- Author: Molly K Weden
Just some thoughts about being in the gardening biz for so long. Besides being a Master Gardener the last 4 years, I have worked in retail sales at a local nursery for many years.
One of the things we encounter with the public is their discomfort with the nomenclature of plants. Many gardening concepts get a bit twisted, too.
A kid asked if we sold aphids.
Many have asked for hummus to improve their soil. With a side of tahini?
One woman wanted asylum. I know the nursery is a serene place, but I think she really meant allysum.
Another lady wanted some albuterol. She wasn't wheezing, so I directed her to the abutilons.
One young guy came into the nursery looking for credentias. I wracked my brain trying to figure out what he wanted. I just hope he didn't get yelled at for coming home empty handed.
Overheard: "I think salvia is part of the sage family."
Rhododendrons are rhododendrums, camellias are chamelions, and every vine is a jasmine.
A lady called us trying to locate a pedophilia tree.
People come in looking for Purple Verbas, Blue Static and Lantania.
My coworker K. swore she kept a straight face while a customer insisted on getting chlamidia.
These are true observations! We do our best to listen, and I have a personal rule to never be snarky to the uninformed. How else would a person learn if they didn't ask?