{"id":36119,"date":"2022-07-16T00:01:07","date_gmt":"2022-07-16T07:01:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbarafalconernewhall.com\/?p=36119"},"modified":"2026-06-06T07:00:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T07:00:01","slug":"help-i-cant-remember-the-names-of-my-flowers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/server.stagingweb3.net\/barbarafalconernewhall\/help-i-cant-remember-the-names-of-my-flowers\/","title":{"rendered":"Help! I Can’t Remember the Names of My Flowers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"statice-blossoms\"<\/a>
Statice blossoms — shown here against the siding of the house, which is in need of a paint job. That’s my next project. Watch this space. Photos by Barbara Newhall<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I can’t remember the names of my flowers. It’s embarrassing.<\/p>\n

I know a fern when I see one. And a rose. And an iris. And a few months ago I finally mastered that polysyllabic tongue-twister, alstromeria.<\/p>\n

But you’ve got me at Armeria. And Aqueligia. And all the other plants that are showing up at the local plant nursery these days with fancy, melodic — forgettable — Latinate names.<\/p>\n

A Fuzzy Plant. A Rash<\/strong><\/h5>\n

I like my newly arrived flowers — except whichever one it was who caused the rash on the back of my hand last week. (Kangaroo Paw<\/a>, you adorable, stubby, fuzzy thing — I’m looking at you)<\/p>\n

\"Alstromeria-'Colorata-Lisa'\"<\/a>
Alstromeria ‘Colorata Lisa.’ Hmmm. This close-up photo indicates something might be nibbling on my alstromeria. Do I need to do something about that?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But usually if you like someone or something, you don’t keep forgetting its name. I like the people in my life, for example. And I mostly I remember their names. But not my beloved flowers, which were planted in May<\/a>. Not the\u00a0 Campanula. Not the Convovlluou mauritanicus. Not the geranium biokovo.<\/p>\n

So, What Do I Do When I Can’t Remember the Names of My Flowers? <\/strong><\/h5>\n

I do what any sensible 21st-century gardener would do — I get out my cell phone and aim my plant ID app at it.<\/p>\n

That delicate pink flower with the pointy petals. Are you an Armeria? An Aquilegia? A Campanula? An Echinacea?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Aquilegia is also known as columbine. Maybe I’ll forget the fancy name and just call it columbine. This homely wall holds up my neighbors’ front yard. I’ve planted creeping fig to cover it up. See the video below.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I should know. I knew it last month when I watched the gardener put you in the ground.<\/p>\n

But now I have to use my trusty plant ID app<\/a> to remember your name . . .<\/p>\n

Ah, yes. Of course. You’re an Aquilegia. I knew that. So glad you like it here in my garden.<\/p>\n

Just because I forgot your name (again) doesn’t mean I don’t think you’re wonderful.<\/p>\n

Take a Tour of the Finished Side and Backyard Gardens — 2 1\/2 Minutes<\/strong><\/h5>\n