Join retired chemistry professor Thomas O’Haver for a captivating journey through The Mathematical Garden, where nature’s beauty meets science and math. Set in his woodland shade garden in Silver Spring, this engaging talk reveals the surprising ways biology, chemistry, geometry, and fractals shape the natural world—from compost chemistry and deer fencing polymers to Fibonacci spirals and the golden ratio. With humor, personal stories, and international garden inspirations, Dr. O’Haver highlights how gardening is both art and science—and a powerful source of joy, discovery, and lifelong learning. Ideal for nature lovers, science enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages.
Our speaker: Tom O’Haver is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Maryland at College Park. He did research and taught in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the area of analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, and instrumentation development. In retirement, he and his wife enjoy international traveling, gardening, and entertaining. Since 1999 they have spent their summers in Maryland and winters in Naples, FL.
