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 Pertaining to an organism that needs atmospheric oxygen to thrive, used
especially in reference to compost piles. Effective 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," which means the study of the
appreciation of beauty.
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) 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 health. Peat moss adds no nutrients to
soil. Meanwhile, compost 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 organisms living in a
compost bin and influencing the quality of its decomposition; it also refers to the
conditions under which such organisms thrive, conditions that are considered
undesirable.
Arbor An open framework designed to offer a shady resting place in a garden or
park, often made of rustic work or latticework which serves as a support on which
climbers may grow or on which creepers may be trained.
Arboriculture The art, science, technology and business of tree care.
Arborist A professional who practices arboriculture.
Balance
(landscape design terminology) Refers to the consistency of visual
attraction, or lack thereof. Consistent visual attraction is achieved through
symmetry; if the designers intention is to avoid the monotony of balance,
asymmetrical plans will be implemented.
Balled and burlapped 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,
rendering them effectively dormant, are said to be bare 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 -various designs, or patterns can be used. One of these patterns is known as "basket
weave"; another popular brick pattern is called "herringbone." For a graphic
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 upper left
corner and ending at the lower right: 2 bricks standing vertically, 2 bricks
horizontally, 2 bricks horizontally, 2 bricks vertically.
Bedding plant Plant (usually an annual) grouped with others en masse to produce
the maximum in visual appeal, A landscape designer selects bedding plants with
regard to color, scale, line, form and texture in relation to the accompanying plants.
Biodegradable Capable of being decomposed back into the soil by biological
agents, especially bacteria; usually used to refer to items that are to be disposed of.
Environmentally sound 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.
"Broadleaf" is often applied to lawn and garden weeds fitting that description, to
separate them from other weeds for purposes 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.
Cabling The use of cables to stabilize a tree that displays a tendency to lean in one
direction or another, rather than growing straight. 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.
Cement (masonry term) The binding agent in concrete and mortar. Limestone is
mined, crushed, mixed with other 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 45F and above 32F. 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) to secure itself to objects. Climbers are

often supplied with arbors upon which to climb. Vines are subdivided into the
categories of climbers and creepers.
Cold frame An unheated outdoor structure composed of a wooden or concrete
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 food as another. Often applied specifically to rodent pests of the landscape,
which partake of human food. In an integrated pest management system for the
landscape, commensal 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
excessive water runoff and poor conditions for plant 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 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 potassium.
A fertilizer listed as "10-10-10," for instance, would be a complete fertilizer. But a
fertilizer listed as "10-0-10" would be incomplete, the middle zero indicating the
absence of phosphorus in the fertilizer.
Compost A mixture of decaying organic matter, as from leaves and manure, used
as an amendment to improve soil structure and provide nutrients. Compost is located
in a compost pile or "compost heap," which may or may not be contained in a
structure called a compost bin. The composting process is largely the result of the
activity of aerobic organisms.
Compost bin A structure built to create compost, designed so as to facilitate the
decomposition of organic matter through proper aeration and moisture retention.
With the proper combination of air and moisture, ideal conditions are produced for
the activity of aerobic organisms responsible for the high temperatures that
transform the organic materials into compost.
Concrete (masonry term) A product composed of cement, sand and gravel or other
coarse aggregate. When water is mixed in with 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
(arboricultural term) Literally, a cone-bearer. Trees that 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"
cracking. Essentially, the groove is an intentional, controlled 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

subjected to subsequently will not produce haphazard cracks
landscaping eyesore. With a trowel or jointer, the mason can cut
joint that will be aesthetically pleasing. Control joints can also be
concrete surfaces using a saw with a masonry blade attached.

concrete will be
that will be a
an even control
cut into existing

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 germination,
either remain in the seed or emerge, enlarge, and become green. Also called false
leaves or seed leaves, in contradistinction to the first true leaves which develop
later.
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 a "living mulch." From the landscape designers perspective, the choice
between various cover crops could be influenced by aesthetics, since the cover crop
is, after all, taking the place of garden plants in between growing 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: trailing plant
Deciduous (arboricultural term) Shedding foliage 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 of a plant species for which the male and female reproductive
organs are carried on separate individual plants of the same species. When a plant
species is dioecious, at least one male plant must be present in a group for the fruitbearing female plants to be pollinated. Pronunciation: diEshus (adjective) Also
Known As: diecious
Dormancy (applied to plants) The temporary diminution or cessation of a plants
growth, usually during winter in the temperate zone. (applied 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.

