Re: Correct plant names

**Melanie m*@optonline.net**

Here on Long Island I've lectured at many public libraries in the past few
months to standing room only audiences. The topics range from "Perennials
for LI gardens", "Basic Gardening", "Fantastic Foliage Plants" and so on.
With each slide I give the botanical name and then if there's a local
nickname I'll mention that too.

At the start of every lecture I tell people that it's important to learn the
botanical name. It's the only way they'll be able to speak with gardeners
from other areas and the only way they'll get the plant they really want
when shopping for something in particular.

In all cases I've found the public receptive to learning the botanical name.
They are extremely grateful for a list of plants as they're shown in the
slides. I also tell them that they shouldn't worry if they are pronouncing
the names wrong, I've heard some names said many different ways. The
pronounciation seems to be what they fear the most.

A great ice breaker is to give them some of my favorite names such as
"Lysamachia nummularia" or "Aruncus aethusifolius" and then have them
"repeat after me". I'll tease them and say that it's almost like a magical
incantation, maybe if they chant their plants names they'll grow better.

Melanie Vassallo
Old Country Gardens
South Huntington, New York

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