Past paper September 2020 Flashcards
what is meant by a garden survey?
an assessment and record of:
location
position
health and safety issues
measurements of features which could have an impact on the future design and use of the garden
include: existing plants, trees, buildings, boundaries
what is meant by a site appraisal?
an assessment and record of general site conditions.
include physical and environmental characteristics that may affect design eg:
soil conditions drainage aspect microclimates surroundings inc. views
what are some factors to record during a site appraisal that need to be considered when siting a patio?
exposure - strong wind?
frosty or cold
aspect- where is max. light/warmth/light?
contours- is the site sloping?
drainage - is the area boggy and prone to flooding?
Views - avoid looking at a neighbours windows/unsightly electricity pylons, borrow a nice landscape
describe why you need to think about exposure when planning a patio
is the area prone to strong winds? That would make it unpleasant to sit/entertain in.
Areas exposed to cold and frost are also not suitable
describe why you need to think about aspect when planning a patio
south/west areas receive max. light and warmth so great for sunny seating areas
north facing aspects are cooler, and have lower light levels so not so suitable
describe why you need to think about contours when planning a patio
careful consideration needed for sloping sites - you may need to terrace in order to design a level patio
describe why you need to think about soil drainage when planning a patio
poor soil drainage in boggy locations that are prone to flooding will be unsuitable for a patio
describe why you need to think about views when planning a patio
make use of a borrowed landscape
avoid unsightly views eg: electricity pylon or neighbours window
describe how to take running measurements for a garden survey (look at a labelled diagram)
fix a landscape tape in position along a straight line EG: wall of house (called a base line)
Zero on the tape is placed at the start of the line
zero on the line is marked on the ground and recorded on a sketch plan as point A
significant points along the line are identified and measured from zero eg: window frames, doors, corner of building - record them accurately
continue to measure along the line until the end point B is reached and recorded
name two features recorded in a garden survey which could be retained for use in a new garden plan
garden shed archway pergolas path specimen tree
name two distinct planning principles which could be achieved through the use of focal points in the garden
unity/cohesion scale/proportion movement/direction rhythm repetition simplicity balance
name two examples for each of the following types of focal points in a garden: hard landscape feature
blue painted wooden bench at the end of a path
a stone fountain with a pool
tall marble statue set against a Taxus baccata hedge
name two examples for each of the following types of focal points in a garden: soft landscape feature
standard tree with strong form / seasonal interest eg: Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’
large architectural plant in a gravel garden eg: Phormium tenax
Dot plant in a bedding scheme
describe two ways in which focal points can contribute to a garden which works and is pleasing to the eye
placing a classical stone statue at the end of a path could draw the eye and encourage movement along the path
A standard tree placed in a lawn can draw the eye away from an ugly view in the surrounding area
A stone fountain in a square pond at the centre of a formal garden can be used to emphasise the symmetry of the layout
Through the use of repeated colour for focal points throughout the garden that reflect the house, boundary or other features eg a blue bench reflecting the blue window frames
what is meant by the term ‘grown as a biennial’?
biennials and short lived perennials are removed after flowering in their second year of growth.
biennials are plants that produce vegetative growth in their 1st year of growth, and flower , set seed and die in their 2nd year.
name 3 plants grown as biennials in a cottage garden - give their decorative merit and planting situation.
Digitalis purpurea - purple bell - like flowers with speckles arranged on a flower spike which can be planted in a woodland garden
Erysium cheiri - 4 petalled, bright yellow/orange flowers on short spikes, can be planted in a mixed herbaceous, annual and biennial border.
Dianthus barbatus - flowers that range from white to darkest red with darker eyes and toothed petals- can be used in spring seasonal containers for a patio
describe one way in which plants can contribute to cohesion in a cottage garden
use a mixture of colour, and repeat that throughout the garden eg: Digitalis purpurea
allow plants to spill onto paths, looking natural- keeps the informal style
plant in densely packed drifts with mixed herbaceous perennials and edible borders which look natural with no soil showing
use native hedging plants in a boundary hedge - it links the garden together and provides cohesion with the local landscape
what is meant by the term ‘formality’ in garden design?
includes the use of straight lines and 90’ angles for garden features
symmetry is used for the layout of geometrically shaped garden features eg: borders, paths, ponds which are arranged around a central axis
name a hard landscape feature associated with a formal garden style
circular, smooth stone shaped raised pool
straight paths created from square cut stone slabs
name a soft landscape feature associated with a formal garden style
clipped square cut Taxus baccata hedge
fine, ornamental lawns in geometric shape
symmetrically arranged planting beds of single species
name three herbaceous perennials that can be grown in an informal garden, with one site requirement for each
Echinacea purpurea - well drained soil. South, East or West facing aspect
Rudbeckia fulgidavar. sullivantil ‘Goldsturm’ - moist but well drained soil, full sun or part shade
Verbena bonariensis - moist but well drained or well drained soil. Full sun only.
name three horizontal garden features, and state one distinct, specific type of hard landscape material used in the construction of each
path - poured in-situ concrete
patio - square cut limestone slab flags
steps - softwood timber railway sleepers for risers
Decking - softwood grooved planks
describe hard landscaping elements which could be used to support climbing plants
1) timber pergola - constructed from square cut, hardwood posts/ beams / rails over a sunny patio.
plants with twining stems can be tied in and encouraged to grow up posts eg: Lonicera periclymenum
2) Rustic archway - at the entrance of a cottage garden, constructed from Corylus avellana (hazel) branches with the bark retained. Can be used to train a climbing rose.
