Garden Dictionary

The GQnE Garden Dictionary provides a resource for general gardening terminology.

Accents

any garden accessory/plant used as decoration or adornment

Amend

typically in the sense of improving soil conditions

Bulb

commonly used term for plant storage organs which provide needed energy for growth and bloom each season; can include true bulbs (tulip), rhizomes (iris), corms, tubers, and tuberous root

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Compost

naturally decomposed organic material (those with plant and animal origins) used to amend or improve soil conditions and/or used for mulch or protective covering during winter months

Deadheading

the act of removing dead flowers from a plant by pinching them off or by using a sharp cutting tool

Groundcover

low growing plants that used to cover soil and help prevent weeds from growing

Hardiness Zone

climate zones which represent an area of winter hardiness (tolerance) for flowers and plants

Humus

organic matter to amend/improve clay and/or sandy soil conditions

Mulch (organic)

protective covering (as of hardwood bark chips, leaves, straw, ground corncobs, rice or peanut hulls) spread on the ground to retain moisture, control weeds, and amend/improve soil

Ornamental Grasses

grasses used for decorative purposes; typically in a garden

Perennial

plant that continues to flower and seed itself year after year; they die back each winter yet grow back in the spring without needing to be planted new each year

Rhizome

specific type of bulb from which Iris grow

Transplant or Divide

moving a flower/plant from one area of the garden to another

Trowel

a small flat or scooplike hand shovel

Weeding Tools

any implement used to remove weeds from a garden; i.e. cultivator, dandelion weeder, hoe

Wintering

preparing and protecting a garden from extreme cold temperature fluctuations during winter months