Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping – Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from ornamental horticulture and landscape design topics discussed in the lecture notes.

Floriculture

Arts and science that deals with the study, care and management of flower crops.

Turf grasses

A division of ornamental horticulture that deals with the study, care and management of grasses and low-growing, fast-spreading plants that form a turf.

Warm-season turf grasses

Turf grasses that thrive in hot, humid climates; examples include Bahia, Bermuda Grass, Buffalo Grass, Carpet Grass, Centipede, St. Augustine Grass, and Zoysia.

Cool-season turf grasses

Turf grasses that grow well in less intense summer weather in the North; examples include Bent grass, Kentucky Blue Grass, Red Fescue, and Annual/Perennial Rye Grass.

Woody plants

The culture and management of trees, shrubs and other woody plants.

Foliage plants

Ornamental non-flowering plants with decorative, light/dark/velvety green foliage.

Terrarium Making

The art of growing plants in enclosed clear glass containers that can be open or closed.

Dish Gardening

The art of raising plants in shallow dish pots or containers, singly or in groups.

Bonsai

Art of growing trees, shrubs or herbs in shallow pots and training, wiring, and trimming them to resemble mature trees.

Espaliers

Art of training plants to grow flat against a support such as a wall or trellis.

Wall Gardening

Art of mounting plants on a wide bare wall to imitate a painting.

Hanging Plants

Art of growing plants with cascading foliage and stems in containers that are hung or placed on stands.

Water Gardening

Art of growing and blending plants with a body of water.

Rock Gardening

Art of growing and blending plants with rock, stones and gravel as the main feature in the landscape.

Pocket Gardening

The art of growing shallow-rooted plants to cover cracks and crevices in a wall.

Landscape Gardening

Art of improving the ground to make it more pleasing in appearance.

Flower Arrangement and Floral Designs

Arranging cut flowers and foliage in vases or containers following a floral design such as Western or Ikebana; includes wreaths, bouquets, leis and corsages.

Landscaping

Profession involving manipulating the natural environment in an area to look different, including installation of walls and features and construction of buildings; considering the area as a whole.

Landscape Design

The arrangement of outdoor space in a way that serves the needs and desires of people without damage to natural ecological relationships.

Beautification

The intended enhancement of a landscape’s appearance.

Recreation/Leisure

A purpose of landscaping that provides opportunities for leisure and enjoyment.

Environmental Benefits

Environmental advantages of landscaping, such as cooling lawns, trapping dust, reducing noise, and creating outdoor living areas.

CO2 removal by trees

Fact: One tree removes about 26 lbs of carbon dioxide per year and releases about 13 lbs of oxygen.

Noise reduction

Plants reduce noise pollution by up to about 50 percent.

Runoff and erosion control

Plants help control runoff and erosion; they enable soil to absorb water and reduce urban flooding.

Topography

The term used to describe elevation variations of the land.

Geology

The term used to describe rock formations, including bedrock.

Hydrography

The term used to describe surface and underground water.

Soil analysis

Assessment of soil properties to determine suitability for planting and fertilizer needs.

Prevailing wind direction

The typical wind direction that affects site planning and design.

Simplicity

A design principle emphasizing minimal, uncluttered form and repetition of a few elements or colors.

Contrast

Using different forms, textures, and colors to break monotony in a landscape.

Balance

A visual distribution of weight; can be Symmetrical (exact duplicates) or Asymmetrical (equal visual mass without duplication).

Symmetrical balance

A balance where one side of the landscape is an exact duplicate of the other.

Asymmetrical balance

A balance where the sides have equal visual weight but are not duplicates.

Focalization

Placing emphasis on a focal point or entrance by arranging plants to draw the viewer’s eye.

Repetition

Repeating design elements to maintain rhythm in the garden.

Rhythm

The flow of lines and curves that creates continuity and harmony in the landscape.

Scale and Proportion

The size relationships among landscape elements to achieve a mature, comfortable appearance.

Unity

The master principle giving cohesiveness to the landscape; plants can function as architectural or engineering elements.

Background

The design background should not detract from main features; neutral elements and light colors are used.

Short-day plants

Plants that flower when day length shortens (photoperiodic effect).

Long-day plants

Plants that flower when day length is long.

Companion planting

Growing certain plants in proximity to deter pests, promote growth, or improve flavor; some pairings can also stunt growth if incompatible.

Benefits of companion planting

Natural supports (trellis), improved plant health, optimized soil, weed prevention, and regulated shade and wind.

Care and Maintenance

Ongoing practices such as regular fertilization, pruning, watering, mulching, and pest control to keep ornamental plants healthy.

Fertilization

Application of fertilizer; slow-release fertilizers may need one application per season, while general-purpose fertilizers may require two or three depending on soil and product.

Irrigation (Watering)

Watering practices and methods such as sprinkler, hand-held hose, drip irrigation, micro-sprinklers, and other systems.

Mulching

Applying mulch to hold moisture, suppress weeds, insulate roots; preferred organic mulches include pine needles, bark nuggets, hardwood chips, wood shavings, and fallen leaves; inorganic mulches can be rock or gravel.

Pruning

Removing old or damaged wood to maintain size/form; includes Heading (heading back) and Thinning; prune flowering plants after bloom to preserve buds.

Weed control

Managing weeds mechanically (hand, mulch) or chemically (herbicides).

Pest control

Preventing pest problems through healthy, actively growing plants and proper maintenance.

Plant selection process

An organized decision process considering function, aesthetics, site adaptability, and management.