Gardening Poll: Has Gardening Become an Exclusive Club?
While I was over at Garden Rant, I stumbled on Alan Armitage’s post "So You Want To Dumb Us Down Even More?". He was talking about a debate he had while on a gardening panel, when someone asked if we should be using only Latin plant names. Dr. Armitage’s reply was that people who work in horticulture and garden retail should certainly know the Latin plant names, but when dealing with casual gardeners, we should talk in terms they can relate to. He likened it to shopping for a computer and being expected to know the difference between RAM, ROM and cache as opposed to speed, memory and reliability. The comments that followed were not necessarily in agreement, let alone agreeable.
I know many garden snobs who never use less than the genus and species to discuss plants. Fine. I also know many knowledgeable gardeners who enjoy the charm of regional common names. I think that’s fine too. Would a Bleeding Heart get quite as much notice if it were known only as Dicentra?
Do you think one of the reasons gardening is losing popularity is because it’s become too elite? It’s not enough to pick up some petunias and marigolds and put a pot on the front steps, now you need to know about natives, pest resistance, the proper ratio for a border and the chemical make-up of your soil. I know I’m asking the choir whether they think there’s too much singing going on, but has gardening become too demanding to attract new gardeners? I’m asking yes or no in the poll above, but please feel free to leave any ‘comments’ below.
Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2008) licensed to About.com, Inc.
Comments
Gardening isn’t more demanding – it’s just that what was once a survival skill has become a trivial pastime.
Thanks to the internet though, now that decent tomatoes are $1 each (for all practical purposes) when people decide that producing a bit of ones own food is no longer so trivial – the knowledge is as close as a Google search.
STOP IT!!! Just enjoy it!!!
A little of both would be helpful, especially on annuals and vegatables. I may know what cultivar I am looking for, but if the nursery people don’t know which ones they carry, it is a “hit or miss” situation. Last spring I decided to put a few marigolds in front of the peonies and was I surprised when I ended up with small “shrubs” 2 foot tall! Luckily it didn’t make any difference this time but it can be frustrating.
I think that what you are seeing is the natural process of a hobby that is getting more popular. As it is a hobby that you can enjoy with or without a great deal of technical knowledge (though this will be reflected in your outcomes), you will continue to see this struggle. It’s not possible for it to become a domain of the elite however as it is easy to get into and continue without experts. I hope this makes sense. This is the first “comment” I have ever left anywhere.
I developed my love of gardening more than 50 years ago while helping my grandmother in her yard. In all that time, I have learned a lot of things through trial and error, reading and especially from talking to others with the same love of gardening. I like to know the Latin names since the common names aren’t always accurate, but limiting yourself to the Latin names can stifle the conversation with people who have much to contribute.
I really don’t care to know the genus or species name of any plant. So you can call me dumb if you want. I don’t care. I garden for the fun of it. And I love to see how gorgeous my “dumb plants” are when they have reached maturity and they’re all co-ordinated by color, height annual, bi-annual or perennial. In my mind’s eye. It’s beautiful.
I voted “Yes”, but I need to qualify that. I will NEVER lose the passion for gardening. I think there are others like me. But I think, also, being a Sales Assistant Plant Nerd at a local small-town Garden Center, that we in the profession can be off-putting if we aren’t careful. I know that I had to readjust my love for the Latin and the intellectual, and learn how to talk in “Plain English”. I don’t believe I’m the Lone Stranger here.
I’ve been helped in my “re-training” not by “dumbing down”, but by listening. I have some regular customers who are young gardeners, and their enthusiasm, their passion, their potential, has .. injected me with the same. I get excited by their exploration into my passion! :~)
So, yes, I think we can get to sound snobbish, but no, gardening isn’t/doesn’t have to be elistist, as long as we remember how it feels to be young, to be alive, to grow, and to enjoy the sunshine on our shoulders and share that love with another by listening with smiles.
>^,,^
YES!
I have started and abandoned several different gardens in the last few years, because I came up against a problem or situation or question I couldn’t get an answer for in the language I speak every day.
It would be nice if it were different, but my experiences show that most “gardeners” enjoy being part of an elite group, and instead of welcoming new gardeners with lay terms and gentle guidance, they seem to prefer to confound us with Latin, lingo and techno-babble.