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.
Known As: border plant

Also

Evergreen Having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year.
Note that not all conifer trees are evergreen, despite the popular association between
the two terms. The tamarack or larch, for instance, is a conifer, but it is not an
evergreen.
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 design terminology) The forcing of the viewers perspective
to a central or focal point. The use of symmetry or balance creates a more intense
focalization, while asymmetrical designs soften or even avoid focalization.
Forcing The process of causing a plant to grow or flower before its natural season.
Also Known 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 use a toxic gas to control burrowing rodent pests.
Gazebo A small roofed outbuilding erected for outdoor dining and entertaining,
often octagonal, with open, screened, or latticework (q.v.) sides
Girdling (arboricultural term) The choking of a tree branch either 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 ploughed or tilled
under before the regular growing season. 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.

Hardening off The process, undertaken in spring in the temperate zone, of

preparing a plant started indoors for the change in environmental conditions it will
encounter when permanently moved outdoors. The plant is hardened off during a
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 inanimate elements of landscaping, especially any masonry work.
For instance, stone walls, brick patios and tile paths would all be considered part of
the hardscape. But by 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 flamingoes!
Heading back Pruning off the terminal or head growth of a plant, especially a
tree. Heading back is a general term, whose subcategories include "topping" and
"pollarding." Topping is performed on 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, and continues throughout the life of the tree.
Also 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 above-ground
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 Organic matter partly or wholly decomposed. When its total decomposition
is hastened by human 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: hybridized plant
Indigenous plant A plant native to the locale in question. Indigenous plants are
sometimes allowed to co-exist with lawn grass, ground covers, or garden plants,
especially if they are not invasive. Indeed, some landscaping themes favor
indigenous plants, as in wildflower 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,
once introduced, often thereby producing a monoculture that discourages the growth

of other plant varieties. Landscapers 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.
Jointed Possessing a stem with nodes.
Jointer (masonry term) Tool used to make control joints on a newly poured
concrete surface.
Knot garden A symmetrically-designed garden, using geometric 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 popularity with the nobility during the European
Renaissance and are especially associated with the grand English estates.
Landscape architecture The profession that practices the art of arranging or
modifying the features of a landscape, an urban area, etc., for aesthetic or practical
purposes. That is, the "landscape architect" practices "landscape design," although
non-professionals often use the terms 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 of
Architecture and Landscaping also draws a distinction: "The relationship between
Landscape Design and Landscape Architecture is equivalent to the relationship
between the law 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 and
designing gardens. Used especially to refer to residential landscaping work.
Latticework An open framework made of strips of metal, wood, or similar material
overlapped or overlaid in a regular, usually crisscross pattern. Also Known 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 (arboricultural term) Removing unwanted limbs from a tree. Large scaffold
(q.v.) branches hanging dangerously over a house, for instance, often need to be
removed. This work is best performed by an arborist or other tree service
professional. But the term "limbing" is properly applied to the removal of any limbs
from any tree, regardless of size.
Lime The rock powder used to raise the pH of soils high in acidity, thereby making
them more alkaline.

Line (landscape design terminology) Refers to the fact that the viewers eye
movement or flow can be governed by the arrangement 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.
Masonry Construction achieved through the use of units of various natural or
artificial 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" for short).
Beginning gardeners and landscapers should try to 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 microclimate of your sunny,
sheltered nook. Success isn't guaranteed, but you will have increased the likelihood
of the plant'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 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 water is
mixed in with this product, the binding element, cement, is activated. Distinguish
from "concrete," which acts in a similar way but which contains 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, a mulch provides additional
benefits, including the diminution of erosion and water loss, and the regulation of soil
temperature. In addition, upon decomposition (for organic mulches), mulches serve
as soil amendments.

