A Portable Latin for Gardeners - by James Armitage (Paperback)

About the Book

Presented in a portable, flexible-bound paperback format with an elastic closure, Portable Latin for Gardeners is a distillation of our previous co-publication with Quid, Latin for Gardeners by Lorraine Harrison in fall 2012. In order to cultivate spectacular gardens one need not necessarily posses an appreciation for Loeb editions, but knowing those esoteric names behind the rose or hellebore in Latin brings about a greater appreciation to accompany your dirty, earth-smelling fingernails. Without that knowledge, you might acquire a hellebores foetidus without realizing the fetid smell it will emit, or that the Potentilla reptans you hoped would stand tall as a sentinel will only creep along as ground cover. Having a basic understanding of Latin before trips to the garden store or botanic garden is similar to possessing some knowledge of French before traveling to France--it enriches the entire experience. But with this portable edition, there is no need to fear the forgetful mind as you can bring it to the garden store or botanic garden with you. Portable Latin for Gardeners is a great reference work intended for gardeners and green-thumbs alike or as wonderful gift for them as well.

Book Synopsis

Having an understanding of botanical Latin unlocks an entirely new layer of the plant world. Gardeners deciding between a Crocus flavus and Crocus graveolens will know that one produces deep yellow flowers while the other boasts a prominent smell. They can tell whether a plant should have one (unifolius), two (diphyllus), or even nine leaves (enneaphyllus). And they can catch the nods to Sir Joseph Banks in Cordyline banksia and Queen Victoria in Agave victoriae-reginae.
A Portable Latin for Gardeners is the perfect quick reference for working in the garden, shopping for plants, or doing botanical research--and no prior knowledge of Latin is required. The 1,500 terms are grouped by categories, making it easy to describe color, size, form, habitat, scent, taste, and time. Gardeners will make new connections and discoveries in a way standard alphabetical lists simply don't allow. Alternately, gardeners who want to look up a particular term can jump right into the alphabetical index. Each entry includes the different forms of the term, a basic pronunciation guide, the definition, and an example plant species.
Rich botanical illustrations make this guide as beautiful as it is useful, while a durable flexi-bound cover means the book can withstand both days in the garden and evenings on the nightstand.

About the Author

James Armitage is the principal botanist with the Royal Horticultural Society. He has worked on several books, including the RHS Plant Finder and the most recent edition of The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs.