Lexicon

Refers to the life cycle of a plant. In the first year, the seedlings produces roots and leaves. In the second, flowers are produced, and new seed is set. These seeds may be harvested or allowed to self-sow. To establish a reliable "perennial" planting of biennials, it is necessary to install flowering plants two years in succession.

Refers to a byproduct of the decomposition of plant materials such as leaves, lawn clippings and vegetable matter. Over time, using heat and light, microbial action breaks down this material to form compost.

Refers to the removal of faded, spent flowers or fruit. Often used synonymously with cutting back. This is an important gardening technique, as it keeps the grden tidy, it keeps unwanted seedlings from appearing and, if you do it before they fade, the flowers often are great for cutting.

Refers to seasonal inactivity of the plant, such as dicentra, papaver and many woodland plants. After flowering, the plant suspends activity until their biological clock awakens them next season.

Refers to a critical factor for a plant's survival. The term "excellent drainage" means that no standing water is tolerated during winter. The addition of coarse sand will improve soil with average or poor drainage characteristics.

The numbers on the fertilizer package relate to the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium the fertilizer contains. A 10-10-10 would have equal amounts of all three nutrients. These nutrients have complex purposes in plants, but in general terms, nitrogen promotes lush foliage and vigorous growth, phosphorus helps with stem, flower, fruit and seed production, and potassium helps the roots and other growing tips develop. Always be sure to read the package carefully, as some may include trace minerals that plants also need. Follow the directions for quantities, too. It is not good to over fertilize, as plants tend to be weak and floppy of stem. To produce healthy plants, feed them regularly and well, but don’t overdo it.

Specialty fertilizers should be staples in your garden pantry, as they are especially formulated to meet the specific requirements of specific plants – roses, evergreens and vegetables, for examples. If kept covered, and in a dry place, fertilizers will last for a long time. (Hint: plastic measuring spoons and a gallon container kept handy and for that purpose only, make it much easier to feed your plants on a regular basis.) A calendar is also helpful, to keep track of the special diet requirements of your collection. Good growing includes good record-keeping.

Refers to a group of plants that share common characteristics. Plural: genera.

This word is used to describe plants that will survive weather coditions in your area. It is important to know your zone so you can select plants that will survive.

People can be puzzled and ultimately, frustrated by the lavish use of hort jargon found in the nursery and garden center industry. Easy for the pros but daunting to the unfortunate gardener who must wade through language (often literally) foreign to the eye and ear. And all this to buy petunias for the window boxes??? It may simply be too much trouble.

 

A hybrid is a new plant specimen created by "crossing" different species or varieties. {Insert example} Crossing consists of carrying the pollen from one flower to the pistil of another. This can be done by scientist or birds. When done by scientists, the results can include new vigor, improved health, new colors, heights – even fragrance. When done by birds, the results may be the same – but certainly not as predictable.

Refers to aggressive spreading habits, via seed, roots or stems. This can be desirable in the appropriate location. Invasive plants include some achilleas, some herbs, viola, some anemones and the classic example, grass.

Refers to an area that exhibits climatic conditions different than the average for the location. A warm microclimate may be often found adjacent to a southern-facing foundation, near trees which serve as valuable windbreaks, or an area where exposure does not allow soil temperatures to fluctuate.

Mulch is a valuable addition to the garden for many reasons.
Applied to the surface of the soil, it helps retain moisture,which is especially important now, as we experience drought.Eventually,they incorporate into the soil.
Mulch helps prevent weeds and will help prevent some fungal diseases from spreading.
Hay, straw, shredded leaves, pine needles, bark, or wood chips can be used. Some people like to use pea gravel or small stones. Whatever material you choose should be applied to a depth of 1-2”at any time of the season.

By this we mean the cutting back of stems to manage growth. By pinching the emerging flower stems back by half during June, late blooming varieties, such as asters, phlox, chelone and monarda, can enjoy greatly improved performance - the number of flowers are usually doubled, the plants are shorter and do not require as much staking. Fungal problems will also be reduced, as well, because the density of foliage is reduced, allowing better air circulation. All pinching should be completed before the end of June.
The only tools you need are your fingers, although some stems will be so tough that shears are needed.
Pinching stems back is the gardeners secret to extending bloom times of plants.

 

Refers to a plant that spreads by underground roots which produce new plants. Examples
include galium, asarum and the classic example, lily of the valley.

Refers to a planting site which is well-drained, sandy, usually located in full sun and most generally planted with typically small plants. Dianthus, arabis, aubrieta and moss phlox are examples of plants well-suited to this type of site. They usually prefer alkaline soil.

Self-seeding occurs when a plant drops seed in the garden which then germinates and produces new plants. Some very aggressive plants can take over the garden, if allowed to do so. Deadheading will remove the seed pods and limit the unwanted spread. Not all plants will produce identica

Refers to the removal of spent flowers from groundcovers such as moss phlox. Many gardeners use scissors to accomplish this easily.

Refers to the relative acidity/alkalinity of soil. In New England, soil is usually acid. To measure, use a test kit, or send a sample to the University of Maine Analytical Lab. To increase acidity, add acid fertilizer. To increase alkalinity, add lime.

Refers to any system designed to assist plants in maintaining an upright habit. Staking is usually required by delphinium, peonies and platycodon. Staking should be done at the beginning of the season and care must be taken when placing them so as not to damage the roots. If the plant looks like it needs staking, it's probably too late. Keep notes for next year.

Refers to any plant that spreads by stems growing above ground that root at the tips. Examples include ajuga, vinca and the classic example, the strawberry.

Refers to the major root of a plant, extending at least 12 inches (but often much deeper) into the soil. Moving plants with a long taproot is difficult. Taproots are found in baptisia, thermopsis, dictamnus, gypsophila, and the classic example, the carrot.

Refers to damage suffered by above ground plant tissue due to winter conditions. Protective measures, such as mulch and burlap wraps, should be provided for vulnerable varieties. There are certain plants which usually experience winter kill of top growth, such as buddleia and roses. Generally, this is a setback, not life-threatening.

 

Synonym: dieback