Latin for Gardeners: Over 3,000 Plant Names Explained and Explored

I give this book a 4.5/5. This book is a great resource, with a ton of interesting info and a beautiful layout. However, instead of just defining just the name (specific epithet) for Latin names that describe morphological characteristics, I wish they would have included the vocabulary term for the morphological trait, which is usually rooted in the same latin word. Some examples:fenestralis - with openings like a windowIt would have been helpful to include the botanical vocabulary term for window-like openings is "fenestra," in parentheses, to further solidify the concept and connection. Another example is "acaulis - short-stemmed: without a stem." The corresponding vocabulary term would be acaulescent, which is used to describe plants that don't have a stem. I teach plant ID classes, and a lot of the students are learning vocabulary terms at the same time they're learning latin names, so I feel like not including the corresponding vocabulary terms was a missed opportunity.

Perfect!

There is so much to learn in this book! Besides the detailed listings of italicized Latin names, there are brief narratives of botanists/explorers, plant collectors, and of various species, etc, of every type plant/flower.

I bought this for a woman who loves nature, enjoys gardening and has a ridiculous grasp of Latin etymology for plants, animal species..."SAT words" in general. Obviously this tome was right up her alley. I believe many a curious plant lover would find this beautifully cloth-bound reference book a joy to own. That being said, as a book lover (not a Latin or plant person per se), I was disappointed that there weren't more illustrations or even botany based art work from Flemish masters to complement the richness of nomenclature being explored. My critiques essentially wishes that a different book had been written so it could be dismissed as unfair. Still, when describing the world of flowers with an enraptured audience, why so stingy with visual lushness?

I have been an avid hobby gardener for a few years now but can never remember the names of plants. I decided that it might be fun to learn the latin names but felt intimidated because I have a terrible memory for names. This book is excellent. I love it. It not only tells you the latin names but explains the origin of the genus or species name. This makes it easier for me to remember because often the names are related to a characteristic, color or country of origin of the plant. The drawings are beautiful as well and the overall look and feel of the book makes me feel like I'm referencing an old text. Great addition to my gardening book library.

I've always gardened as a hobby. But, after being involved in an unfortunate accident that left me disabled and unemployed, gardening has become not only a stress-reliever and a form of low-impact physical therapy, but also a potential avenue of future self-employment. Having a deeper knowledge of the plants I grow will definitely help with my success and integrity in this field. Latin for Gardeners is a GREAT resource to understanding the culture of various plants, the origins of their descriptive names, and often their significance in history, botany, religion, and medicine. This is a "must-have" for professional gardeners, university botany majors, and even the curious home gardener. Get your hands on this book...ASAP!!!

Very beautiful, sturdy book. Solid covers, nice paper, beautiful photos. The kind of book that shows the author and publisher are serious about the quality of the product and that book lovers are proud to own.

This is such a helpful book. I often read Latin names and have no clue on the the pronunciation. This book solves that. It's also beautiful. It makes a lovely addition to a book shelf.