Ornamental Plants and Dish Gardens Study Notes

Herbaceous Ornamental Plants

  • Definition: Herbaceous ornamental plants are non-woody plants that are valued for their aesthetic appeal.

  • Types:

    • Biennial Plants:

      • Life Cycle: Two-year life cycle.

      • Year 1: Grow vegetatively, produce leaves, establish roots.

      • Year 2: Flower, set seeds, die.

      • Distinction: Different from annuals (one-year) and perennials (multiple years).

    • Perennial Plants:

      • Definition: Plants that live for more than two years, regrowing each spring from the same root system.

      • Comparison: Annuals complete life cycle in one growing season, biennials take two.

      • Characteristics: Vary in size and shape; can be ground covers or large trees; provide seasonal flowers and foliage.

      • Value: Long-lasting beauty and structure in gardens.

    • Examples of Herbaceous Plants:

      • Lilies: Genus of herbaceous flowering plants, large prominent flowers.

      • Dusty Miller:

      • Common Mullein:

      • Tube Rose Lily:

      • Daffodils:

      • Lotus:

      • Aquatic Ornamental Plants:

      • Definition: Plants adapted to live in either saltwater or freshwater environments.

Woody Ornamental Plants

  • Definition: Plants with hard, woody stems or branches that persist year-round, even during dormancy.

  • Types:

    • Include trees, shrubs, and some vines.

    • Importance: Provide enduring structure, foliage, flowers, shade, privacy, and aesthetic appeal.

    • Ecosystem Services: Carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, habitat creation.

    • Examples:

      • Ylang-Ylang:

      • Plumeria:

Importance of Ornamental Plants

  • Aesthetic Gratification:

    • Refreshes the mind after a long day, provides pleasure.

  • General Decoration:

    • Used for decorations in various ceremonies such as weddings, anniversaries, and farewells (e.g., roses).

  • Beautification:

    • Increases the beauty of homes, offices, gardens, and institutions.

  • Cosmetics and Perfume:

    • Utilized in cosmetic, perfume, scent and food industries.

  • Economic Importance:

    • Export Growth: Opportunity to earn foreign exchange by exporting ornamental plants to developed countries.

    • Development of New Industry: Need for year-round flower availability drives the development of flower processing industries in advanced countries.

  • Environmental Importance:

    • Improves the environment; some trees help prevent air pollution.

  • Medicinal Importance:

    • Parts of ornamental plants (roots, leaves, seeds) used for medicinal purposes.

    • Examples: Rosemary, Mexican marigold, lemon grass.

  • Economic Opportunity:

    • Knowledge of growing ornamental plants can lead to financial gain through sales at garden centers.

Dish Garden

  • Definition: A miniature garden concept originating from Japan, where plants are arranged in a shallow dish or bowl.

  • Advantages: Easily placed in various locations in the home.

  • 12 Steps to Make a Dish Garden:

    Part 1 - Setting Up the Dish

    1. Choose a Shallow Dish:

      • Depth: 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm).

      • Requirements: Must provide space for gravel and soil (2-3 inches).

      • Creativity: Any kind of dish can be used.

    2. Prepare the Bottom Layer:

      • Cover with a thin layer of gravel and charcoal (crushed).

      • Place a pottery shard or pebble over the drainage hole, if present, to prevent soil loss.

    3. Fill with Planting Soil:

      • Use an appropriate soil mix based on the plants to be grown.

      • Leave 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) from the rim for plants and finishing touches.

    Part 2 - Choosing the Plants

    1. Indoor Plant Selection:

      • Plants should have similar light and water needs.

      • For example, group cacti with succulents or shade-loving plants together.

    2. Size Consideration:

      • Select plants in pots no deeper than the dish.

      • Shallower pots are better for fitting plants properly.

    3. Prepare Extra Plants:

      • Have additional plants ready in case of mix-match during arrangement.

    Part 3 - Planting the Garden

    1. Remove Plants from Pots:

      • Loosen soil with a knife if needed, invert pot to release plant carefully.

      • Tip: Water plants before removal for easier handling.

    2. Arrange Plants:

      • Start with taller plants in the center and shorter ones on the edges.

      • Adjust according to the desired viewing angle (all sides or one side).

    3. Prepare Planting Holes:

      • Dig holes according to the root systems—set them slightly above soil level.

    4. Pack Soil Around Plants:

      • Thoroughly pack the soil around the plants after positioning.

    5. Finishing Touches:

      • Add a layer of mulch, pebbles, or decorative accents on top.

      • Add unique features like miniature figurines for character.

    6. Watering:

      • Moisten the garden without flooding; generally, around 1 cup (236.58 mL).

      • Let soil partially dry between waterings, avoiding complete dryness or saturation, except for succulents.