R2112 feb 22 Flashcards
State the planting distance for viola x wittrockiana
15cm apart
State the planting distances for Bellis perennis
15-20cm apart
Describe how to plant a bare rooted plant into a herbaceous border
Protect the plant from drying out by wrapping it in damp hessian or a plastic sack prior to planting and soak the roots in a bucket of water if dry. Trim off any damaged or diseased material prior to planting. Prepare a hole slightly wider than the spread of the roots to a depth either the same or just below the crown of the plant. If required organic matter or fertiliser can be incorporated into the bottom of the planting hole although this is currently not recommended. The plant is placed upright in the centre of the hole with the roots spread out. The soil is backfilled and firmed in. The plant can be watered well and mulched if required.
Describe how to prune Forsythia x intermedia ‘Lynwood Variety’
Removal of a third of the oldest stems from the base and reduce/remove some of the side shoots to maintain the natural shape of the plant
Describe how to prune Buddleja davidii
Remove last seasons growth to the woody framework 30-45cm above ground to maintain a ‘stags horn’ structure of permanent branches.
Describe how to prune Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’
Stooling is carried out. All stems are reduced to 5cm above ground level.
Describe four maintenance tasks carried out on an alpine or rock garden
Weeding - by hand pulling the weeds when they are small or by using a hand hoe or hori hori to remove seedling weeds before they become established. Perennial weeds should be removed carefully to include the roots which should be disposed of off-site.
Trimming - by cutting back plants with a spreading habit to keep them compact. Cutting off damaged, diseased or old material and spent flowerhead.
Mulching - topping up the mulch each autumn with gravel/stone clippings to a depth of 2-5cm. It should be placed under the foliage and up to the crown of the plant. It should not cover any foliage of the plant.
Frost/winter wet protection - Use of an open-ended cloche or a grass/plastic cover suspended over the plants before the commencement of bad weather. Delicate plants can be listed and potted up and placed in an alpine glasshouse and containers can be moved to a sheltered area.
Describe the maintenance of pond water levels in summer
The level of the water needs to be topped up due to evaporation in summer. This can be achieved by using fresh rainwater or tap water that has been allowed to stand for 24 hours.
Describe the management of ice formation on a pond
Use the base of a hot saucepan to melt a hole in the ice. Alternatively an object like a tennis ball can be left to float on the surface of the water during winter or a pond heather could be used.
Describe the methods of netting a garden pond
A fine mesh net should be pulled taut over the surface of the pond and secured with stakes or pegs. A framed metal grid could also be installed at or just below the surface of the water
Describe how to mow a fine quality lawn
Cut to a height of 1-2cm in summer and 3-5cm in autumn ensuring that no more than a third of the length of the grass is removed at any time. A headland would be mown first around the edge of the lawn and then cutting in alternate directions across the lawn. This will create stripes. All arisings are collected in a grass box. The lawn would be ‘topped’ when possible, during the winter to keep it tidy.
State 2 symptoms of fairy ring in fine turf
A ring or arcs of grey/brown fruiting bodies, or toadstools in summer or autumn
A ring of darker green, lush growth of grass outside the area of fungal activity
Dead or dying grass in the area inside the area of fungal activity
Patchy, weedy turf where the fungal activity has completely moved.
State the ideal month to control leatherjackets
August to October
State the ideal month to control moles
February -June
State the ideal month to control Fusarium patch
September -February
