LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE GLOSSARY Aa Acidity The characteristic of soils that have a pH level of less than 7, which is suited to plants that thrive in “sour” soil as opposed to alkaline or “sweet” soil. Aerobic Pertaini Pertaining ng to an organism organism that needs needs atmosphe atmospheric ric oxygen oxygen to thrive thrive,, used used espec especia ially lly in refere reference nce to compos compostt pil piles. es. Effec Effectiv tive e compost bins promote an environment in which such organisms thrive. Aesthetic (adj.) Pertaining to the appreciation of beauty or good taste; visually pleasing. The corresponding noun is "aesthetics," "aesthetics," which means the study of the appreciation of beauty. Alkalinity The Alkalinity The characteristic of soils with a pH level that is greater than 7, which is suitable for plants that thrive in a "sweet" (alkaline) (alkaline) soil, as opposed to a "sour" or acid soil. Amendment An element added to the soil, such as compost, peat moss, or fertilizer, to improve its capacity to support plant life. While fertilizer improves soil by adding nutrients only, amendments such as peat moss improve soil by making its texture or drainage more conducive to plant heal health th.. Peat Peat moss moss adds adds no nutr nutrie ient nts s to soil soil.. Mean Meanwh whil ile, e, comp compos ostt enhances soil both through adding nutrients and through improving texture and drainage. Anaerobic Pertaining to organisms, such as bacteria, that can live in the absence of atmospheric oxygen. The term is often used to refer to such orga organi nism sms s livi living ng in a comp compos ostt bin bin and and infl influe uenc ncin ing g the the qual qualit ity y of its its deco decom mposi positi tion on;; it also also refe refers rs to the the cond condit itio ions ns unde underr whic which h su such ch organisms thrive, conditions that are considered undesirable. undesirable. Arbor An open framework designed to offer a shady resting place in a garden or park, often made of rustic rustic work or or latticework latticework which serves as a support on which climbers may grow or on which creepers may be trained. Arboriculture The Arboriculture The art, science, technology and business of tree care. Arborist A professional who practices arboriculture. arboriculture. Bb Balance (landsca (landscape pe design design terminolo terminology) gy) Refers Refers to the consiste consistency ncy of visual attraction, or lack thereof. Consistent visual attraction is achieved
through symmetry; symmetry; if the designer’s designer’s intention is to avoid the monotony of balance, asymmetrical plans will be implemented. Balled and bur lapped Plants shipped to the consumer after having been planted, dug up and wrapped. “Balled” refers to the rootball which has been dug up; burlapped refers to the wrapping material traditionally used for transporting tree and shrub deliveries. Bare root Plants shipped to the consumer without having been planted in soil, soil, rendering rendering them effectiv effectively ely dorma dormant, nt, are are said said to be bare bare root. root. Rose bushes are sometimes shipped as bare root plants, for instance. Basket weave brick pattern when laying bricks -- for a brick patio, for instance instance -- various various designs, designs, or patterns patterns can be used. used. One of these these patterns is known as "basket weave"; another popular brick pattern is called "herringbone." For a graphic illustration illustration of what the basic weave design looks like, see the picture at the bottom of this page. The basket weave pattern is essentially composed of pairs of bricks. Picture a square area in which 8 bricks are to be laid (2 columns and 2 rows, consisting of 4 pairs of bricks). It would run as follows, starting from the uppe upperr left left corn corner er and and endi ending ng at the the lowe lowerr righ right: t: 2 bric bricks ks stan standi ding ng vertically, 2 bricks horizontally, 2 bricks horizontally, 2 bricks vertically. Bedding plant Plant (usually an annual) grouped with others en masse to produc produce e the the maxim maximum um in visua visuall appea appeal, l, A lands landsca cape pe design designer er selects bedding plants with regard to color, scale, line, form and texture in relation to the accompanying plants. Biodegradable Capa Capabl ble e of bein being g deco decomp mpos osed ed back back into into the the soil soil by biological agents, especially bacteria; usually used to refer to items that are to be disposed of. Environmentally sound landscaping landscaping often takes into account whether materials are biodegradable. For instance, plastic might be rejected as a material for mulching because it is not biodegradable. Bonsai The historically oriental art of dwarfing trees by careful root and stem pruning coupled with root restriction. The term is from the Japanese for "potted plant," because such trees are often kept in containers. Broadleaf Having relatively broad rather than needle-like or scale-like leaves leaves.. "Broadle "Broadleaf" af" is often often applied applied to lawn lawn and garden garden weeds weeds fitting fitting that that descri descripti ption, on, to separ separat ate e them them from from other other weeds weeds for purpos purposes es of categorization. One also refers to evergreen plants such as rhododendron as "broadleaf," to distinguish them from needle-bearing evergreens. Burl A large rounded outgrowth on the trunk or branch of a tree, often used decoratively as a veneer in woodcraft.