“Actions speak louder than words.”
A KISS (keep it simple stupid) philosophy keeps any hobby more inclusive and enjoyable. When the complexity goes up, so too does the time and $ commitment. I consciously scaled back my gardens when I started getting sucked into the deep end of the pool. I have only so many hours in a week / season to give over to enjoyment. When the garden becomes an avocation rather than a hobby, it’s time to rethink your personal goals.
I’m also involved in several sports like skiing, mountain biking, and kayaking. Each sport/hobby has over-the-top enthusiasts who are SO into their endeavors that they become obsessed, elitist, exclusionary, and obnoxious. They drive the air out of the room and the fun out of the pursuit. BOTTOM LINE: If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.
It’s the same with everything, there are people out there that have to be full of themselves and cram their brain full of facts and trivia, they are only robots who can repeat memorized information. The true gardeners are the people that love doing it, nurture and love what they grow, and are in awe when it all works. Snobs/elitists of any kind have no place on this planet. That comes from insecurity in themselves.
People who use the official names of plants are neither snobs nor robots full of memorized informtion, nor do they enjoy gardening less than their plain spoken friends. In fact, they might enjoy it more than you know. When you delve deeper into any subject you often discover it’s bigger and far more intricate than you ever imagined. Knowing the latin names, etc. give you an accurate description of a plant. Some people like to know such things because it tells them more about the plant than the common name implies. That may not interest some people, but others find it enriches their life. Also, I don’t think I’d give up on some problem I was having in gardening because those I encountered were using specific terminology I didn’t relate to. In this day and age all one has to do to is Google something and find all manner of people who will address your situation in any degree of complexity (or not) you prefer. One could argue that denigrating the so-called elite gardeners would be a case of reverse snobbery. However, I wouldn’t accuse them of such as I believe there’s room for terms both plain spoken and official, and room for those who prefer either/or, or both.
YES, GARDENING IS A SCIENCE!
Please understand that gardening and landscaping or whatever you want to call
it is a SCIENCE called BOTANY. The reason
plants and trees have latin names is to
identify them correctly no matter what part of
the world you live or what language you speak. Common names used for plants can be different depending on the area you are in and can vary a great deal. Often times they are a random name you heard from your grandmother or great aunt. Landscape professionals and others use latin names to be accurate and not confuse people, not typically to be snobbish. However, I do know a lot of professionals that do get tired of trying to educate the populice of botany, ie. your plant is dying because this plant
requires sun but it gets too much shade where
it’s been placed.
I think it is ironic to watch the world change with the invention of new and better products. There is a cartoon that depicts a grandma with only a wood burning stove will cook the most luxurious of Thanksgiving dinners. Where the grand daughter, who has all of the latest can’t even boil water. They want instant gratification from possessions and do not take the time to learn the real nice things in life. Anything that requires real effort is out. Gardening should never be for the elite because the concepts are for all. You just have to dig in and not listen to the other guy.
I have been a Master Gardener in Maryland for about a year now and I still struggle with learning the botanical names of plants. I know this is necessary to accurately identify plants, but in trying to encourage potential gardeners, I find that using the common plant names allows us to speak a common language.
I really wish that plants came with both the Latin and common name on the pot!
I use the Latin names as much as I can – but it is mostly the desire to be as clear as possible as to which plant I am talking about. Though Latin names do change once in a while, they are otherwise steady and the same from region to region.
I love to try to help people with their plants, but it can be harder when they don’t know the same common name as you do. I had someone email me about my Rose of Sharon profile, saying I had done the wrong plant. Turns out we were both right since what we call Rose of Sharon here in the USA(a Hibiscus) is what they call St John’s Wort in England.
That’s not to say that I don’t like common names too. I just read Little Women, and they called violets “heart’s ease”. What a pretty name! I also like Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow (Brunfelsa), which describes how the flowers change colors over 3 days. So many other lovely names.
I think we can all help each other out to learn as much as we want. Say both the Latin and common names, say the technical terms and then clearly explain it. Do it all with a smile and enthusiasm!
