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Glossary
acidic
pH is lower than 6.1. Technically, anything lower than 7.0 is acidic, but when talking about soil, pH 6.1 to 7.0 is just fine. Therefore, only soil lower than pH 6.1 would be considered "acidic."
bones
Structural elements in the garden, either natural (i.e. a tall shrub) or man-made (i.e. a column or path).
deer-proof
A figment of everyone’s imagination. There is no such thing. But this is a major concern of most of my clients because those picturesque browsers sure can wreak havoc on a garden! So, I’m always boning up on the latest technologies to repel deer and I have many lists of the plants that deer least like (the University extensions from various western states have some good research information). But, as you have probably heard, deer like anything if they are hungry enough.
design elements
These are parts of the landscape which, ideally, work together to create a unified look. Common examples are: gazebos, retaining walls, arbors, paving, decks, tree, shrubs, perennials, and herbs. Less common examples are: ha-ha’s, espaliers, and wattle fencing.
design principals
Design principles include unity, balance, transition, focalization, proportion, rhythm, repetition and simplicity. All these principles interact to yield the intended design. Color, line, form, texture and scale are tools which are used in combinations to adjust design principles.
garden room
A space in the garden which has a different feel from the rest of the garden. Rooms can be created by using, among other things, hedges, walls, arbors, trees, grade changes, and/or sun exposure patterns.
hardscape
The nonliving components of the landscape design, such as walkways, arbors, furniture, and fences.
hardy
Tolerant of cold weather.
informal
A naturalistic garden style with limited use of geometric shapes. The lines are curvy and edges are sometimes "overgrown" or lush. Often native plants and local natural building materials are used.
microclimate
The highly specific and unique weather and plant-growth conditions within a property, each influenced by local geographic and atmospheric factors such as sun and wind exposure, the slope of the land, and soil quality.
perennial
A herbaceous plant, usually with showy flowers, which "dies" each winter and "comes back" each spring.
perennial border
A deep bed of perennial plants, usually along a wall or building.
programming
the goals and objectives of the landscape design project, such as "add a spa," "specify low-maintenance plants" or "allow for future basketball court."
punch list
A listing of items yet to be completed to bring a project into full compliance with plans and specifications. Punch lists are usually prepared by the landscape designer and the landscape contractor at a prefinal or final inspection, also known as the "walk-through."
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