Gardening Definitions- Learn the Basics
If you are a new green thumb, then you need to define some basic terms before you roll up your sleeves and get out into the garden! Read on for some definitions that will put you “in the know” about gardening.
Annuals- Annuals are plants that grow from seed to flower and seed again the following year.
Biennials- These are plants that take two years to grow from seed to flower and then to seed again.
Perennials- Another word that ends in the letters “ennials”! Perennials are plants that continue to grow year after year. These types of plants need approximately 12 months to settle in, so the first year they grow they will not be at their absolute best. Be patient with them however! All they require is time and some TLC from you!
Bulbs- Bulbs are the name given to embryo plants that have their own food supply and go on from year to year. They produce baby bulbs (also sometimes referred to as offsets). Tulips, for example, come from bulbs.
Corms- Corms are similar in nature to bulbs, however they last for only one season. During the season, the corm will grow a replacement corm for the following year. Examples of the kinds of flowers that grow from corms include anemones and crocuses.
Tuber- A tuber is a swollen root that is used for storing food. Dahlias are flowers that come from tubers.
Climbers- As the name implies, climbers are plants that climb. Ivies are examples of climbers. Ivies are one of the simplest climbers to grow. Ivy is a very hardy and resilient plant. It can grow in almost any type of soil and in almost any type of location. Another advantage of ivy is that it climbs very easily with little assistance from the gardener. Ivy provides cover all year long for walls, if that is what you want.
Climbers grow up a wall or fence in three unique ways:
-they hang on with their tendrils (an example of this is clematis)
-they twist themselves into an upright position (such as the action of honeysuckle)
-they cling to the walls with aerial roots (such as the aforementioned ivy)
Before you plant any type of climber it is wise to put supports in place as they will grow much better this way.
