June 2021 past paper

Question 1

state two benefits of selecting F1 hybrid plants for a summer bedding display

Answer 1

hybrid vigour
uniform flower size, colour and form
disease resistance
consistent speed of germination

Question 2

name three examples of hybrid plants

Answer 2

Petunia
Zinnia
Dianthus
Pelargonium

Question 3

describe the soil preparation for a summer bedding display

Answer 3

remove or bury weeds
single or double dig
incorporate we-rotted bulky OM
fork roughly to break up large clods
rake to roughly level the soil, and consolidate any air pockets
Apply a suitable fertiliser eg: Growmore
Create final tilth suitable for planting

Question 4

name four distinct bulbs suitable for growing in containers

Answer 4

Narcissus 'Tete a tete''
Tulipa 'Queen of the night'
Galanthus nivalis
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'
Muscari armeniacum
Hyacinthus orientalis

Question 5

state four maintenance tasks to be carried out when growing bulbs in containers

Answer 5

water the containers when dry with a watering can

feed the bulbs with a liquid feed when irrigation or apply a granular feed the surface of the container and water in

weed container regularly, remove seedlings by hand when they appear

dead head

cut back dead growth with secateurs

lift and store bulbs in a cool, dry shed at the end of their growing season

Question 6

name some bulb diseases

Answer 6

Botrytis/grey mould
powdery mildew
bulb rot
rust

Question 7

name 4 distinct trees suitable for a small garden

Answer 7

Acer griseum
Malus x zummi ‘Golden Hornet’
Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Ballerina’
Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’

Question 8

state four maintenance tasks carried out to ensure the establishment of a newly planted tree

Answer 8

loosen or retying the tree tie
Give tree a thorough soaking - through the tube or water pipe so it reaches the roots
replenish the mulch eg; chipped bark around the base of tree (75-100mm deep)
keep upto 1m around base weed free by hoeing/forking
carry out formative pruning and remove the 3 D’s

Question 9

state two symptoms of honey fungus on trees

Answer 9

white fungal mycelium is found between the bark and wood
black rhizomorphs (bootlaces) can extend upto 10m from the tree
clusters of honey-coloured mushrooms are found at the base of the tree

Question 10

explain what is meant by the term ‘ true alpine plants’

Answer 10

these are plants that grow in the Alps above 1830m, in mountainous regions above the tree line

Question 11

explain the term’ what is meant by rock garden plants?’

Answer 11

these are compact and low growing.

They can be alpine plants, but may not be which look appropriate in a rock garden

Question 12

state two methods of providing winter protection for alpine plants

Answer 12

place the plants in an alpine glass house which is unheated and well ventilated

construct a frame covered with polycarbonate sheeting/glass and place it over an alpine bed

place an open ended cloche over the alpine plants

Question 13

name some distinct rock garden or alpine plants for a spring display

Answer 13

Saxifraga oppositifolia
Iris reticulata
Primula auricula

Question 14

name some distinct rock garden or alpine plants for a summer display

Answer 14

Dianthus alpinus
Dryas octopetala
Sedum spurium

Question 15

describe how to plant a NAMED deep-water aquatic plant grown in an aquatic basket (NOT TO INCLUDE POTTING)

Answer 15

plant example: Nymphaea alba

newly planted containers may need to be raised on bricks/blocks

lower containers in stages until the appropriate depth is reached

The plant foliage should be able to float on the surface of the water

ropes can be used by 2 people to assist when lowering the basket to avoid entering the water

Question 16

name a deep - water aquatic plant

Answer 16

Nymphaea alba

Question 17

state 5 maintenance tasks carried out on marginal plants in a garden pool

Answer 17

control weeds - pull them out by hand
control pests/disease eg: spraying aphids with a jet of water
lift, divide, re-pot plants
replenish mulch with grit/stones
trim, cut back and remove dead vegetation
Deadhead spent flowers

Question 18

state 5 distinct benefits of establishing a lawn from turf

Answer 18

instant visual impact
can be laid any time of the year
less rigorous standard of bed prep. required
avoids problems with germinatiing annual weeds initially
You can use the area soon after laying the turf

Question 19

state 5 distinct limitations of establishing a lawn from turf

Answer 19

turf sods are more expensive than seed to buy

it is difficult to fit turf around awkward-shaped sites

laying the sods/bed prep is heavy and physically demanding

there is less choice in grass species unless you buy from a specialist supplier

it is a less sustainable method than seed due to the carbon footprint - (transporting heavy, bulky materials)