Articles Index
What Does Biennial Mean?
What does "biennial" mean, and how does it differ from "biannual"? For plants, the former is the word you want.
Planting Zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
Definition of planting zones. The USDA puts out a hardiness map to which we refer when discussing whether particular specimens will survive in particular regions -- in other words, their planting zones.
Bare Root
Perhaps you've been told you can buy such-and-such as a "bare-root" plant and wonder what the meaning of that is. Here I give you the definition and explain what to do with your plants once they arrive by mail.
Herbaceous
By definition, "herbaceous" plants, will not afford much interest in winter. Learn the meaning of this word so you won't be surprised after planting them.
Xeriscape Landscaping
As you will see fro my definition of xeriscape, this type of landscaping can still be attractive. The practice does not limit you to planting unattractive "barbed-wire plants," as some suppose.
What Is a Pergola?
What is a pergola? Part of the definition must make clear the difference between this type of structure and a garden arbor.
Vernalization
This definition of vernalization explains how it differs from forcing plants to grow at an unseasonably early time. So what is vernalizing?
Tendrils
Definition of tendrils. Climbers use their tendrils to grasp objects that can support them.
Annual Plants
What is an annual? In distinguishing between annual plants and perennials, it's all a matter of the life cycle.
Perennial vs Annual
Perennial vs annual comes down to the matter of life-cycle. As distinct from considerations of hardiness and the presence or absence of winter die-back, a perennial's life-cycle will distinguish it from an annual's -- i.e., the reproductive process.
Creepers
Creeping plants are sometimes called "creepers." Learn what these terms mean and discover some examples.
Pistillate
Definition pistil or the adjective, pistillate. If you care about how plants make seed, you will want to learn this botanical term.
Bedding Plants
What are bedding plants? Landscape designers choose flowers according to color, scale, line, form and texture.
Invasive Plants
What does it mean when gardeners and conservationists refer to "invasive" plants. Such plants have a quality that separates them from merely aggressive weeds.
Unity
What is unity in landscape design, and who cares about it? You will care about it if you wish to convey a theme in your landscaping.
Focal Points
What is a "focal point" in the context of landscape design? Focalization is about controlling the viewer's perspective.
Horticulture
Definition of horticulture. The science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants is termed horticulture.
Hardening Off
What do people mean when they speak of "hardening off" plants? Well, the process is often conducted in a cold frame.
Corms
What is a corm? Storing food for potential roots, leaves and flowers, this plant part grows underground.
Hardscape or Hardscaping
What is hardscape? Certain non-plant elements on a landscape are often referred to by this term; I supply examples here.
Nitrogen Fixers
Definition of nitrogen-fixer. Although the term nitrogen-fixer is applied to cover crops, it is actually bacteria that initiate the "fixing" process.
Softscape
Definition of softscape. Hardscape elements of a landscape complement the horticultural, softscape elements.
Groundcovers
Definition of ground covers. Low-lying plants requiring minimal maintenance and covering large expanses are termed ground covers.
NPK Fertilizers
What does NPK mean? The working definition is that nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in that order, compose the acronym NPK, found on fertilizer bags.
Aesthetic
What does "aesthetic" mean? The term, aesthetic pertains to the appreciation of beauty or good taste, whether in landscaping or elsewhere.