The Somerville Public Library is hosting a pair of virtual seminars to showcase two fascinating topics relevant to New England. Both seminars will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom.

First up, on Tuesday, July 5, Robert T. McMaster will discuss his book, All the Light Here Comes from Above: The Life and Legacy of Edward Hitchcock. Hitchcock, a native of Deerfield, MA, was a geological pioneer credited as the first to uncover evidence of dinosaurs in North America. McMaster’s book is the first biography of Hitchcock, one of 19th-century America’s most influential scientists.

Next, switch from fossils to flowers on Wednesday, July 6, when Uli Lorimer, director of horticulture at Native Plant Trust, logs in to discuss The Northeast Native Plant Primer: 235 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden. This book covers everything you need to know to create a beautiful garden that benefits local pollinators. Lorimer will walk through the advantages of using native plantings for you, your yard, and the environment with proven advice every home gardener can follow.