I do like to watch gardening shows -I used to watch Gardening by the Yard all the time, but I guess I haven’t watched it lately.
Anyway, I don’t want to hear some latin term for a plant or tree. I’ll never remember it when I go to look for it at the greenhouse. Just say the regular name – ie. purple cone flower, black eyed susan, etc.
Thanks
I think it can be daunting for someone who is just learning. Many young gardeners I know have trouble remembering the common name, let alone the Latin name. I belong to a gardening board and there are a few who like to show off their knowledge…..it really is irritating to get a mouthful of names when they ask a simple question but I think you have that type of person no matter where you go.
Gardening – especially flowers – are a hobby to me and a stress reliever. I appreciate all names – common or otherwise.
And I appreciate learned hosts – either young or old. Reminds me of a saying –
The old know more about being young than the young know about being old. Enough said.
I have been Gardening for a few years, I’m in my late forty’s and It has been a life saver for Me
and it does sadden me a bit that most People are missing out on such a pleasurable hobby, I feel some People are afraid to ask about learning about Gardening,
I am one of those People that can teach like
learning ones A, b, c,s and I refer to myself
an amateur gardener, and that makes them more relax !!
Well, just wanted to share
Best, Gardening to everyone
Olgaflowers,
Bravo, Cecilia! You nailed it. Some people enjoy learning in-depth about plants and gardening, and others are content to have flowers and vegetables without any fuss.
I think the barrier between many young people and gardening is the high cost of home ownership. Those who can afford their own piece of land may not have the time to beautify it.
Also, gardening has lost its cachet among people and communities that relegate lawn and yard maintenance to hired crews. There will always be people who don’t want to get their hands (even gloved!) dirty.
Finally, the use of farmland to become housing developments or shopping centers is depriving children of the chance to see what it’s like to grow crops, raise animals, collect the harvest, etc. Kids may be lucky to grow a seed in a paper cup by a window in some school districts.
I started gardening 4 years ago when I moved from a condo to a house, and I have learned exponentially since then.
I love my garden and every year I have added more flowerbeds. I will take Latin or English names, or both. I learn from the internet, garden centre staff, other gardeners, and especially trial and error. I have learned to go shopping for ‘2 feet high, partial shade’ rather than a specific plant, as that expands my knowledge too.
Everyone who sees my front garden compliments me and thinks I am some kind of an expert! However, tonight, I am going to my first meeting of the local horticultural society, so maybe I will know tomorrow whether there are any elitists out there.
You’re preaching to the audience.
Of course gardening is both fun and a talent that can be acquired by trial and error and/or by learning from books/teachers.
I find it wonderfully relaxing to dig in the soil and wonderfully enlightening to learn more and more as the years advance.
I think calling a plant by its common name is perfectly fine. You should take your cue from the person(s) you are speaking with. If the latin name will make a difference to the person inquiring, by all means write it down so the person gets the exact species they want. (The small plant vs shrubby marigolds). Regarding the recruitment of younger gardners,I think if we have more information/simple guidelines easily available at local garden shops that encourage success with a plant, beginners will less likely fail and gradually become more involved with gardening and learn that it is indeed both a hobby and a science!
I have enjoyed gardening over the years. I belonged to a garden club for a couple of years in one town, on moving I joined the herb society. The next move meant I didn’t belong to anything nor did I care. In both groups some used latin, some used both, some used common. The main theme was love of growing things for pleasure. I always call a Black eyed susan a Rudbeckia (cause that is what I learned first) but a pansy is a pansy, even though it is a viola…..(which means something different entirely to me.) The most important thing for me is to communicate however need be.
AND to always recognize Poison Ivy which hates me!!!!!
I’ve loved gardening all my life. I learned the common names from my grandmother and the latin names from books. The Latin names do come in handy when doing the master’s gardeners programs and when needing to be extremely explicit about which plant you are talking about. A few years ago I had a viral brain infection that messed with my brain. So now I never know what will pop out of my mouth – the Latin name or one of the common names or sometimes nothing a all. It hasn’t changed either my knowledge or my love of gardening. Use common sense people – use the name that is most needed for the situation. All gardeners face the same way – some just sit at the feet of others – but all are gardeners.
