Plant Uses - Topic 2 (Planting Styles), Element 5

Question 1

What is the purpose of introducing a plant to a garden?

Answer 1

To bring a particular function or purpose beyond just adding beauty.

Question 2

List some uses of plants in the garden.

Answer 2

• Height
• Structure
• Shade
• Ecosystems
• Vertical and Horizontals
• Focal Points
• Boundaries

Question 3

What is apical dominance?

Answer 3

The phenomenon that causes plants to grow upwards.

Question 4

What role do horticulturalists play regarding plant height?

Answer 4

They manage the heights of plants to create desired effects and strata of interest.

Question 5

Why is it important to choose the right tree for a site?

Answer 5

Removing the wrong tree can be difficult and expensive.

Question 6

What is the estimated height of Betula utilis?

Answer 6

Higher than 12m.

Question 7

What is the maximum height that Metasequoia glyptostroboides can reach?

Answer 7

It can eventually exceed 30m and has been recorded up to 41m.

Question 8

True or False: Sequoiadendron giganteum can be a suitable choice for a domestic garden.

Answer 8

False.

Question 9

What is a key consideration when planting perennials for visual effect?

Answer 9

Showing the plants to their best effect from key viewpoints.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Climbers can create ______ in the garden.

Answer 10

[verticality].

Question 11

What do green walls improve in urban areas?

Answer 11

Air quality and mitigates the ‘urban heat island’ effect.

Question 12

What is an ‘espalier’?

Answer 12

A plant trained into a horizontal form over repeated years.

Question 13

What is the purpose of creating shade in a garden?

Answer 13

To provide a visually dramatic effect and comfort in extreme heat.

Question 14

What type of shade does Populus alba create?

Answer 14

Dappled shade.

Question 15

List some benefits of planting for ecosystems.

Answer 15

• Improves water table
• Enhances soil structure
• Distributes mycorrhizal fungi
• Produces organic matter for microbes

Question 16

What can a windbreak hedge do?

Answer 16

Reduces wind speed, provides shelter for wildlife, and prevents soil erosion.

Question 17

True or False: Biodiversity in the UK is currently thriving.

Answer 17

False.

Question 18

What should be prioritized when planting for pollinators?

Answer 18

Single flowers over double flowers, with various structures and heights.

Question 19

What is the purpose of creating wildlife corridors?

Answer 19

To connect habitats within and outside the garden.

Question 20

What are the uses of plants in creating boundaries?

Answer 20

Wildlife habitat, windbreak, screen, backdrop, and creating paths.

Question 21

What are focal points in garden design?

Answer 21

Devices to draw the eye to a particular part of the garden.

Question 22

What types of plants are typically used as focal points?

Answer 22

Large, dramatic, colorful, or remarkable specimens.