Cc Cabling The use of cables to stabilize a tree that displays a tendency to lean lean in one direct direction ion or anothe another, r, rather rather than than growin growing g stra straigh ight. t. Often Often employed by arborists or other tree service professionals. Also Known As: bracing Cambium The layer of cells lying between the wood and bark of a stem from which new bark and wood cells originate. originate. Cement (masonry term) term) The bindin binding g agent agent in concre concrete te and morta mortar. r. Limestone Limestone is mined, crushed, mixed with other ingredients, ingredients, and heated to produce cement. Chilling requirement A requirement for fruit and nut trees, measured in terms of the total hours needed during a dormant or winter period in which the temperature is below 45ºF and above 32ºF. Meeting the chilling requirement will result in normal growth and bloom in the succeeding growing season. Climber Plant that climbs on its own, using tendrils or some other method (such as the adventitious roots known as holdfasts) holdfasts ) to secure itself to objec objects. ts. Climbe Climbers rs are are often often suppli supplied ed with with arbor arbors s upon upon which which to climb. climb. Vines are subdivided into the categories of climbers and creepers. Cold frame An unheated outdoor structure composed of a wooden or concrete framework framework and covered with glass or clear plastic, used for the process of hardening off seedlings. Commensal Applied to pests which, while not truly parasitic, do partake of the same same food food as anoth another. er. Often Often applie applied d specif specifica ically lly to rodent rodent pests of the landscape, which partake of human food. In an integrated pest pest managem management ent system system for the landscap landscape, e, commensa commensall pests pests will be discouraged from arriving by making sure food is kept in well-sealed containers. Compaction Applied to soil which, deprived of proper aeration, suffers from excessiv excessive e water water runoff runoff and poor conditio conditions ns for plant plant rooting. rooting. In reference to compost bins, compaction occurs under anaerobic conditions. Companion planting The gardening practice of planting one plant in proximity to another, due to the benefits it bestows on the other plant. Organic gardeners, for instance, often juxtapose plants because the one will have insect-repelling insect-repelling qualities that benefit the other, obviating the need to use chemical pesticides. Sometimes, the benefits are shared, making for a symbiotic relationship.
Complete fertilizer A fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potas potassiu sium. m. A fertil fertilize izerr listed listed as "10-10 "10-10-10 -10," ," for ins insta tance nce,, would would be a com complet plete e fert fertil iliz izer er.. But But a fert fertil iliz izer er list listed ed as "10"10-0 0-10" -10" woul would d be incomple incomplete, te, the middle middle zero indicating indicating the absence absence of phosphoru phosphorus s in the fertilizer. Compost A mixt mixture ure of decay decaying ing organ organic ic matt matter, er, as from from leave leaves s and manure, used as an amendment to improve soil structure and provide nutrie nutrients nts.. Compos Compostt is locat located ed in a “compo “compost st pil pile” e” or "comp "compost ost heap," heap," which may or may not be contained in a structure called a “compost “compost bin.” bin.” The compos compostin ting g proces process s is large largely ly the the result result of the activi activity ty of aerobic organisms. Compost Compost bin A struc structur ture e built built to creat create e compos compost, t, design designed ed so as to facilitate facilitate the decomposition decomposition of organic organic matter matter through proper aeration and moisture retention. With the proper combination of air and moisture, idea ideall cond condit itio ions ns are are prod produc uced ed for for the the acti activi vity ty of aero aerobi bic c orga organi nism sms s resp respon onsi sibl ble e for for the the high high temp temper erat atur ures es that that tran transf sfor orm m the the orga organi nic c materials into compost. Concrete (masonry term term)) A produc productt compos composed ed of ceme cement nt,, sand sand and grav gravel el or othe otherr coar coarse se aggr aggreg egat ate. e. When When wate waterr is mixe mixed d in with with this this product, it activates the cement, which is the element responsible for binding the mix together to form one solid object. Concrete is sometimes used in the construction of a hardscape design. Conifer (arbor (arboricu icult ltura urall term term)) Litera Literally lly,, a cone-b cone-bea eare rer. r. Trees Trees that that are are conifers reproduce by forming a cone rather than a flower as a container for their seeds. Control joint (masonry term) Groove inserted into a concrete surface to "control" "control" cracking. cracking. Essenti Essentially ally,, the groove groove is an intentio intentional, nal, controlle controlled d crack placed in the concrete to preclude the concrete's cracking on its own, in an uncontrolled manner. By placing a groove in concrete before it cures, any stress the concrete will be subjected to subsequently will not produc produce e hapha haphazar zard d cracks cracks that that will will be a lands landsca capin ping g eyeso eyesore. re. With With a trowel or jointer, the mason can cut an even control joint that will be aesthetically aesthetically pleasing. Control joints can also be cut into existing concrete surfaces using a saw with a masonry blade attached. Core aeration The process of mechanically removing plugs of soil and thatch from a lawn to reduce soil compaction. Corm For certain plants, a protuberant stem growing underground that stores food for potential roots, leaves and flowers. Cotyledon leaves Leaves of the embryo of a seed plant, which upon germ germin inat atio ion, n, eith either er rema remain in in the the seed seed or emer emerge ge,, enla enlarg rge, e, and and
beco become me gree green. n. Also Also call called ed “fal “false se leav leaves es” ” or “see “seed d leav leaves es,” ,” contradistinction to the first “true leaves” which develop later.
