The other day I was in the dental practitioner ’s office say a gardening magazine where I number across the word “ omnipresent ” to depict silver lace vine ( Polygonum aubertii ) . Webster ’s helped me out with that one . It means present everywhere at the same time . It ’s a perfect description because this vine sprawls everywhere .
Then I began to think about how , in gardening , as I any other occupation or hobby , there are certain words and phrasal idiom that become a part of your vocabulary . You ca n’t help it . grind a fleck of soil , plant a few flowers , pull a dope or two and you will find yourself using words like cultivate , prune , mulch and compost .
Good for corroding control : Beware of root encroachment ! Some erosion - control plant such asstaghorn sumac(Rhus typhina ) have underground radical systems that may prune up anywhere – in your lawn , your paseo , your living room . Be measured where you put it .
Informal growth use : You in reality imagine you could control this one ? Ha ! Go ahead prune all you wish . For every shoot you cut you ’ll get two more .
May needwinter tribute : Be ready to mulch , wrapper , cover and shell . At the first sign of insensate these plant go into shock . bring an supernumerary scarf joint and mitts ?
democratic : ( synonym : boring)This is the plant that shows up inevery garden(eg . marigold ) . The one good thing that you’re able to say about it is that it is honest .
A challenge to grow : Be prepared to spend some time with this one . Your loved ones will miss you . Be sure to write . Theplant will be glowering until you provide the perfect growingconditions . in spades for the experienced ( and patient ) grower .
Vigorous : Are you really sure you want to implant this one ? Before you do , take compass heading on yourfront doorthen fend back after you plant it . Now you want to get rid of it ? Good luck ! A interchangeable adjective to watch out for is “ majestic ” . Clear another acre for this one . Virginia creeper(Parthenicissus quinquefolia ) is a proficient lesson of vigorous .
May require support : Call in an engineer . No flimsy wooden treillage for this plant life . Keep it away from anything that is n’t well - attached and small-scale minor .
In the catalog , another thing to watch out for is the care descriptions . The amount of care is instantly proportionate to the routine of adjectives used . Look for simple words like “ a skillful performing artist ” ( hold the clapping until the last of the time of year ) , “ gentle to grow ” ( Ozark sundrops or Oenothera missouriensis is one of these ) , or “ tolerate pathetic soil ” ( Sedum sp . would work here ) .
If you are looking for easycare plantslook for “ low maintenance ” but mind of maintenance - gratis . Nothing is really maintenance - costless but it can be close to it once established . bugle ( Ajuga reptans ) is a serious example of a lowly upkeep plant . After the first twelvemonth there should be little or no weeding necessary .
When a plant is advocate for naturalizing it is plausibly a weed , but I stand for that in a nice direction . It will grow with little attention and spread quickly , usually in a spot where nothing else will grow . Be inclined to dismiss it .
I could go on , but you get the general idea : catalogues should be read with a wary optic .
By Elaine Vida
Horticulturist andlandscape couturier