I’ve only been gardening a few years, and I definitely enjoy it. However, I definitely get the feeling that I can’t be doing it properly since I’m not older and retired and spending hours every day.
I learned gardening early,
from my father.I’ve stopped buying at the local nurseries,b/c they sell invasive plants.I wait until plants are given to me by other local gardeners.My best plants!
Well I did study the Botanical names for house plants, and scored 100%. That was 15 years ago, and forgot most of them. who cares about impressing people with the like. Now I pay attention to annual and perennial latin, botanical–but that’s because you need to know which ones from the same family react differently to varying conditions/locations. It’s just for my awareness in planning a neat garden. When I go to the nursey to pick out plants, I first stand in the middle–look around and around–look over the sea of color, and pick out from there. My friend is amazed that every spring people come to me and ask me where certain flowers would be found–and I can tell them. Tell them “I don’t work here.” They say you look like you do know what you are doing. At our Walmart the gal that works in the garden ctr is asking me what type of plants certain one’s are–I find it very flattering. I don’t have a Master Gardening certificate, but have a blast in the garden, have a absolute addiction to living growing, ever changing “life” in any garden. I would rather enjoy this infinite, everlasting pure enjoyment than spitting out Latin and Botanical names like a professor. And guess what!? It all started with that Bleeding Heart that came back every Spring when I was a toddler, and I would sit there forever staring at those little hearts in wonder. What was that Botanical name again? Nevermind!! Bleading Heart works for me!
Love Ya All!! fiestyflowergal
As Master Gardeners, Racine, Wi, we teach in the school system (gd 1-5). Last year we reached over 1,700 students with our in school programs.
We also have a 6 week summer school program.
Yesterday a 3 gd student said “This is the best fun we’ve had this year. GARDENING IS NOT DEAD.
It is understandable that gardening becomes an intriguing hobby mostly when someone has their first house, or if they have been influenced by a parent or other relative. And the more I have gardened the more I have realized that sooner or later some Latin names must be learned, if only to distinguish between very similar looking flowers, shrubs, etc. But the old names will always be used and loved also.
However, I do not understand why there are so few TV show for us now, since there is more interest than ever in this activity, and it is so healthy and so much plain fun! Perhaps the professional landscapers have made it all too cold and stony, like some of the gardens they manufacture in apparently assembly line fashion. Perhaps it is the fact that there is not so much monetary reward for businesses that advertise (nurseries, landscapers etc). But the gardeners far outnumber those who hunt or fish, or skateboard or play poker, and yet the TV shows for these hobbies continue to proliferate madly! Or it could be that the gardening “duties” have become a part of the “women’s work” (so pushed by the advertising business).
My Dad taught me fishing and card- playing,birding,bowling, philosophy and so many other activities and I love them all. But he also taught me the love of creating a beautiful (and many times edible) work of art outside in my own backyard, from seed to bulb to nursery plants (even though it was very amateur and never perfect) And I garden the same way now, 65 years later! The miracle of that seed in the springtime becoming the rose, the sunflower, the tomato or any other of the millions of fascinating creations of nature will never grow too old or too complicated for me.
I have a favorite gardening show,but like all of them they try to cram to many things in their programs. When they catch my attention on my interest I find they are to short on information because of time line. Usually they use both names. Once you have figured out how to keep several plants alive and well you have pretty much of the idea for almost all plants, unless you go for the exotic then you have to start from scratch. Just enjoy.
I think some gardeners can be snobbish but perhaps that their natural personality. If I want plain english names I ask them to translate,they do. May I just say The Old Farmers Almanac website has a terrific bunch of gardeners on there. You can read through their forums and find already asked questions and if you still have more just ask them they are wonderful.
Wow!I think a nerve has been hit here!
I’ve worked in horticulture for many years and my knowledge has come from many sources.From my college,the garden center to the little old lady next door.
It’s been my experience that our seniors can put us trained horticulturists to shame when it comes to growing and caring for plants as they often have years of experience that cant be gained from a certificate or diploma.
Yes i know my latin(botanical)names as i have to for ordering stock as plants can often have more than one common name.However i know gardeners that dont know latin from chicken scratches that will know more than i will ever live to know.
