The gardenia is named for Alexander Garden, a Scottish-born doctor and botanist who lived for many years in Charleston, South Carolina. During the Revolutionary War he sided with the British; his property eventually confiscated, he moved to London in 1783. Though Dr. Garden never actually studied the gardenia, he was honored by the naturalist Carolus Linnaeus, who named the plant--previously called Cape jasmine--for him. Its scent is intoxicating.
The abelia is also named for a doctor, Clarke Abel, who traveled with Lord Amherst on a diplomatic mission to China in 1816-17. While there he collected seeds and specimens of the abelia, which were unfortunately lost at sea in a shipwreck and pirate attack. He holds the distinction of having been the first western scientist to document an orangutan living on the island of Sumatra.
Pansies are often said to have faces. This one looks a little sad, perhaps because it will die soon in the North Carolina heat. The word "pansy" comes from the French word for thought, penser.
Ligustrum is the Latin word for privet, which is a shrub in the olive family. It is a great screening plant; however, "it is often mis-pruned into green meatballs"--according to Cyndi Lauderdale, NC Extension Agent. Green meatballs! I know what she means.
Roses are everywhere and speak the universal language of love. They are decidedly not mistaken as green meatballs.
Delightful! I have a collection of stories, including one about Linneaus. I read it every so often and will share it when I see you
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