3) Timber trellis screen - located to screen waste bins in a garden. Made from crossed softwood timbers, and attached to timber posts.
Hedera helix can be used to grow over the screen to provide dense cover
4) Brick wall - with metal vine eyes and wire stretched between them to provide support. You can train a Wisteria sinensis against a building.
describe two uses of decking in a domestic garden
seating/entertaining for family activities
provide a level surface on uneven/sloping ground
board walk pathway across uneven or boggy ground
raised structure to display plants in containers
viewing platform for views or across a pond
name one natural material that can be used to construct a deck surface
soft wood or hard wood timber boards, reclaimed scaffold boards
name one man-made material that can be used to construct a deck surface
wood and plastic composite boards (WPC)
recycled plastic
state a benefit and limitation (ex. cost) for a natural material
eg: softwood timber boards- aesthetically pleasing in a woodland garden
can be slippery when wet, if not cleaned regularly
state a benefit and limitation (ex. cost) for a man-made material
eg; WPC boards are durable for many years as they won’t rot but surface is susceptible to scratching which isn’t easy to repair
name four deciduous trees suitable for planting in a domestic garden for their seasonal interest
spring - Amelanchier lamarckii - small white flowers on short lax racemes
summer - Prunus serrula
Autumn - Malus x zummi ‘Golden Hornet’
Winter - Acer griseum
what is the seasonal merit of Amelanchier lamarckii, and in what month?
Spring.
small white flowers in short lax racemes before foliage appears
The leaves turn red in autumn
it is a deciduous shrub/small tree
what is the seasonal merit of Prunus serrula and in what month?
summer - mahogany brown young bark that shines in the sun :)
what is the seasonal merit of Malus x zumi ‘Golden Hornet’ and in what month?
Autumn - bright, deep yellow fruits that persist into winter
what is the seasonal merit of Acer griseum, and in what month?
winter - peeling, papery chestnut brown bark
name two evergreen trees suitable for planting in a domestic garden
Luma apiculata
Arbutus unedo
name a risk associated with walking along a concrete path on a steep slope and a method for minimising the risk
risk- slips, trips, cut knees. Sprains, broken limb from a fall.
prevention- install a handrail, or treat the surface with grip strips or other non-metal material
name a risk associated with an electricity supply to a garden shed located beneath an herbaceous border and a method for minimising the risk
risk- cutting through cable = electrocution/severe burns
mark location of cable on ground and garden plans - place armoured cable in protective conduit
name a risk associated with toxic plants situated near to a lawn where children play and a method for minimising the risk
risk; children playing on the lawn may touch or eat plant parts causing poisoning and illness
prevention; install a barrier or fence to prevent access, and put up info/warning signs
name a risk associated with a hedge growing along side a path and a method for minimising the risk
risk: brushing against a hedge with spines or overgrown stems can cause cuts, or scratches. You can slip on wet leaves causing bruises and strains, or trip on low growing branches
prevention; maintain hedge, make sure it doesn’t grow over path.
sweep up fallen leaves and prune lower growth frequently
name a risk associated with a deck constructed from reclaimed timbers and a method for minimising the risk
risk- splinters leading to cuts and infection.
old timbers can rot, so uneven surfaces lead to trips, and sprained ankles
prevention- wear PPE (gloves) when constructing deck
sand down before construction takes place
treat timbers to preserve them, or regularly clean and treat any damaged timbers
name two garden features which could be constructed to benefit wildlife in a domestic garden
bug hotel bird box bat box hedgehog house wildlife pond bird table
name 2 sustainable practices that can be incorporated into a garden to maintain the lawn
mow less- leave some areas to flower to support pollinators
use a manual mower (no need for fossil fuels or electricity)
compost lawn clippings to make garden compost
leave grass clippings on the surface of the lawn as a mulch to retain moisture
name 2 sustainable practices that can be incorporated into a garden: vegetable garden
use woody pruning’s from the garden to support climbing beans
use cultural pest control methods eg: slug traps or picking off caterpillars
use of no dig method to encourage biodiversity and good soil health without chemicals
use of green manure - to incorporate back into soil, no need to buy ameliorants
name 2 sustainable practices that can be incorporated into a garden: herbaceous border
harvest rainwater in butts for irrigation
mulch with composted plant material to conserve moisture
leave seed heads over winter for insects to hibernate and as food for birds
use plant material from deadheading and spent leaves in spring to add to a garden composter
name 2 sustainable practices that can be incorporated into a garden : hanging basket and patio containers
upcycle used containers for planters eg: old buckets
use peat free growing media for in containers
incorporate water retention systems in containers, liners or as part of the container
use homemade comfrey tea to feed plants as opposed to purchased chemical fertilisers
