Glossary
Accent  The use by a landscape installer of a plant or object to draw attention to a specific place or area.
Acidic Soil  Soil with a PH level of less than 7.0.
Alkaline Soil  Soil having a PH level of more than 7.0.
Alternate  Leaves, shoots or a single bud that occur at the plant node.
Annual  Flowering plants that last only one season.
Arbor  An open framework designed to offer shade and a resting place in a garden. Arbor designs often include rustic wood or latticework that also serve as a trellis on which climbing plants can grow.
Arcade A series of arches that form a walkway with a ceiling. Most often formed by rows of trees, but can also be formed by other plants or be man-made.
Artificial grass A grass-like man-made surface manufactured from synthetic materials. It is most often used in arenas for sports that were originally or are normally played on grass, however, it is now being used on residential lawns and commercial applications, as well as for putting greens
Asphalt resurfacing Asphalt is a black or brown petroleum-like material that has a consistency varying from viscous liquid to glassy solid. It is obtained either as a residue from the distillation of petroleum or from natural deposits and can be used to surface or resurface roads and driveways (in addition to being used on flat roofs).
Bastion A projecting part of a rampart or other fortification; in landscape gardening, a bastion is a projecting section of the ha-ha. 
Belvedere An architectural structure, such as a gazebo or a roofed open gallery, situated in a landscape so as to command a good view of the surrounding countryside; literally "beautiful view" in Latin. 
Biennial  Plants that grows for one year without flowering, then produces flowers/fruits in the second year before dying.
Branch Collar  The thick ring that forms at the bottom of a branch.
Bud A condensed shoot that contains a leaf or flower.
Cabinet  A hedged enclosure at the end of a walkway or path.
Cascade  A fall of water over rocks or steps, often accentuated with an arch.
Champain An expanse of open, level countryside. 
Clump A cluster, usually of trees, planted for visual effect in a landscape garden in the picturesque style. 
Composite decking Decking made of a composite material that resists fading and mold, mildew & grease stains
Compost  Rich, nutrient filled soil formed by decaying organic matter. Used as an additive to gardens and beds and when planting trees and shrubs to enrich pre-existing soil.
Cross-pollination  When pollen from the flower of one plant fertilizes the flower of another plant.
Deciduous Trees and Shrubs  Trees and shrubs that shed their leaves/foliage in the fall.
Deck contractor Deck contractors are deck installers that can provide you with the deck design of your dreams
Decking  The construction of decks out of wood or composite materials to create a recreational area.
Decorative curbing Decorative curbing can be brick or decorative concrete that lines a garden bed or walkway
Defoliation The loss of leaves from trees and shrubs
Dormancy  The temporary cession of growth during winter seasons.
Down An undulating, treeless upland plain. 
Drainage The removal of excess water from the soil, either by a system of surface ditches, or by underground conduits if required by soil conditions and land contour. Pumps are sometimes used to drain large areas or drain pipes of clay, concrete, or plastic may be laid several feet underground. Proper drainage improves soil structure; increases efficiency of phosphorus fertilizer; conserves soil nitrogen; and controls waterlogging, leaching, and salinization of soils caused by irrigation.
Drip Irrigation  A low pressure irrigation system in which nozzles are placed at the base of plants and water is applied very slowly (hence "drip" irrigation!). A highly efficient watering system both in terms of water and energy use.
Edging  The use of strong lines of division to accentuate the separation of one area from another in a landscape.
Espalier A series of fruit trees formed into a hedge by training them on a framework of lines and stakes.
Evergreen  Plants that remain green throughout the year.
Exedra An open or colonnaded recess, intended for conversation, often semi-circular, and furnished with seats or a long bench. 
Fences Fences could enclose a front or back yard and could be wood, PVC, vinyl chain link or wrought iron.
Festoon A garland of leaves or ribbons suspended in a loop between two points; festoons are often painted or sculpted, the latter particularly in friezes of the Corinthian order. 
Flower beds A piece of ground appropriated to the cultivation of flowers
Frost Line  The layer of soil that freezes during winter season.
Garden pergola Garden pergolas are wood arbors that can give a patio or yard a sense of majestic perfection
Glade Open, grassy area surrounded by woods. 
Ground Cover  Ground covers are plants that grow horizontal to the ground. Ground cover is often a landscaping contractor's best solution for shady and high traffic areas.
Gutter A trough fixed under or along the eaves for draining rainwater from a roof. Also called regionally eaves spout, eaves, trough, rainspout, spouting.
Ha-ha A sunk fence; that is, a ditch with one sloping side and one vertical side into which is built a retaining wall; a ha-ha creates a barrier for sheep, cattle, and deer while allowing an unbroken view of the landscape. 
Hardscape  Sidewalks, patios and walkways.
Harmony A pleasing combination of all the elements present in the landscape.
Herbaceous  Plants that have soft rather than woody tissue.
Hybrid  A plant that is result of crossing two different plant species.
Impervious  Soil that has become tightly packed because of foot traffic, construction etc.
Installing irrigation system Installing irrigation systems can mean the difference between a mediocre stand of grass and a lush lawn.  Irrigation contractors can provide irrigation design services for a new irrigation installation or irrigation repair services
Island Bed  Flowering beds that are set apart from the landscape surrounding them.
Landscape design "See it before you plant it" Photo-Realistic Design that includes a detailed planting plan, complete material list for do-it-yourselfers or landscape contractors and a detailed plant care guide.
Landscape edging Wood, brick, stone or any other material that add a nice decorative touch, neaten things up and provide a clean, crisp definition to garden plots. On the practical side, edgings also help keep soil and mulch in and grass out of well-tended beds.
 
Landscape lighting Landscape lighting is great for security, safety and enhancing the beauty of your home.  Creates a second nighttime landscape and increases home value.  Special holiday lighting could also be installed by a landscape lighting contractor.
Landscape lighting contractor Landscape lighting contractors provide you with landscape lighting installation
Landscape water feature A landscape water feature can include ponds, fountains, urns and waterfalls
Landscaping Fabric A synthetic landscaping material that blocks out sun, soil and weeds, but allows water to pass through.
Landscaping ponds A landscaping pond is a water feature that can add natural beauty and tranquility to any backyard.
Landscaping service Service provided by a landscaping contractor that could include general landscaping, drainage repair, tree planting, sod installation, or any outdoor living feature you desire.
Limestone  A soil additive used to increase the PH level of the soil.
Mulch  Mulch is a layer of either in-organic or organic material used to control weeds and increase water retention.
Multi-stemmed . Plants that have several main stems growing out of the ground
Natural stone landscaping Natural stone can be used in patios, walkways, steps and walls
Node  Node is a point on the stem from which leaves, shoots or flowers arise.
Outdoor fountain installation Outdoor fountain installation can be a peaceful addition to your backyard
Outdoor grill design Outdoor kitchen designs include grill islands that turn your backyard in to an enviable backyard entertainment mecca
Outdoor kitchen An outdoor kitchen may include not only a grill but also a refrigerator, cabinetry, a sink or even a wine cooler.
Parterre A flower garden with beds and paths designed to form a pattern, the outdoor and botanical equivalent to an indoor Persian carpet; literally "on the ground" in French. 
Patio  Any paved area (concrete, brick, flagstone, etc.) installed by your patio contractor and meant for recreational purposes.
Perennial Any flowering plant that returns year after year, as opposed to annuals which die after one season.
Pine straw mulch Pine straw mulch is a favorite material for landscapers and gardeners in the southern United States.  Pine straw contains nutrients vital to tree growth.
Pond design Pond designs can include waterfalls and water gardens in the privacy of your own backyard
Pond installations Pond installations are performed by insured and licensed contractors who are experienced in providing homeowners with soothing, relaxing and peaceful back yards
Pressure washing Pressure washing is the growing application of high pressure water spray. Produced by specially designed pumps, this spray is a hundred times more powerful than the typical garden hose. It can be used to clean concrete, decks and siding.
Pressure-treated wood Wood that has had a liquid preservative forced into it in order to protect against deterioration due to rot or insect attack.
Pruning  The process of controlling the growth of a plant or tree to give it a pleasing shape, to maintain its health, encourage growth and optimize space.
Putting green design Putting greens allow you to work on your short game in the privacy of your own backyard.
Putting green installation Putting green installation includes a putting surface, fringe and chipping pad, and metal cups and markers
Quincunx An arrangement of five objects, usually trees, with one at each corner of a rectangle and one at the center; this basic structural unit is often multiplied to create a larger pattern, and plantations of trees in this pattern may be identified by the same term. 
Retaining walls A wall built to support or prevent the advance of a mass of earth or water
Root Pruning Cutting off certain parts of a plant's root system in order to restrict plant growth.
Rotunda  Any circular, domed building. Often used in landscaping to create a shaded area suitable for rest and relaxation.
Sealcoating Asphalt has access to weather, salts, and chemicals causing the asphaltic molecules disintegrate and for it to lose much of its original properties, such as binding and waterproofing.  Sealcoating the pavement helps protect your asphalt driveway or other asphalt area.
Sod Sod is turf and the part of the soil beneath it held together by the roots.  Sod installation can be provided by a sod contractor who provides sod services.
Softscapes The softscape consists of various horticultural materials arranged in a number of configurations. Geometrical or asymmetrical elements of the softscape design are generally incorporated which animate and bring “life” to the design.
Sprinkler installation Sprinkler systems (irrigation systems) can mean the difference between a mediocre stand of grass and a lush lawn
Stacking  The process to supporting a tree using ropes or wooden stacks to hold it in place.
Stamped concrete Decorative concrete that can make your outdoor living area become a place of elegance with decorative patios, walkways, and driveways.
Terracing  The process of building walls to hold the soil in place on a sloped landscape.
Tonsure The shaping of evergreens by clipping. 
Topiary  A garden where plants or shrubs are shaped and trimmed into geometric or animal forms.
Tree planting company A company which provides tree planting and other tree services 
Variegated Leaves  Leaves that have different patters and colors.
Vista A long view into the countryside.
Waterfall designs Waterfall designs can include ponds or be pondless waterfalls that create a natural outdoor setting with lower maintenance requirements.
Xeriscape  Landscaping that is designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for areas where water conservation is practiced.