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Cover crop A crop that is primarily planted not to be harvested for food but to prevent erosion, control weeds and improve soil quality while the garden is otherwise dormant. A cover crop is often ploughed or tilled under before the next food crop is planted, in which cases the "cover crop" is used as a soil amendment and is synonymous with "green manure crop." In its capacity to control weeds it is designated”living mulch." From the landscape designer’s perspective, perspective, the choice between various cover crops could be influenced by aesthetics, aesthetics, since the cover crop is, after all, all, taking taking the place place of garden garden plants plants in between between growing growing seasons seasons.. As such, it should be selected with an eye to its visual impact, in addition to practical considerations. Also Known As: green manure crop Creeper A vine plant that needs to be artificially guided and secured to a support (trained), if it is to grow upright. Also Known As: As: trailing plant Dd Deciduous (arbo (arboric ricult ultura urall term term)) Sheddi Shedding ng folia foliage ge at the end of the growing season; used especially in reference to trees. Dethatching The mechanical removal from a lawn of the layer of dead turfgrass tissue known as "thatch." Dioecious Said Said of a plan plantt sp spec ecie ies s for for whic which h the the male male and fem female ale reproduct reproductive ive organs organs are carried carried on separate indivi individua duall plants plants of the same species. When a plant species is dioecious, at least one male plant must must be prese present nt in a group group for the fruitfruit-bea bearin ring g femal female e plant plants s to be pollinated. Pronunciation: di·E·s di·E·shus hus • (adje (adjecti ctive) ve) Also Also Known Known As: As: diecious Dormancy (applied to plants) The temporary diminution or cessation of a plant’s growth, usually during winter in the the temperate temperate zone. (applied to to the land itself) The state of the land during periods in which no primary crop is being grown. Note, however, that a secondary, or "cover" crop may be grown on the land during periods of dormancy. Dry wall In reference to stone walls, a dry wall is a wall of stones that is not held together by mortar. Ee Edging A line of demarcation that creates visual interest in a landscape by separating one segment from another. Also Known As: border
Edging plant A compact plant used to form an edging on a landscape. Also Known As: border plant Evergreen Having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year. Note that not all conifer trees are evergreen, despite the popular asso associ ciat atio ion n betw betwee een n the the two two term terms. s. The The tama tamara rack ck or larc larch, h, for for instance, is a conifer, but it is not an evergreen. Ff Finial A small, ornamental, terminal feature at the top of a gable, lamp, lamppost, stone wall etc. Float (masonry term) A tool with a handle fastened to a flat piece, used to finish a concrete surface. Using an arc-shaped, sweeping motion, one smooths over bumps in the concrete surface with a float. Focalization(landscape Focalization(landscape design terminology) The forcing of the viewer’s perspect perspective ive to a central central or focal focal point. point. The use of symmet symmetry ry or balance balance creates a more intense focalization, while asymmetrical designs soften or even avoid focalization. Forcing The The proc proces ess s of caus causin ing g a plan plantt to grow grow or flow flower er befo before re its its natural season. Also Known As As:: vernalization Form (landscape design terminology) The shape of a plant, e.g., upright, oval, columnar, spreading, broad spreading, or weeping. Friable Pertaining to soil that has the crumbly texture ideal for the root growth of plants. Fumigate To Fumigate To use a toxic gas to control burrowing rodent pests. Gg Gazebo A smal smalll roof roofed ed outb outbui uild ldin ing g erec erecte ted d for for outd outdoo oorr dini dining ng and and entertaining, often octagonal, with open, screened, or latticework (q.v.) sides Girdling (arb (arbor oric icul ultu tura rall term term)) The The chok chokin ing g of a tree tree bran branch ch eith either er accidentally through a material applied by a human, such as a wrap used in grafting, or through a vine that has vigorously enwrapped a tree, such as bittersweet. Grafting (arboricultural term) Uniting a shoot or bud (the scion) with a plant (the rootstock) that is already established by insertion or by placing in close contact. One danger of grafting is girdling.
