Aeration
A method of increasing water and oxygen into compact soil by creating tiny slices or holes throughout the area.
Annual
A plant which grows to maturity and dies within one season; most are frost-sensitive.
Biennial
A plant which produces a vegetable one season, a flower the next season, then dies. For example, parsley.
Bulb
An underground storage component of the plant, containing the stem covered by scales; bulbs are planted similarly to seeds.
Clay
A soil particle which is plate-like, extremely small and may retain nutrients well.
Compost
A soil product created from decomposed garden material, used in flower beds to add nutrients and encourage good growth.
Deciduous
A plant that looses its leaves in the winter.
Drainage
The rate that water will pass through soil.
Evergreen
A plant whose leaves or needles are green year-round.
Fertilizer
A material added to feed plants rich in nutrients, usually nitrogen (often lost with frequent mowing), phosphates and potash.
Germination
The sprouting of a seed, spore or pollen grain.
Grading
The process of changing the slope level of an area of soil.
Ground Cover
Plants which are low-growing and create a blanket appearance over an area.
Hardscaping
Refers to the built environment including paved areas like patios, retaining walls, fountains, fireplaces and firepits.
Hedge
A variety of shrubs that when planted close together will give a wall-like appearance; often used to separate areas.
Herbacous
Dying down at the end of the growing season.
Mulch
A material used to cover soil for moisture conservation and weed suppression.
Perennial
A plant living for a number of years.
Pruning
A method of cutting parts of a plant off to control size, health and appearance.
Sod
Small areas of turf ready for transplant to new locations. Often used to start a new lawn.
Topiary
A decorative style of plant growth controlled by shaping with pruning or shearing.
Transplant
Moving a plant from one location to another.
Turf
A ground cover of grass which can withstand reasonable traffic.
Variegation
A pattern of leaves that contains either white or yellow markings.