Practise exam questions Flashcards
Name and describe TWO distinct plants suitable for edge planting in a knot garden
Suitable edging garden plants need to have dense foliage, small and compact, slow growing with small leaves which may be glossy
Buxus microphylla: small, evergreen leaves with compact growth habit and responds well to hard pruning, which grows slowly so doesn’t need regular pruning
Rosmarinus officinalis: dense and bushy, narrow leathery dark green aromatic foliage which are white felted underneath. Tubular purple-blue flowers are produced in mid-spring to early summer
State TWO factors that need to be recorded during a site appraisal for EACH of the following:
i. aspect
ii. exposure
Name TWO distinct plants suitable for each of the exposed situations stated in ii.
i. compass direction that the garden faces / any views e.g. to open countryside
ii. to what degree are areas of the garden exposed to the sun? How many hours does the garden receive, wind and direction. If garden located near coast, salt laden winds are to be expected
Sun: Lavandula anguistifolia, Phormium cookianum
Strong winds: Pinus mugo, Phyllostachys nigra
Salt laden winds: Griselinia littoralis, Armeria maritima
State ONE reason why trees may not be suitable for a small domestic garden
Leaf fall can create slip hazards on hard surfaces
Leaf fall may create undesirable maintenance issue on gravel
Trees may shade other plants
There is potential for roots to undermine the house or wall foundations
Describe what is meant by ‘offsets’ in relation to linear surveying of a garden (Can use diagram)
Establishment of a baseline labelled A-B
Baseline accurately set against fixed pints e.g. house wall
Running measurements along the baseline to accurately position the offsets
Measurement from feature to the baseline
Offsets to be at 90 degree angle to the baseline
State FOUR facots to be considered when selecting a site for alpine/rock garden plants
Ideally on a sloping site
Free draining soil
Sunny open site
Free from overhanging trees
Absence of invasive perennial weeds
Good site access for machinery to deliver rock
State hazard and associated risk of a name hedging plant
State two distinct herbaceous plants considered to be hazardous in gardens
Taxus baccata: leaves and fruit are toxic - poisonous if ingested and can cause stomach upset and serious illness
Digitalis purpurea: flowers, stems, leaves and seeds are poisonous if ingested
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii: sap cna cause irritation to the skin and eyes
Describe FIVE stages involved in plotting a garden feature when carrying out a triangulation survey
Equipment required: two 30m measuring taoes, pegs, pen and paper
A simple drawn plan: showing the feature and the house with the corners of the house labelled to help identify the measurements.
Establish a fixed point: e.g. the house and identify the datum points A and B on the building. Measure the distance between the fixed points and record this on the plan
Using two 30cm measuring tapes: place one at point A and one at point B and secure one end of each with a peg
Holding each tape taut: extend them both to point C to form a triangle and measure A-C and B-C. Record all measurements on the plant
Compare TWO distinct natural materials used in the manufacture of screens
Reed roll screening: presents a natural appearance and looks good with an oriental theme. Relatively short life span and easily damaged
Softwood timber trellis: if treated it will alst longer, painted to match the colour scheme of the harden, more durable than reeeds
State TWO reasons for choosing a material for the treasd of garden steps
Mesh covered wooden treads, grooved timber, riven paving
What is meant by ‘a plant grown as a biennial?’
