"She was a 'Blushing Lady' named 'Angelique', a 'Perfect Lady' from 'High Society'. His name was 'Monsella'; he arrived in town from 'Barcelona'. His eyes met hers, and a look of 'Lightning Sun' passed between them, a 'Mysterious Passion' that left them lost in a 'Dream World'. He could promise her a 'Yellow Crown', 'Blue Pearls', and 'Pink Silk', but she was off to 'Alaska' to see the 'Frosty Snow' with her "Summer Drummer' named 'Havran', and their paths would not cross again until the 'First Cherry Blossom'. Perhaps then he might play a 'Blue Melody' and win her heart."
You might think that was a paragraph from a steamy romance novel, but I was just having a bit of fun with some of the interesting flowers names from the latest Vesey's catalogue! Have you ever wondered how plant varieties get their names? What a fun task that must be! Years ago, on an episode of "Victory Garden", a tulip grower in Holland named his newest tulip after his Mom. I read an article about David Austen roses; rose lovers send in hundreds of possible names every year, and Mr. Austin chooses a name that "suits the unique character of each rose".
Some plant names are picked because they reflect something about the flower itself: "Mango Tango" potentillas tells us about the yummy orange color of the blooms. "Queen of Night" tulips tell us about the dark and dusky blooms we will see next spring. Some names are picked because the growers choose a theme, such as honouring famous people. In the 1950's and 1960's, many American rose growers named roses after famous movie stars: who wouldn't want Bob Hope or Ingrid Bergman in their garden? Some roses have juicy stories attached. I'll quote from one article I discovered. "The most famous case of a rose actually pulled from the market is that of Mrs. Lovell Swisher in 1927. Mr. Lovell Swisher was a prominent California businessman who had arranged for a rose to be named for his wife. A year or so later when he discovered Mrs. Lovell Swisher sleeping with the chauffeur, he attempted to purchase and destroy every Mrs.Lovell Swisher rose on the market." He did not succeed, however, and Mrs. Swisher roses are still for sale.
And some plants are named for the fun and exciting color combinations they flaunt, like the "Alaskan Seas" iris, which has pale blue standards and deep blue falls; "Black Pearl" amaryllis, with rich, lush dark maroon flowers; or "Raspberry Swirl" dianthus with pale pink flowers ringed with raspberry purple. Or doesn't this daylily sound luscious: "Berrylicious: smashing apple red petals are edged in blackberry purple so deep and dark it mesmerizes everyone all summer as it blooms."
Wow, that's power in a name!
The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society road trip to Regina is coming up on June 11. As you read this, a few seats may still be available: call Liz at 782-2830 if you would like to go (you don't have to be a member to join this trip, just an interested gardener!). And hort club members, there are a few planting projects that could use a few extra pairs of hands; if you can spare some time to help, it would be most appreciated. Call Liz to sign up. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, June 15 at the Greenstein yard. This is a members-only meeting, with BBQ and meeting to follow. It's also plant exchange evening.
