LESSON 1 - UNDERSTAND THE CHOICE OF PLANTS FOR SEASONAL DISPLAY AND THEIR ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Question 1

Describe, in the context of seasonal displays, what is meant by the term - bedding

Answer 1

Bedding plants are all plants used to make a temporary show. Usually used to describe annuals used to make a splash of colour and then discarded.

Question 2

Describe, in the context of seasonal displays, what is meant by the term: Hardy

Answer 2

Hardy means that the plant is not normally killed by frost. They can survive to a minimum temperature of at least -10 deg C

Question 3

Describe, in the context of seasonal displays, what is meant by the term: half hardy

Answer 3

Half hardy plants cannot tolerate hard frost by they can tolerate periods of cold, wet or damp weather. These plants can be grown outdoors when there is no risk of frost. They can withstand brief periods down to -5 deg C.

Question 4

Describe, in the context of seasonal displays, what is meant by the term: Tropical

Answer 4

Tropical plants are overwintered in glasshouses and used in summer displays.

Question 5

Describe, in the context of seasonal displays, what is meant by the term: edging

Answer 5

Edging plants are commonly used in summer schemes but not always included in spring schemes. A single or double row of neat low plants to provide definition to the bed. They can be flowers or shrubs.

Question 6

Describe, in the context of seasonal displays, the definition of the term : groundwork (infill)

Answer 6

Forms the greatest area of the bed and tends to be quite low. It may be thought of as the principle subject.

Question 7

Describe, in the context of seasonal displays, what is meant by the term: dot plant

Answer 7

Focal point plant. A specimen. These plants add height and drama, giving relief to a flat display and may include architectural plants.

Question 8

Give 2 examples of bedding plants

Answer 8

Cosmos bipinnatus
Bergenia purpurascens

Question 9

Give 2 examples of hardy bedding plants

Answer 9

Calendula officinalis
Limnanthes douglasii

Question 10

Give 2 examples of half hardy bedding plants

Answer 10

Nicotiana alata ‘Grandiflora’
Cosmos bipinnatus

Question 11

Give 2 examples of tropical plants

Answer 11

Canna x generalis
Musa basjoo

Question 12

Give 2 examples of edging plants

Answer 12

Lobelia erinus
Aurinia saxatilis

Question 13

Give 2 examples of groundwork plants

Answer 13

Bellis perennis‘Roma Red’ (Romi series)
Pelargonium zonale

Question 14

Give 2 examples of dot plants

Answer 14

Verbena bonariensis
Agapanthus umbellatus ‘Albus’

Question 15

Explain the importance of F1 hybrid plants

Answer 15

Hybridisation is carried out by plant breeders to incorporate qualities into plants which make them commercially valuable in terms of yield, scent, form and other characteristics. F1 hybrids are the first filial generation of pure parent plants
They give uniformity and are vigorous, and do not breed true from seed.
They have uniformity in growth rate, height and colour.

Question 16

Explain the term hybrid vigour

Answer 16

Hybrid vigour is the improvement of growth and yield shown by some hybrids and is often used by gardeners to describe an increased resistance to pests and diseases in the F1 generation of plants.

Question 17

State 4 specific examples of F1 hybrid plants

Answer 17

Petunia F1 ‘Pearly Queen’
Helleborus orientalis F1 ‘Amber Queen’
Nicotiana F1 ‘Super Hybrid’
Begonia F1 ‘Devon Gem’

Question 18

Name 10 plants suitable for growing in a hardy annual border

Answer 18

Calendula officinalis
Nigella damascena
Tropaeolum majus
Eschscholzia californica
Salvia horminum
Lavatera trimestris
Cosmos atrosanguineus
Clarkia elegans
Centaurea cyanus
Consolida ajacis

Question 19

Name 10 plants suitable for summer bedding displays

Answer 19

Helianthus annuus ’Lemon Queen’
Nicotiana x sanderae ‘Fragrant Cloud’
Nigella damascena ‘Persian Jewels’
Eschscholzia californica ‘Buttermilk’
Lobularia maritima
Lathyrus odoratus
Lobelia erinus
Petunia x hybrida
Salvia spendens
Targetes patula

Question 20

Name 5 plants suitable for spring bedding displays, including 2 bulbs (or corms or tubers)

Answer 20

Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’
Myosotis sylvatica
Viola x wittrockiana
Hyacinthus orientalis
Tulipa ‘Queen of the Night’

Question 21

Name 10 plants suitable for summer display in containers or hanging baskets

Answer 21

Fuchsia ‘Thalia’
Lobelia erinus
Pelargonium zonale
Salvia splendens
Gypsophila muralis ‘Gypsy Pink’
Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’
Bidens ferulifolia
Brachyscome iberidifolia ‘White Splendour’
Ageratum houstonianum ‘Blue Danube’
Heliotropium arborescens
Cosmos bipinnatus

Question 22

Name 5 plants suitable for winter display in containers or hanging baskets

Answer 22

Ajuga reptans
Buxus sempervirens
Crocus chrysanthus
Hedera helix
Viola x wittrockiana

