Over roughly a decade, plant collectors of all stripes braved the Louisiana wilds to procure plants for one of the 20th century’s most talented and accomplished botanical artists, at times side by side with her (and her uncompromising eye for the perfect specimen). They slogged through hot and murky swamp waters, bushwhacked through pastures, and climbed trees, all in the name of love.

A love for Louisiana, and for the artist from half-way around the world whose work here in the 1970s and 1980s became known as the Native Flora of Louisiana Collection. Margaret Stones of Australia called the collection her “great work,” and described her time in the Bayou State as the best of her life. The feeling was, and still is, mutual.

The exhibition Louisiana’s Natural Treasure: Margaret Stones, Botanical Artist opened in February of this year, but was closed temporarily during the pandemic. The staff of LSU Libraries Special Collections is thrilled to announce that the exhibition will re-open “in full blossom” on Thursday, October 1st. Click here for hours and details.