The Gardeners were pleased to meet again after being hit by snow in March and a cancelled garden visit in April. Brian treated us to a fascinating exploration of the development of plant names.

Carl Linnaeus built on the work of his predecessors to create the ‘Binomial System’ in the 18th Century. He gave plants two names for genus and species which were a ‘Latinate’ version often based on one of the many different common names of the plant. The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature was created in 1905. Kew Gardens have collaborated worldwide on ‘The Plant List’ using the binomial system so botanists from across the world can compare plants. DNA has been used to organise species and has led to some changes of name.

The pernicious plant Himalayan Balsam has the binomial name Impatiens glandulifera. This is written with capitalisation of genus and italics for the species. ‘Impatiens’ comes from the exploding seeds and ‘glandulifera’ from the additional nectar glands on the stem. Marsh Marigold is Caltha palustris based on its form and location - goblet of the marsh. Viola ordorata based on the common name Violet and its attractive scent. Cultivated Pansies are Viola x wittrockiana the x signifying they are hybrids. Pansies - from the French for thinker - ‘penser’ have common names like ‘Heart’s Ease’, ‘Johnny Jump Up’ or ‘Love in Idleness’ which have a sexual connotation. This is even more evident with Arum maculatum which has over a hundred common names including ‘Cuckoo Pint’, ‘Snakes Head’, ‘Parson in the Pulpit’ and my personal favourite ‘Soldier’s Diddlies’! Salvia rosmarinus is the herb Rosemary and Salvia officinalis is Sage. Salvia means ‘healthy’ and ‘officinalis’ in a plant name means medicinal. Orchids are the plants with the most amusing names and flower shapes from ‘Dracula vampiri’ to ones named for dinosaurs, chambermaids and swaddled babies!

The Gardeners were pleased to snap up some bargains from the unusual plants that Brian brought along including Canna indica the Indian shot plant – named for its ball shaped seeds. The attached photograph shows Brian with club member Neil Smerdon choosing a plant.

Next talk ‘Letting go of ‘Lift the Latch with the birth of Little Latch’ – a garden move for Pauline and David Wright. Wednesday, 14th June 2023 - 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start at Kilmersdon Village Hall. Refreshments and raffle on arrival. Visitors are very welcome, see website for further details: www.kilmersdongardeners.org.

Trisha Jordan