Green manure crop A crop that is planted when a garden is otherwise in a state of dormancy and that is not grown for its own sake but rather to be plough ploughed ed or tilled tilled under under before before the regula regularr growin growing g seas season. on. Like Like compost, green manure crops serve as a soil amendment. Ground cover A low-lying plant, usually requiring minimal maintenance and suitable for covering large expanses of ground on the landscape. Hh Hardening off The The process, undertaken in spring in the temperate zone, of prepar preparing ing a plant plant starte started d indoo indoors rs for the the change change in enviro environm nment ental al conditions it will encounter when permanently moved outdoors. The plant is hardened off during a transitional transitional period in which it is left outside during daylight hours only and in an area where it can be shaded and protected from wind. A cold frame is ideal for this process. Watering is reduced as well. Gradually, the plant is allowed exposure to an increasing amount of sunlight. Hardscape The The inanim inanimat ate e eleme elements nts of landsc landscap aping ing,, espec especial ially ly any any masonry work. For instance, stone walls, brick patios and tile paths would all be considered part of the hardscape. hardscape. But by extension, extension, anything used in landscaping that is not part of the softscape can be considered a hardscape element, including home accents such as water fountains and, yes, even pink flamingo’s! Heading Heading back Pruni Pruning ng off the termina terminall or “head” “head” growth growth of a plant, plant, especially a tree. Heading back is a general term, whose subcategories include include "topping" "topping" and "pollardi "pollarding." ng." Topping Topping is performe performed d on large large old trees as an inexpensive alternative to their full removal. Pollarding, in contrast, is performed for aesthetic reasons. Pollarding begins when a tree is young, young, and continues continues throughou throughoutt the life of the tree. Also Known Known As: pollarding, topping (note that "topping" (q.v.) has acquired a rather negative connotation) Herbaceous Pertaining to plants with a non-woody stem whose aboveground growth dies back in winter in the temperate zone. However, do not confuse "herbaceous" with "annual": an annual plant dies altogether at the end of the growing season, both above the ground and below. Horticulture The science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants. Humus Organi Organic c matt matter er partl partly y or wholly wholly decom decompos posed. ed. When When its total total decomposition decomposition is hastened hastened by human intervention intervention in order to use it as a soil amendment, it is virtually synonymous with compost.
