I think gardeners have some of the best senses of humor. I say this, because of some of the funny and clever names they come up with for plants. Like this one, I am planting called chicken gizzard. One of my favorite names for a tomato is Charlie’s Radiator Shop Mortgage Lifter. The reason for this name is simple. You see, Charlie developed his own variety of tomatoes. He raised them each year and sold them at his radiator shop and then use the proceeds to pay off his mortgage.
You see there is always an interesting story behind many of these common names. I think one of the reasons we come up with fun common names is it they are easier to remember and pronounced than their Latin or botanical counter parts. Take Schizophragma hydrangeoides as an example. Now, there is a mouthful, you see this is the botanical name for the Japanese climbing hydrangea, but the problem with using this common name is that technically this plant is not a hydrangea at all.
You see if you go to a nursery and you asked for plant by its common name, you may not get what you asked for. But, if you use the botanical name, since it is universal, you can go to a nursery anywhere in the world and you will be assured that you are getting the plant you want.
Something that I do that helps me remember plant names is to always keep the label near the plant once it is in the garden then I can refer to it from time to time.
From the garden, I am Allan Smith. If you would like more information on this topic or any other gardening topic, just check out my website pallansmith.com.
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