Naming of Flowers

From the dust jacket:

A flower's common name can be nearly as lyrical as the blossom itself–"delphinium," "columbine," and "primrose" all instantly evoke the splendid flowers they signify. Likewise, the Latin name contains surprising and fascinating bits of botanical information and folklore. Together the names can impart the full richness of a flower's character and history, and bring you a deeper appreciation of your garden.

THE NAMING OF FLOWERS makes exploring plant nomenclature an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable experience. In brief, lively descriptions, Anne Halpin looks at 27 of our most common and beloved species–from aster to yarrow–all sumptuously illustrated by Rob Proctor. Along the way, we learn, for instance, that gardeners in the English countryside referred to the morning glory as "life of man" because in a single day its flowering imitates the stages of human life.

So while Asclepias may be a mouthful, and St. John's-wort a bit of a mystery, knowing the history and meaning of these names can unlock a wealth of knowledge and beauty you never knew your garden held.