Hybrid plant A plant produced by impregnating the pistil of one species with the pollen of another. Also Known As As:: hybridized plant Ii Indigenous plant A plant native to the locale in question. Indigenous plants plants are are someti sometime mes s allow allowed ed to co-exi co-exist st with with lawn lawn grass, grass, ground ground covers, covers, or garden garden plants, plants, especial especially ly if they are not invasive invasive.. Indeed, Indeed, some some landscap landscaping ing themes themes favours favours indigenous indigenous plants, as in wildflow wildflower er gardens. Integrated pest management The management of pest problems that involves use of the full spectrum of control measures in a coordinated, integrated and foresighted manner. A cornerstone of IPM is that taking preventive steps to preclude a pest problem is preferable to waiting for pests to arrive and then having to eradicate them. Invasive plant Unwanted plants that exhibit a tendency to spread out of control, control, once introduced, introduced, often often thereby thereby producing producing a monocult monoculture ure that discou dis coura rages ges the the growth growth of other other plant plant varie varieti ties. es. Lands Landsca caper pers s need need to control or eradicate such plants that invade the lawn or garden. Invertebrate An animal without a backbone, e.g., an insect; animal pests are usually categorized as invertebrate pests or vertebrate pests. Jj Jointed Possessing a stem with nodes. Jointer (masonry term term)) Tool Tool us used ed to make make cont contro roll join joints ts on a newl newly y poured concrete surface. Kk Knot Knot gard garden en A symm symmet etric rical allyly-des design igned ed garde garden, n, usi using ng geome geometri tric c patterns, patterns, in which control is exercised by the precise use of edging plants. Shrubbery often plays a dominant role in knot gardens, since it can be pruned to conform to precise measurements. Knot gardens gained popularit popularity y with with the nobility during the European Renaissan Renaissance ce and are especially associated with the grand English estates. Ll Landscape Landscape architectu architecture re The The prof profes essi sion on that that prac practi tice ces s the the art art of arranging or modifying the features of a landscape, an urban area, etc., for aesth aesthet etic ic or pract practica icall purpos purposes es.. That That is, is, the the "land "landsc scape ape archi architec tect" t" practice practices s "landsca "landscape pe design," design," although although non-profe non-professio ssionals nals often often use the
terms interchangeably. interchangeably. Also Known As: landscape design (The American Society of Landscape Architects, however, asserts that the terminology "landscape architect" denotes a higher level of skill, usually reinforced by a degree, than does "landscape designer." The University of Greenwich School School of Archite Architectur cture e and Landsca Landscaping ping also also draws draws a distinct distinction: ion: "The relation relationship ship between between Landscap Landscape e Design Design and Landsca Landscape pe Architect Architecture ure is equivalent to the relationship between the laws and lawyers.") Landscape design The art of arranging or modifying the features of a landscape, an urban area, etc., for aesthetic or practical purposes. Often divided into hardscape design and softscape design. Landscape gardening The decoration of land, as by planting trees and shrubs shrubs and design designing ing garden gardens. s. Used Used espec especial ially ly to refer refer to reside residenti ntial al landscaping landscaping work. Latticework An Latticework An open framework made of strips of metal, wood, or similar material material overlapped or overlaid in a regular, usually crisscross pattern. Also Known As: As: lattice, fretwork Leader (botany) The primary stem of a plant, usually the top stem. Used primarily to refer to trees. Also Known As: apex Limbing (arboricu (arboricultur ltural al term) term) Removin Removing g unwanted unwanted limbs from a tree. tree. Large Large scaffo scaffold ld (q.v.) (q.v.) branch branches es hangi hanging ng danger dangerous ously ly over over a house house,, for instance, often need to be removed. This work is best performed by an arbor arborist ist or other other tree tree servic service e profes professio sional nal.. But the the term term "limb "limbing ing"" is properly applied to the removal of any limbs from any tree, regardless of size. Lime The The rock rock powd powder er us used ed to rais raise e the the pH of soil soils s high high in acid acidit ity, y, thereby making them more alkaline. Line (landscape design terminology) Refers to the fact that the viewer’s eye moveme movement nt or flow can be governed governed by the arrangeme arrangement nt of plants and their borders. Eye movement is unconsciously influenced by the way plant groupings fit or flow together, both on the horizontal and vertical planes. Living mulch A cover crop plant that is planted around and between the primary plants in a garden to control weeds, prevent erosion, facilitate water penetration and improve the soil. Such plants are sometimes used in companion planting. Loam A soil possessing an ideal mixture of clay, sand and humus for growing plants.
