Amateurs, professionals, and botanical gardens

Michael.Chamberland (23274MJC@MSU.EDU)
Tue, 10 Dec 96 20:49 EST

There's been much talk on the listserve about a dichotomy between
professionals (botanists, conservationists) and hobbyists (private
plant collectors). I think there is an intermediate category--the
naturalist. A naturalist could be someone who is interested in
plants for their aesthetic value, but is not concerned with building a
personal collection. A naturalist could be someone who enjoys
seeing plants in nature, but is not driven to "collect" field observations
or habitat photos. A naturalist might be interested in scientific
findings and the depth this knowledge adds to the simple aesthetic
appeal of favorite plants. But the naturalist would not be preoccupied
with uncovering something "new" to science. The naturalist would certainly
be concerned about conservation of wild plants and their habitats, and
would be willing to give up a little (even limit romps in the field) to
help protect plants and the integrity of their habitat. How does this
definition sound?

It's been brought to my attention there's an institution which functions
as a sort of intermediary between professionals (botanists and
conservationists) and hobbyists (plant collectors). That's the
botanical garden. I'm surprised botanical gardens have received
little more than passing mention on this listserve (and on the cactus &
succulent listserve, for that matter). Botanical gardens combine plant
collections and their care, with (hopefully) an education role and
a mission of public outreach. Are botanical gardens failing in some
way? If so, what can CP hobbyists and plant professionals do to
help botanical gardens?

Michael Chamberland