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Glossary of TermsannualA plant that germinates, grows, flowers, produces seeds and in one growing season. chlorophyllA green pigment found in plant cells that is essential to photosynthesis and is formed only in the presence of light. cross pollinationMixing the pollen of one flowering plant with another to create a hybrid. cultivalA fancy name for plant tubers, rhizomes or root balls. disbuddingTo remove excess buds from a plant leaving the remainder to grow bigger. floretsA lilac bloom is made of groups of small flowers with 4 or 5 blossoms on a single stem. Each individual flower is a floret. hardyStrong plants that are usually able to flourish outside all year round without special protection. heavy metalsA high content of metallic minerals that contaminates soil, water or air and can affect normal growth in plants and animals. hillA cluster of plants or roots with a pile of earth around it. hybridA cross between two parent plants that are from the same species but don’t look exactly like each other. layeringA shoot or branch of a plant which is set into the ground to take root while still attached to the parent plant. microclimateA small area that has different characteristics from the general area around it. mineral oilAny oil made from minerals. Ie. petroleum oasisA green or brown foam used to support flower arrangements and hold moisture. peatmossThe slightly decayed remains of shpagnum moss that holds a lot of moisture but has no nutrients. perennialA plant that dies down to the ground during winter and survives to grow again each spring. pesticidesA chemical substance used to destroy bugs and floral diseases. photosynthesisThe process of changing light into carbohydrates that plants require to grow. propagateTo multiply plants by dividing roots, layering or start from cuttings. rooting hormoneA chemical that encourages quicker root growth in new plants. rhizomeA creeping underground stem, often thick and swollen. seed podsThe hardened protective shell that contains the maturing seeds of a plant. silica gelA highly absorbent ’sand’ that is used to dry and preserve flower blossoms and leaves. stakeTo support a plant by driving a wooden post into the ground beside it and tying it to the post. star floretsA floret with a five-pointed ’star’ shape. suckersA shoot arising from the underground part of the plant. thinningRemoval of plants materials (shoots, seedlings, flower buds or fruits) to encourage better size and quality in the remainder. true leavesThe first hardy leaves, usually the second pair, on a new plant. tuberA swollen underground stem , usually with buds, for example, potato. vermiculiteA mineral from the mica family which can be used as a heat insulator or mulch for plants. wickA length of fibre or cloth that feeds liquid from a reservoir to a drier end. zoneA region that shares similar climatic and rainfall conditions producing similar growing seasons. | ||
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