Mm Masonry Const Construc ructi tion on achie achieved ved throug through h the use of units units of vario various us natural or artificial mineral mineral products, such as stone, brick, or concrete. The term can be applied to the craft itself or to the finished product. Microclimate The climate of a small, specific place within an area as contrasted with the climate of the entire area. The climate of the entire area is indicated by where a region lies in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone (simply "zone" forshort). Beginnin Beginning g gardener gardeners s and landsca landscapers pers should try to follow follow USDA Plant Hardiness Zone guidelines. But growing plants not suited to your region's climate is sometimes possible, if one knows how to exploit a microclimate. For instance, a sunny nook in your yard that is sheltered from harsh winds and frosts is an excellent area for experimenting with plants otherwise considered too tender for your region. Let's say you're in zone 5, and the plant you'd like to grow is supposedly hardy only to zone 6. Try growing it in the the microclimate of your your su sunn nny, y, shelt shelter ered ed nook. nook. Succ Succes ess s isn' isn'tt guara guarante nteed, ed, but you you will will have have increa increased sed the likel likeliho ihood od of the the plant' plant's s survival considerably. Monoculture The use of land for growing only one type of plant. The practice of monoculture on a landscape thus has an effect that is the opposite of biodiversity, and can sometimes sometimes be responsible for the spread of plant diseases. However, the planting of bedding plants en masse is a widely encountered example of a monocultural use of land. Mortar (masonry term) A product composed of cement and sand. When wate waterr is mixe mixed d in with with this this produc product, t, the the bindin binding g eleme element, nt, cement cement,, is activated. Distinguish from "concrete," which acts in a similar way but which contain coarse aggregate which is bound together by the cement. Concrete can stand alone, while mortar is used to hold brick or stone together, for example, to construct a hardscape design feature. Mortared wall A stone wall in which the stones are held together by mortar. Mulch A covering placed around plants or covering the ground in lieu of plants, to prevent the growth of weeds. If placed around plants, mulch provides additional benefits, including the diminution diminution of erosion and wate waterr loss, loss, and and the the regula regulatio tion n of soil soil temp tempera eratur ture. e. In addit addition ion,, upon upon decomposition (for organic mulches), mulches serve as soil amendments. Nn
Naturalized plant A plant established as a part of the flora of a locale other than its place of origin. When a plant naturalizes in an area, this can be either a "good" or a "bad" thing, depending on your opinion of the plant. For instance, when we buy an exotic bulb plant that has a pretty flower and plant this in our gardens, we're delighted if the plant naturalizes. Sometimes, Sometimes, however, exotic plants that become naturalized later come to be looked looked upon upon as nuisa nuisance nces. s. Tena Tenacio cious us enough enough to sprea spread d withou withoutt huma humank nkin ind' d's s help help -- and and perh perhap aps s even even in sp spit ite e of our our atte attemp mpts ts to eradica eradicate te them -- such naturalized naturalized plants tend to acquire acquire a pejorati pejorative ve desig designa natio tion: n: namely namely,, "inva "invasiv sive." e." An exam example ple of such such a plant plant in North North America and the U.K. is Japanese knotweed, an Asian import. Neutral Pertaining to a soil having a pH value of 7, i.e., neither acidic nor alkaline. Nitrogen-fixer Any cover crop (of the legume family) whose roots are colonize colonized d by certain certain bacteria bacteria that that extrac extractt nitroge nitrogen n from from the air and convert or “fix” it into a form required for their growth. When the bacteria are done with this nitrogen, it becomes available available to the cover cover crop itself. When the cover crop is tilled under, the nitrogen becomes available to your plants. Node The place on a plant’s stem from which leaves or branches grow. Likewise, on the branches themselves, the place from which leaves, buds or other branches grow. NPK Ac Acro rony nym m for for nitr nitrog ogen en,, phos phosph phor orus us and and pota potass ssiu ium, m, the the thre three e nutrients that compose a “complete fertilizer.” Oo Open-pollinated Pertaining to a plant that is pollinated without human agency. Also Known As: non-hybrid plant pH A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a soil, numerically equal to 7 for neutral soils, increasing with increasing alkalinity and decreasing with increasing acidity. The pH scale commonly in use ranges from 0 to 14. Pergola An arbor treated architecturally, as with stone columns. Pistillate (plant (plant reprod reproduct uction ion term termino inolog logy) y) litera literally lly,, bear bearing ing pis pistil tils. s. Pisti Pistilla llate te plant plant parts parts are "fema "female" le":: i.e., i.e., they they bear bear ovule ovules s and produc produce e seeds.
