Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Practice
Core concepts
Understand plant selection for site conditions: light, soil, moisture, exposure and space. Know landscape design principles including unity, balance, proportion, scale, rhythm and focal points. Learn the functions of landscape elements: hard landscaping (paths, walls, paving, decking) and soft landscaping (lawn, trees, shrubs, bedding, herbaceous borders).
Know the main groups of ornamentals: annuals complete their life cycle in one year; biennials in two; perennials return each year; shrubs are woody and multi-stemmed; trees are woody with a single trunk. Understand lawn establishment by seed or turf, mowing height, and maintenance of borders. Learn planting technique: correct depth, planting hole, watering in, staking where needed, and mulching after planting.
Traps in questions
A frequent trap is planting too deeply, burying the root collar and causing rot. Another is confusing annuals and perennials; a tender perennial may be grown as an annual in cool climates. Candidates also forget that design principles apply to function, not just appearance; a path must suit its use.
Worked example
A small, shady courtyard needs low-maintenance planting. Choose shade-tolerant shrubs and perennials, avoid sun-loving bedding, and use mulch to reduce weeding. Rule of thumb: right plant, right place, then design around the site.