The Wild Braid: A Poet Reflects on a Century in the Garden

By Stanley Kunitz with Genine Lentine

Twice named as the U.S. Poet Laureate, Stanley Kunitz is not only a distinguished and celebrated poet, but he was also an avid gardener up until his death at age 100. This book, a new addition to the Scott Arboretum Horticultural Library, is a collection of conversations, essays, and poetry on the topic of Kunitz’s Provincetown, Massachusetts garden. Kunitz’s poetry is intermixed with essays about his inspiration, and the similarities between the processes of writing poetry and gardening. Kunitz even explains his connection with nature from an early age, where he found a place to retreat to during his troubled childhood. This book, winner of the American Horticultural Society Book Award in 2006, introduced me to Kunitz’s poetry, and with it, a whole new outlook on the garden as a place of inspiration and life. It also offers a unique glimpse into the last years of a renowned poet of our time. Read this book and join me and the Scott Arboretum’s brand new “Nature’s Narratives” Book Discussion Group for a riveting discussion on January 13, 2009 from 12-1:30pm. Also check out the other must-reads as part of the Book Discussion Group!