The City of Roanoke, along with the Roanoke Arts Commission, Roanoke Public Libraries, Opera Roanoke, and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture came together last week to dedicate a tree on the grounds of the Gainsboro Branch Library. The “Joe Green” Tree Project was scheduled as part of National Opera Week, and honors a tradition in which the family of Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi would plant a tree for each new opera he wrote. The tree also sets in motion plans to enhance the landscaping in the area around the “Reading Garden” sculpture, which was installed at the Gainsboro Branch Library in November 2009. A mix of music lovers, library patrons, environmental advocates and residents of the neighborhood attended the dedication, which was followed by a program of music and discussion with representatives of Opera Roanoke.