Beauty or the Beast- The Botany of Desire- Is Beauty also about lasting longer? Azaleas at the Arboretum- John Wilkes Booth and James Dean vs Lauren Bacall
If something or someone is beautiful do you care if they are of 'good stock'? The 'Botany of Desire' is not necessarily about that which comes from good stock- but about that which attracts and survives.
Joel Lerner in Friday's Washington Post makes this point;
"Maintaining historical data and specimens is important, but horticulture is not just about maintaining a gene pool. Along with tissue culture and germ plasm research, I value the beauty of the flora and appreciate the work on display at the Arboretum. How important is the pedigree if the plants were bred for ornamental value, beautiful form, color, winter hardiness and disease resistance? I believe we should appreciate these azaleas for their special characteristics. They have remained healthy and have stood the test of time."
Movie actors or actresses are sometimes celebrated not only for their acting and beauty, but also for the length of their careers. While we don't expect plants to be blacklisted, abuse drugs or crash automobiles, a long life that does not succumb to disease, fungus, or other damage may also be important. Other opinions are available, but the National Arboretum is maintaining a low, low, profile.
What do you think? Cut down Cinderella because her family is dysfunctional, or admire her beauty and longevity? Does this answer those who say it's only because I like the pretty flowers?