a refreshing tequila sunrise.

Come by Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-2pm for this and all our tasty brunch offerings—play a few rounds of Floral while you’re at it!

Floral Design Class!

We’re teaming up with Blossoms Florist this July for a hands-on floral arrangement class at Free Parking!

Join us Tuesday, July 22nd at 6:30 PM with Master Florist, Carol Ruffin. Whether you’re a beginner or a flower enthusiast, this hands-on class is perfect for you.

No experience necessary and all the supplies are provided! Click the photo above or link below to register.