Plant Plant taxono taxonomy my In gene genera ral, l, a sy syst stem em of clas classi sifi fica cati tion on for for plan plants ts.. Specifically, we use the plant taxonomy developed by Swedish naturalist Carolus (Carl) Linnaeus (1707-1778). Improving on the unwieldy systems of his predecessors, predecessors, Linnaeus simplified plant taxonomy taxonomy through the "binomia "binomial" l" system system (literal (literally, ly, "two names"). names"). Linnaeus' Linnaeus' system system uses one Latin name to indicate the genus, and another Latin name to indicate the specific epithet. Together, the genus and the specific epithet comprise the "species "species." ." Thus, Thus, for example example,, our plant plant taxonom taxonomy y classif classifies ies the plant, plant, bittersweet nightshade as Solanum dulcamara, where the first Latin name is for the genus (nightshade), and the second name is for the specific epithet (bittersweet). Notes: 1. The speci species es is a subset subset of the the genus. genus. 2. The genus name name begins with a capital capital letter; letter; the specific specific epithet epithet begins with a lower-case letter. 3. When we transl translate ate from Latin Latin to English, English, we reverse reverse the the order of the names, putting the specific epithet name before the genus name. 4. We can elabora elaborate te further further on the species species in some cases, cases, which which is why sometimes you'll see a third name. In such cases, we're simply getting more more sp spec ecif ific ic,, acco accoun unti ting ng for for vari variat atio ion n with within in a sp spec ecie ies. s. Most Most commonly, this third name is a cultivar, and it will appear in quotation marks. 5. When you you see a genus name, name, followe followed d by the letter letter "x," followe followed d by a specific epithet, this is an indication that the plant is a cross between two different plant species -- a "hybrid." Pp Pollarding (arboricultural (arboricultural term) To cut a tree back nearly to the trunk, so as to prod produc uce e a dens dense e mass mass of bran branch ches es for for aest aesthe heti tic c purp purpos oses es.. Pollarding begins on young trees, and the process is repeated throughout the life of the tree. Procumbent Tra Trail ilin ing g alon along g the the grou ground nd;; us used ed to refe referr to plan plants ts that that cannot cannot grow upright upright unless unless aided aided by humans humans through through training. training. Als Also o Known As: As: trailing Proportion (landsca (landscape pe design design terminolo terminology) gy) the sense sense or requireme requirement nt that the size of the individual components or groups of components in a landscape fit into the whole landscape harmoniously. One way to achieve proportion is through proper use of transition, applied to the size of the respective respective components. components. A landscape landscape that fails to convey good proportion is one that is marred by abrupt transitions. transitions. Rr
Rhizome A horizontal stem, usually growing under the ground, that often sends sends out roots and and shoots shoots from its nodes. nodes. Also Known Known As: rootstock, rootstalk Rhythm (lands (landsca cape pe desig design n termin terminolo ology) gy) The qualit quality y of a lands landsca cape pe desig design n in which which the illusion illusion of motio motion n has has been been creat created ed throug through h the the arra arrang ngem emen entt of land landsc scap apin ing g elem elemen ents ts.. For For inst instan ance ce,, the the view viewer er's 's perspective can be led beyond the foreground to a more distant part of the landscape. Rootstock Root Rootstock Root or part of a root used for plant propagation. In reference to the process of grafting, the rootstock is that part of a grafted plant that supplies the roots. roots. Also Known Known As: rootstalk Ss Scaffold branch (arboricultural term) One of the primary limbs radiating from the trunk of a tree, from which all subordinate branches stem. Scion (arboricultural term) The detached shoot containing buds from a woody plant, used in grafting. The scion is grafted onto the rootstock. Screed (masonry term) A straight board used to even off the surface of sand or freshly poured concrete. The board is usually slid across the tops of the form boards holding the sand or concrete. In this process, sand or concrete remaining above the level of the forms is moved to areas in which the sand or concrete level is too low, or else simply removed as excess. Sheet composting The technique of spreading organic materials over a garden before they have thoroughly decomposed, then tilling them under to achieve subsequent decomposition. Those who haven’t the time to manage a compost bin, in which organic materials can be decomposed thoroughly, sometimes employ this technique. Shrub (arboricultural (arboricultural term) Low woody plant, usually with multiple shoots or stems from a base (height of 15 feet or less). A planting of shrubs is called shrubbery. Also Known As: bush (especially (especially a shrub with branches rising rising from from or near near the root; root; but "bush" "bush" can can also also refer refer to a clust cluster er of shrubs, as in a "thicket") Softscape The anim animat ate, e, horti horticul cultur tural al elem element ents s of lands landsca capin ping, g, i.e., i.e., plants. plants. Softsca Softscape pe elements elements are compleme complemented nted by hardsca hardscape pe elements elements,, such as stone walls, tile patios and brick walkways. Staminate (plant reproduction terminology) Literally, bearing stamens. Staminate plant parts, or stamens are "male": i.e., they produce pollen.
