Some Latin plant names give away important clues about the nature of the plant. Here are a few of the more commonly used names, and perhaps a few rare ones, to broaden your knowledge of the wonderful world of Latin. coccinea = Scarlet Salvia coccinea – Scarlet sage sulphureus = Sulphur-colored Cosmos sulphureus – Cosmos rotundifolia = Round-leaved Tithonia rotundifolia – Mexican sunflower communis = Growing in common; general Ricinus communis – Castor bean cylindrica = Cylindrical Luffa cylindrica – Luffa sponge tuberosum = Tuberous Allium tuberosum – Garlic chives sativum = Cultivated; planted deliberately Coriandrum sativum – Cilantro/Coriander vulgare = Vulgar; common Foeniculum vulgare – Fennel officinalis = Medicinal; of the pharmacopoeia Melissa officinalis – Lemon balm Paniculatum = having flowers in a cluster, with each flower borne on a separate stalk Koelreuteria paniculata – Goldenrain tree Place names: sinensis or sinicus = of or from China Camellia sinensis…
Field Trip to Piccadilly Farm and Specialty Ornamentals
To welcome Spring 2011, Gwinnett Master Gardeners boarded the County van and multiple carpools from around the County for a field trip to Piccadilly Farm and Specialty Ornamentals. Piccadilly Farm is a tradition and a wonderful adventure and owner Sam Jones led us along the paths to explore and learn. The gardens and nursery featured hellebores, perennials, native flowers, camellias, unusual shrubs, and dwarf conifers. Following the tour, the shopping began! After a break for a picnic lunch we loaded our treasures and traveled on to Specialty Ornamentals. Flo Chaffin, owner, identified new and unusual plants that are not easily found in the trade and answered our many questions about getting the right plant in the right place! Following the tour we purchased our “must haves” to bring year round interest and enjoyment to our own gardens. It was a relaxing, beautiful spring day in the gardens with fellow gardeners! …
2011 Camellia Festival Field Trip
Gwinnett Master Gardeners enjoyed a beautiful February day at the 2011 Camellia Festival at Massee Lane Gardens, the historic home of the American Camellia Society and their camellia collection. Our tour began with an informative demonstration on propagating camellias for our own gardens by Horticulturist Douglas Ruhren. After a catered picnic lunch, our guide led us through the botanical garden which has been designated as “A Garden of Excellence” by the International Camellia Society. We soaked in the sun and the knowledge and took advantage of the opportunity to purchase many of the outstanding camellias and companion plants. What a wonderful way to spend a February day! Related Images: