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Re: [SHADEGARDENS] anthropomorphism

At 10:05 AM 1/23/98 -0800, Alex Waterhouse-Hayward wrote:
January 23, l998
I read with dismay some of the bios from members of this group who have
nurseries and use such terms as 'shade loving plants.' W. George Schmid, who
wrote The Genus Hosta has said many times, "There is no shade loving plant.
They are shade tolerant."

Alex et al...
             I personally, don't see anything wrong with writing plant
references using...

"anthropomorphism" (àn´thre-pe-môr´fîz´em) noun
Attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to inanimate
objects, animals, or natural phenomena.
- an´thropomor´phic adjective
- an´thropomor´phically adverb

             This is simply a Shadegardens discussion group, not a meeting
of World-wide Scientists Anonymous; and I personally don't see, what all
the hullabullu is about?.. by refering to plants/species as having human
motivations, characteristics, behavior, thinking capability and so on?  If
I wish to "feed" my plants, opposed to "providing nutrients" that is my
business.  This applies to "shade loving" verses "sunshine enjoying" and
any way one wishes to write it i.e. humanizing plants?
             It was Jim Hawes, who started all this nonsense about not
using "anthropomorphism" when talking about plants; quite some time ago, on
another site.  Many plants are given people's names, and as such, how about
we "do give them personality" to go with the name?.. what is wrong with
that; and this, includes Nursery descriptions?  If I waz to name a new
plant, and let's say I name it "Jim Hawes" and descibe it as the "nicest
plant personality in the world".. what is wrong with that?.. it's my plant
and I talk about it anyway I like.  U don't like.. don't buy.. simple. <g> :)

             PERSONALLY "I love it!" and think it is "BEAUTIFUL?"
              "to humanize plants we truly love & enjoy"

             have a nice day y'all

Bill Nash Guelph Ontario Canada Z4 <raffi@sympatico.ca>

ps.. of course, this email is just a setup to try to get Jimbo outta his
lurkin mood.. hey Jimbo?.. U out there?
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