Question 23

Describe the soil or growing media preparation, sowing (Hardy Annual border) or planting out of plants for seasonal display for the situation - hardy annual border

Answer 23

1 - Remove previous bedding and weeds.
2 - Soil cultivation. Autumn digging should be carried out. An organic feed or inorganic fertiliser can be worked into the soil. Single dig the bed. The top spade depth should be inverted and broken down in readiness for final cultivation. Final cultivation breaks down the soil with a garden fork and rake to required levels. In spring, Tread and rake the soil level to create a firm seed bed.
3 - Marking out. use dry sand to mark out groups of plants. Within each area, seed drills are placed approximately 30 to 45cm apart and 1cm deep. The seeds of the relevant groups of sown along these lines. Sow evenly and thinly. The straight lines facilitate weed control with the hoe and identification of seedlings. The drills are to be covered over after sowing and gently firmed with the rake back. Thinning must be carried out to ensure final spacing of plants.
Seeds of annuals may also be broadcast sown on the surface and rakes in and firmed. Water, thin and control weeds as normal..
Annual plants may be bought as plugs or plants in small pots. Harden off prior to planting and plant on a cool, cloudy day. Water well a few hours prior to planting. Place plants in their growing position and dig a small hole of adequate size for the roots of the plant. insert plant so it grows at the same depth as it was in the pot, firm soil around the root of the plant and water in well. Water daily until established.

Question 24

Describe the soil preparation, planting out of plants for seasonal display for summer, spring or winter bedding diplays.

Answer 24

1. Remove previous bedding scheme.
2. Single dig the bed and feed incorporated into the soil.
3. Invert top spades depth.
   4 . Break down the soil with garden fork.
4. Rake to required level.
5. Tread to ensure soil is evenly firm.
6. Mark out design with dry sand.
7. Place plants in position that they are to grow.
8. Dig a hole large enough for the roots of the plant.
9. Place plant into the hole at the depth of the plant pot.
10. Firm into place.
11. Water well.

Question 25

Describe the growing media preparation and planting of plants for a container

Answer 25

1. remove previous plants from the container.
2. Remove any potting compost that remains from the last planting.
3. Clean the container with disinfectant and rinse well.
4. Ensure there are drainage holes and add crock to the bottom of the pot.
5. Add a good compost mixture
6. Consider mixing water retaining granules to the compost.
7. Add sow release or controlled release fertiliser into the compost prior to planting.
8. Water plants prior to planting. Carefully remove the plant from the pot and place in the desired position.
   Either plant the outer edge first with the rest planted between 20 to 30cm apart depending on type. Or plant the centre first and work out towards the edges.
9. Firm in and water.

Question 26

Describe the growing media prep and planting of plants in a hanging basket

Answer 26

1.Remove any existing plants
2. Remove old compost and liner
3. Clean hanging basket with disinfectant and rinse.
4. Line hanging basket with sphagnum moss that has been soaked overnight, or coco moss or coco fibres, compressed paper or highland moss for eco alternatives.
5. Add a layer of plastic or polythene to the inside of the basket.
6. Place basket in a bucket or large pot to support it whilst planting.
7. Add a suitable compost. Add water retaining granules and a slow or controlled release feed.
The either
Add compost to within 2 or 3cm of the rim and make all plantings through holes in the walls of the container from the outside
Or add only a shallow layer of compost and add plants through the bottom and sides of the container by pushing the top portion of the plant carefully through holes made in the sides of the basket from the inside out. Bundle shoots and leaves in paper to prevent damage. Add more compost and repeat until the sides of the basket are completely planted. The top layer of compost should be about 2 or 3cm from the top of the container.

8 - Carefully firm the compost around the root balls of the plants.
9. Insert a small empty plastic pot to the top of the compost so the rim is level with the top of the compost for adding water to.

Question 27

Describe the routine maintenance of seasonal bedding, including the control of weeds and common pests and diseases (aphids, slugs, snails, vine weevil, grey mould, powdery mildew) for seasonal bedding, hardy annual borders, containers and hanging baskets.

Answer 27

Frost sensitive plants require a little protection at the start and end of the season - horticultural fleece
Containers and hanging baskets should be watered daily - either hand watering or drip system.
Water beds by hand, drip systems or sprinklers.
Deadheading of plants to prolong flowering.
Feeding throughout the season if there isn’t a controlled release feed in the soil/growing media.
In borders, hoe annual weeds regularly and remove any perennial weeds by hand as soon as they appear.
In winter, stand pots and containers on feet/bricks to allow good drainage. Wrap pots in insulating material. Water as necessary. Liquid feed in spring. Deadhead when necessary.

Aphids - spot deformed or curled leaves. Use a jet of water to dislodge them and then use an insecticidal soap or fatty acid spray.
Slugs and snails - Spot eaten leaves. Control by using copper tape on containers or trap in beer traps.

Powdery mildew - plant resistant cultivars and ensure adequate spacing between plants to permit sufficient air flow.
Botrytis (grey mould) - Remove any dead or dying plant tissue. Avoid overcrowding plants. Try not to wet foliage when watering, or only water in the morning and ensure plants receive adequate fertiliser.