Stolon A shoot that bends to the ground or that grows horizontally above the ground and produces roots and shoots at the nodes; often used in descr describi ibing ng the botan botany y of lawn lawn grasse grasses. s. Rhizom Rhizomes, es, by contra contrast st,, dwell dwell underground. Systemic poison – An insecticide mixed in a plant’s soil and drawn up by its roots to its stem and leaves, where it will be ingested by the pest that it is designed to kill. Although the landscaper adhering to an integrated pest management management philosophy would prefer to repel insects altogether, the use of a systemic poison is at least preferable to spraying. By the time spray spraying ing is carri carried ed out, out, sig signif nifica icant nt plant plant dama damage ge may may alrea already dy have have occurred. Tt Tendril A twisting, threadlike structure by which a true climber, such as a grape or cucumber, grasps an object for support. Texture (landscape design terminology) The perceived surface quality of an object. The texture of a plant's foliage or bloom can be perceived as coarse, medium or fine. Thatch – The layer of dead turfgrass tissue between the green vegetation and and the the soil soil su surf rfac ace e that that must must be remo remove ved, d, or deth dethat atch ched ed,, to maintain maintain lawn health. Thatch is derived from stems, leaves, stolons, rhizomes and roots. Topiary (arboricultural term) Of or characterized by the pruning of live shrubs or trees into decorative shapes, as of animals. Topping (arboricultural term) To cut a tree back nearly to the trunk. Topping is sometimes used as a less expensive alternative to the full rem removal oval of larg large e old old tree trees. s. It ther theref efor ore e has has take taken n on a util utilit itar aria ian n conn connot otat atio ion. n. In cont contra rast st,, "pol "polla lard rdin ing" g" begi begins ns on youn young g tree trees s and and is performed for aesthetic, not utilitarian reasons. Pollarding is an ongoing, artistic process; topping is a one-time, desperate action. Transition (landscape design terminology) Gradual change achieved by the manipulation of the basic design elements of color, scale, line, form and texture. Tree (arboriculture term) Woody plant with one main trunk and a rather distinct and elevated head. If not altered through human intervention, a true tree, such as the elm tree, will generally reach a height of 15 feet or more. Uu
Unity (landscape design terminology) The effective use of elements in a design to convey a theme. Unity is achieved by implementing a design consi consiste stentl ntly y over over a lands landsca cape, pe, throug through h mass mass planti planting ng or repet repetiti ition. on. Whereas balance (q.v.) is a term of comparison comparison between two segments segments of a landscape, unity pertains to the overall picture of a landscape. Unity has has been been achi achiev eved ed when when the the view viewer er sens senses es that that all all the the indi indivi vidu dual al elem element ents s of a lands landsca cape pe fit togethe togetherr to form a cohere coherent nt theme. theme. Als Also o Known As: harmony Vv Variegated Ap Appl plie ied d to a leaf leaf whic which h is twotwo-to tone ned, d, i.e. i.e.,, blot blotch ched ed or bordered with a lighter color than that on the rest of the plant. Vernalization Provi Providin ding g plant plants s prema prematur turely ely and and artif artifici icial ally ly with with the warmer warmer tempera temperature tures s they require require to grow, grow, “forcing” “forcing” (q.v.) (q.v.) them them to bloom earlier earlier in the season season than would normally normally happen. Also Known As: As: forcing Vertebrate An animal with a backbone, i.e., a mammal, bird, fish, reptile, or amph amphib ibia ian. n. Anim nimal pest pests s are are us usua uall lly y cate catego gori rize zed d as eithe itherr invertebrate pests or vertebrate pests. Vine A plant that is either a climber (q.v.) or a creeper (q.v.). Ww Woody – Characterized by hard plant stems and having buds that survive above ground in winter. Xx Xeriscaping Land Landsc scap apin ing g desi design gned ed sp spec ecif ific ical ally ly for for area areas s that that are are susceptible to drought. Derived from the Greek "xeros," meaning dry, it is literally literally “dry landscaping.” Pronunciation: ZERisCAPEing Zz Zone The full wording for "zone" would be "USDA Plant Hardiness Zone." The United States and southern Canada comprise 11 of these zones: that is, regions based on a 10 degree Fahrenheit difference in the average annual minimum temperature. To put it in layman's terms, the higher the numb number er,, the the warm warmer er the the clim climat ate e for for gard garden enin ing g in that that regi region on.. For For instance, parts of northern Minnesota are considered to be in zones 2 and 3; but central and southern Florida lie in zones 9-11. The bulk of the U.S.A. lies in zones 4-8. It is standard practice for seed seed dealers dealers and nurseries nurseries to label their products according to their zones -- that is, in what zones
you'll
be successful at growing those particular plants. Landscaping enthusiasts plan their gardens carefully, and part of that that planni planning ng invol involve ves s consul consulti ting ng USDA USDA Plant Plant Hardi Hardines ness s Zone Zone maps. maps. Growing plants not suited to your region's climate is sometimes possible, but not recommended for beginners. Those experienced in gardening and landscaping, however, often make use of what are known as microclimates. microclimates.