In response to one comment,i beg to differ.
Gardening is not science it is an art!I wont bothering explaining this as anyone who has done it long enough knows what i mean.
YES
I agree with Kerri-Anne, although I have grown a garden since I was a child on the farm I to find that it seems to have become a bit snobbish on some fronts… For me I love to grow things and I love to talk to people about what they are growing, young or old, “smart or dumb”. I take in what I can use and understand and what ever they call the plant will in time make sense.. Gardening should be enjoyed…
I think it can be a little intimidating to begin, considering new gardeners are innundated with “necessary” information. I still find it somewhat intimidating knowing that I don’t do some things that you are “supposed” to do. For example, I have never tested my soil; something I’m sure would be shocking to an elite gardener. I also don’t do much mulching; my philosophy being if you can see dirt, there are not enough plants. That said, I love gardening, and rely on a few books and magazines and the old trial and error effort. I am also from Racine and would love to know more about the Master Gardeners, though I’m sure I would never be considered a master!
I would much rather know the common name of the plants — quite often when asking for a plant by it’s latin name at the local garden centers I just get blank stares. Besides, the common name conveys a lot of history and local color — much more interesting to me than long latin names I can’t wrap my tongue around.
It seems to me that people have merely changed their focus over the past few decades. The computer, television, and electronic games have replaced outdoor activity, not just with children but with adults as well. I don’t believe that technical wording versus common names has had any impact. After all, when you go to the greenhouse, market, or home improvement store, rarely does the sign in front of the petunias, tomatoes, or other plants give a Latin name. People just don’t do physical activities that aren’t group focused. I think that the issue is much deeper than mere wording, more like people tend not to be able to be by themselves in a quiet setting.
I garden for the enjoyment of it. I don’t want to be inudated with information needed to obtain a horticultural degree. Everyone is busy these days, and when you do a hobby for relaxation you don’t want to have to drag out the (gardening) dictionary to figure out what someone was trying to me. Use layman’s terms.
GET OVER IT ! ! !
Seriously; if you can’t learn the name of a plant that the horticultural society has accepted, then either forget it or get over it.
I talk many times to fellow nursery folks, speaking in both common and latin names. We don’t feel intimidated because we can’t remember one or the other, or if we lost touch with one species of another… Seriously folks, GET OVER IT!!!!
Rufas, Lady Palms,… who cares???
…jim
I learnt to garden 60 odd years ago. I have joined Hort. groups and have just gone out and done things on my own. I have had tours through my yard and not. And you know what, I don’t care either way. I do what I want, and how I want, and if I use or don’t use the correct latin word, I don’t care. What I do care about is that I enjoy my garden, the planning of it and the execution of the plan. I love my wild looking perenial beds, are they what the”experts like” probably not, are they what I like? Yes, and so do my many, many birds and other wildlife. And I guess people too since they stop in front of the house all the time.
It seems to me that every thing has it’s season gardeners, gardning shows, groups, and gardens included. So just enjoy, if you want to learn more do. If you want to just garden, do.
Well, I buy a lot of gardening books at yard sales then read them from stem to stern. Most temporary garden centres are NOT the place to go if you’re looking for certain plants or vegetables. And, in spite of my book reading & previous study of Latin in both high school & university, I couldn’t tell you one single genus or whatever for anything I’m growing inside or out! My husband’s theory of gardening is: plant it, water it, give it fresh triple mix (soil, peat moss & manure) every year and if it grows it grows and it it don’t it don’t! More often than not we have a bumper crop of tomatoes, peppers, flowers & even our rose bush gets bigger & stronger every year. Our friends, relatives & neighbours love our backyard which we’ve worked on for the past 10 years and has now become a natural sanctuary for birds, butterflies, fireflies, squirrels & chipmunks.
The fancy words are great if you’re trying to impress someone, but the best way is to successfully grow the gardens!
gardening is as intense as you wish it to be.your level of interest dictates the level of demand created.
you want a garden of herbs to provide the spices you like in your food.?
great, learn the botannical names of those plants you wish to grow.
now you and another gardening person living elsewhere on the planet can talk about a plant and know you are BOTH refering to the same one!..even if you do not share the same
first language.