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Re: Correct plant names

There are locations on Internet that will pronounce botanical names for you, and the Sunset Western GardenCD-ROM pronounces genus names when requested. Margaret Lauterbach

I think what is most important is to encourage readers and gardeners to use botanical names rather than common names. I don't care so much about the pronunciation as I do about accuracy.

Gardeners often hesitate to use botanical names for fear of mispronunciation. My feeling is, if they emphasize the wrong syllable or get the vowels a bit out of order, that is far better than using the common name and confusing everyone. I'd rather they try than shy away from the Latin (or Greek or...). In addition, botanical names are such a treasure trove of information about a plant's heritage, that it adds another huge dimension to gardening.

In the end, gardeners become more competent plants people, better communicators, and feel more confident about their skill if they feel confident about using botanical names, whether or not they are properly pronounced. Eventually, they will encounter someone who will (hopefully gently) correct them.

Nan

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