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, however, exotic
plants that become naturalized later come to be looked upon as nuisances. Tenacious
enough to spread without humankind's help -- and perhaps even in spite of our
attempts to eradicate them -- such naturalized plants tend to acquire a pejorative
designation: namely, "invasive." An example of such a plant in 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 colonized by
certain bacteria that extract nitrogen 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 to the cover crop itself. When the cover crop is tilled under, the nitrogen
becomes available to your plants.
Node The place on a plants stem from which leaves or branches grow. Likewise, on
the branches themselves, the place from which leaves, buds or other branches grow.
NPK Acronym for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the three nutrients that
compose a complete fertilizer.
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 reproduction terminology) Literally, bearing pistils. Pistillate plant
parts are "female": i.e., they bear ovules and produce seeds.
Plant taxonomy In general, a system of classification for plants. Specifically, we
use the plant taxonomy developed by Swedish naturalist Carolus (Carl) Linnaeus
(1707-1778). Improving on the unwieldy systems of his predecessors, Linnaeus
simplified plant taxonomy through the "binomial" system (literally, "two names").
Linnaeus' 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." Thus, for example, our plant taxonomy classifies the 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 species is a subset of the genus.

2. The genus name begins with a capital letter; the specific epithet begins with a
lower-case letter.
3. When we translate from Latin to English, we reverse the order of the names,
putting the specific epithet name before the genus name.
4. We can elaborate further on the species in some cases, which is why
sometimes you'll see a third name. In such cases, we're simply getting more
specific, accounting for variation within a species. Most commonly, this third
name is a cultivar, and it will appear in quotation marks.
5. When you see a genus name, followed by the letter "x," followed by a specific
epithet, this is an indication that the plant is a cross between two different
plant species -- a "hybrid."
Pollarding (arboricultural term) To cut a tree back nearly to the trunk, so as to
produce a dense mass of branches for aesthetic purposes. Pollarding begins on
young trees, and the process is repeated throughout the life of the tree.
Procumbent Trailing along the ground; used to refer to plants that cannot grow
upright unless aided by humans through training. Also Known As: trailing
Proportion (landscape design terminology) The sense or requirement 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 components. A landscape that fails
to convey good proportion is one that is marred by abrupt transitions.
Rhizome A horizontal stem, usually growing under the ground, that often sends out
roots and shoots from its nodes. Also Known As: rootstock, rootstalk
Rhythm (landscape design terminology) The quality of a landscape design in which
the illusion of motion has been created through the arrangement of landscaping
elements. For instance, the viewer's perspective can be led beyond the foreground to
a more distant part of the landscape.
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. Also Known As: rootstalk
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 havent the time to manage a compost bin, in
which organic materials can be decomposed thoroughly, sometimes employ this
technique.
Shrub (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 a shrub with branches rising from or near the
root; but "bush" can also refer to a cluster of shrubs, as in a "thicket")
Softscape
The animate, horticultural elements of landscaping, i.e., plants.
Softscape elements are complemented by hardscape elements, such as stone walls,
tile pations 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 describing the
botany of lawn grasses. Rhizomes, by contrast, dwell underground.
Systemic poison An insecticide mixed in a plants 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 philosophy
would prefer to repell insects altogether, the use of a systemic poison is at least
preferable to spraying. By the time spraying is carried out, significant plant damage
may already have occurred.
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 the
soil surface that must be removed, or dethatched, to 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 removal of large old trees.
It therefore has taken on a utilitarian connotation. In contrast, "pollarding" begins on
young trees 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 (arboricultural 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.
Unity (landscape design terminology) The effective use of elements in a design to
convey a theme. Unity is achieved by implementing a design consistently over a
landscape, through mass planting or repetition. Whereas balance (q.v.) is a term of
comparison between two segments of a landscape, unity pertains to the overall
picture of a landscape. Unity has been achieved when the viewer senses that all the
individual elements of a landscape fit together to form a coherent theme. Also
Known As: harmony
Variegated Applied to a leaf which is two-toned, i.e., blotched or bordered with a
lighter color than that on the rest of the plant.
Vernalization Providing plants prematurely and artificially with the warmer
temperatures they require to grow, forcing (q.v.) them to bloom earlier in the
season than would normally happen. Also Known As: forcing
Vertebrate An animal with a backbone, i.e., a mammal, bird, fish, reptile, or
amphibian. Animal pests are usually categorized as either invertebrate pests or
vertebrate pests.
Vine A plant that is either a climber (q.v.) or a creeper (q.v.).
Woody Characterized by hard plant stems and having buds that survive above
ground in winter.
Xeriscaping Landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to
drought. Derived from the Greek "xeros," meaning dry, it is literally dry
landscaping. Pronunciation: ZERisCAPEing
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 number, the warmer the climate for gardening in
that region. 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 dealers and 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 planning
involves consulting USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 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.