Short-lived perennial which are is discarded after its first season of flowering, as they lose vigour and do not perform well in successive years
How can some named features in an English landscape garden contribute to the cohesiveness of the design
Greek or Roman temple: reinforces the theme of a classical story which is illustrated by a walk around the garden
Palladium bridge: provides classic architectural links to the house and other features
Features like a Ha Ha can provide a practical contribution e.g. as a barrier to anmals entering th garde. It can also provide cohesiveness to the landscaoe by providing uninterrupted views or vistas
Describe design responses to rainshadows and frost pockets
Rainshadows: areas with raindshadows could be sued for patios or deckings or a seating area in a sheltered spot. The area could be used for plants that thrive in dry conditions
Frost pockets: To avoid frost pockets, openings in hedges can be created tot allow frosty ar to escape. If walls are being built across a slop, it is essential that they are angled to allow frost to roll down past the wall
Describe THREE reasons for excluding a high quality lawn from a garden design
- unsuitability of the site, it could be too shady, wet or sloping
- Client may not have time for that level of maintenance
- Unsuitable if have children and dogs
- Client may prefer a more wildlife friendly lawn
List FOUR distinct features which should be included in a garden survey
Structures: e.g. garden shed or summerhouse
Hard landscape surfaces: e.g. paths or patios
Boundaries: e.g. fences and walls
Existing trees, shrubs or other plants in the garden
Underground/overhead services
Describe THREE distincnt ways of overcoming the problems of severely restricted site access when constructing a garden
Plant to re-use waste material from the clearance of structure son site to avoid the need to move bulky waste through a narrow access or through the hosue, e.g. using old slabs as a base for a shed
Negotiate with neighbours
Specify use of young plants and trees instead of mature ones and sow the lawn from seed instead of laying a new lawn from turf
Plan construction to use manual methods of digging, suing hadntools and a wheelbarrow in stead of a digger, rotavator or dumper truck. May need to alter plant or extend construction time
Use hard landscaping materials that can be put together on site
Remove fence panels and return once work is complete
How can Movement/Direction be used when planning a domestic garden that is pleasing to the eye?
Achieved by placing focal points at the end of an avenue of trees, or path e.g. a classical statue, to move and direct the eye toa view or ‘picture’ of the garden.
Inclusion of drifts of plants in sweeping borders create movement of plants and draws the eye around a sweeping curve
Describe TWO characteristic features of a knot garden
Intricate patterns formed from clipped hedges which interweave are are designed to replicate Elizabethan embroidery
Coloured infill between the hedges either in the form of gravel/crushed brick or planting. Thi is traditionally herbs or medicinal plants e.g. Lavandula anguistifolia
The use of low and tightly clipped evergreen hedges of a single species e.g. Buxus microphylla
List FOUR sustainable practices to reduce the use of mains water which can be integrated successfully during the planning and design stage for a domestic garden
Select drought-tolerant plants / gravel garden with low water requirement
Water-butss
Grey water collection system
Compost bins to create organic mulch to reduce water evaporation
water efficient irrigation systens e.g. seep/drip hoses connected to timers
water at night or early morning to reduce evaporation
What is balance?
The weight and mass of elements of the deisgn are intrinsically in balance with each other and the garden. This may be achieved through symmetrical balance e.g. identical plant forms placed either side of a central path. It may also be asymmetrically balanced around a central feature e.g. a large tree one side can be balanced with a pergola of a similar size/mass on the other side
What is rhyth?
Is the sens eof motion that is created through the placing of repeated elements in the garden and the flow of continuous lines. Rhythm moves the eye through the space by repeating hard landscape elemtns or plants through the garden or creating flowing lines.
State ONE distinct method for minimising or eliminating the risk for
i. overhead and underground cables
ii. open water e.g. ponds
iii. Steps under deciduous trees
iiii. steep grassed paths on slopes
i. Appropriate placing of signage to alert users of risks e.g. electrical cables and unsafe buildings
ii. installation of secure fencing arounf the ponds and unsafe buildings
iii. provision of non-slip coating on steps, ramps and slippery surfaces
iiii. Provision of handrails on steep paths or steps
Describe how FOUR distinct materials could be re-used or recycled in a new garden scheme
Pallets used to deliver garden materials can be used to construct the sides of a compost bay
Clay bricks from a demolished wall can be used to build the walls of a cold frame
Broken concrete slabs from an old patio can be broken up and used as a sub-base for a new patio
Timber boards from a dismantled deck area can be used to create border edging for vegetable beds
State TWO hazards associated with the use of recycled materials
Splinters from reclaimed timber boards could pierce the skin and cause infection
Crumbling clay bricks or sandstone could have sharp edges causing skin abrasions
Lifting/carrying heavy materials e.g. statues could cause strains and sprains
Rusty nails which pierce the skin could cause tetanus
State TWO reasons why EACH of the following existing garden features should be included in a risk assessment:
i. stone fountain
ii. speciment tree
iii. garden wall
i. check for condition, any damage, cracks, fractures, any maintenance issues causing a hazard / risks associated with electricity to power the pump
ii. Evidence of disease, fungal growth e.g. honey fungus, causing future problems / roots from mature trees growing above ground in areas where people are walking
iii. evidence of instability due to poor foundations / crumbling mortar, loose or missing bricks
iii.
