Following conversations with customers recently that are new to gardening but have purchased from supermarkets, I thought it might be an idea to detail below some basic terms commonly used within the horticultural world which will help with a basic understanding. with the help of Wikipedia
French Marigold – can also be used as natural insect repellent and can be planted between roses
Annual – is a plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seed, within one year, and then dies
Biennial – is a flowering plant that takes two years to complete its biological lifecycle. In the first year the plant grows leaves, stems, and roots (vegetative structures), then it enters a period of dormancy over the colder months. Usually the stem remains very short and the leaves are low to the ground, forming a rosette. Many biennials require a cold treatment, or vernalization, before they will flower. During the next spring or summer, the stem of the biennial plant elongates greatly, or “bolts”. The plant then flowers, producing fruits and seeds before it finally dies. There are far fewer biennials than either perennial plants or annual plants.
Perennial – is a plant that lives for more than two years.[1] The term is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials.
Evergreen – is a plant that has leaves throughout the year, always green.
Deciduous – are plants which completely lose their foliage during the winter or dry season.
Ericaceous – A lime free compost that supports a large family of plants commonly known as the heath or heather family, found most commonly in acid and infertile growing conditions. The many well-known and economically important members of the Ericaceae include the cranberry, blueberry, azalea, rhododendron, and various common heaths and heathers
Alpine – commonly grow in the alpine climate, which occurs at high elevation and above the tree line. Alpine plants grow together as ain alpine tundra. Alpine plants must adapt to the harsh conditions of the alpine environment, which include low temperatures, dryness, ultraviolet radiation, and a short growing season.
Herbaceous – generally small flowering plants, that grow and bloom over the spring and summer, die back every autumn and winter, and then return in the spring from their root-stock.
I am sure there are loads more that I have not listed feel free to comment and add them or if you want local friendly advice give us a call 01604 781899
Even better pop in and have a chat with any of our friendly staff who have a vast knowledge but are more than happy to find out anything they don’t know, I think it is fair to say that we never stop learning.