What is form?
is related to both the outline shape of the individual elements of garden features and their three dimensional shape, e.g. the placing of columnar, fastigiated or weeping forms of trees, plants or hard landscape features
State FOUR distinct ways where scale and proportion can help achieve a garden design that ‘works’, giving ONE example of each
Scaling features e.g. patios and formal ponds in proportion to features on the house e.g. bay windows
Selecting the unit size of hard landscaping materials e.g. paving slabs which are appropriate to the space available
Selecting feature plants e.g. trees and large shrubs which have an ultimate growth size proportionate to the size of the site and their proximity to the house
Selecting or designing garden buildings e.g. a summer house so that their size is appropriate to the space available
Describe TWO problems associated with using walls in garden design
Walls are impervious to wind and create turbulence by diverting the wind up and over the wall which then circulates back towards the wall as a vortex, damaging plants etc.
Walls are expensive to build due to the cost of materials and the skilled labour required to build them
Walls are not very wildlife friendly (Except drystone walls)
The materials that are used for walls are not sustainable or environmentally friendly as natural rock is extended from land and man-made bricks and blocks require high levels of energy in their production. Transportation costs are also high
Walls create frost pockets and rain shadows
Describe TWO distinct situations where the location of existing electrical supplies can be hazardous in a domestic garden
Unmarked underground cables may be buried in areas which require cultivation. These may be severed or damaged by a spade used when digging
Overhead cables may be fouled by tall mahcinery or accidentally cut with long handled pruning equipment
Electrical sockets near water or accessible to children near play areas can be hazardous
State TWO distinct ways for a designer to minimise the risks associated with ONE of the electrical supplies described in the previou question
Underground cables must be buried deeply and overlaid with hazard tape or tiles. The position of the cables must be clearly marked on plans or route the cables under paths or patios
Overhead cables should be at a height above normal access or working requirements. Ensure that the cables are clearly visible and not obscured or fouled by trees
Ensure all sockets near water are waterproof and enclose any near children’s play areas in a secure unit
Explain the importance of using sustainable practices in the planning, design and maintenance of gardens
Conservtion of scarce natural resources on this planet which will have a positive impact on sensitive environments and wildlife.
Use examples also - reclaim, recycle, reuse, reduce, local suppliers
What is a site appraisal?
is a visit to a site to gain physical information about the site which is recorded/written down for use later. Examples include; soil pH, soil type, aspect, microclimate, drainage, views etc..
What is a site survey
is a detailed site investigation where accurate measurements are taken and recorded from which plan and designs can be drawn. A risk assessment is carried out, overhead and underground services are mapped and any features which are to be retained in the design are identified
State what is meant by a garden planning principle
is one of a number of widely recognised design concepts that follow accepted riles and conventions aimed at producing desgns that ‘work’ and are pleasing to the eye
Describe FOUR distinct ways by which movement/direction can be encouraged by garden design
The use of focal points to ecourage visitors to walk towards it
Straight pathways for direct access to an area containing garden furniture
A winding pathway leading behind shrubs or hedges to encourage people to see what is there
Grasses/bamboos moving in the wind to attract the eye
Plants moving /swaying and creating a rustling noise
Water/fountains to create movement in themselves and to create sound to attract visitors
State FIVE distinct hazards which will make a garden site appraisal difficult to carry out
Overgrown plants on the ground which could trip the designer up or maybe covering uneven ground or pot holes
Neglected and overgrown thorny, poisonous or sitnging plants e.g. brambles and nettles that the designer must reach through to measure
Unsafe garden walls with crumbling mortar and bricks which could fall onto the designer
Algae covered paths and decking which could be a sliip hazard
Trees with dead, diseased or damaged branches which could fall on the designer if carrying out the appraisal in windy conditions
Steep slopes in wet weather which are a slip hazard for the desginer
Describe TWO hazards associated with i. garden ponds and ii. hard landscaping materials
i. wet or boggy ground around the pond could cause a person to slip into the pond
surface vegetation e.g. algae or marginal plants can obscure the surface of the pond causing people to accidentally fall in
An unfenced pond in a garden next to a children’s play area could result in a child falling into the water
ii. Splinters from timbers when handliing them during construction or by brushing past a fence post
Injury from lifting heavy sandstone slabs or constructing with them
Injury from dropping softwood timber decking planks which can become slippery when wet in the winter
