A
Acid Soil -Soil with a pH lower than 7.0
Acid Rain -Rain water that contains sulphur dioxide and other acid type pollutants
Acre -A measure of land totaling 43,560 square feet.
Aerial Root-A root that grows from a stem or branch above ground level.
Aerobic-Used for describing the characteristics of compost. The living bacteria occurring in the presence of oxygen
Aggregate -A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete
Air Layering-A specialized way of propagating plants by cutting partially into the cambium layer and wrapping the cut area with spaghnum moss and a plastic bag taped to the branch.
Algae-A simple plant usually found in water. Algae can also be found growing in wet shaded areas.
Alkaline Soil -Soil with a pH greater than 7.0
Amendment-The process of adding ingredients into soil. Mulch, peat moss, sand, and crushed leaves can be used as amendments.
Annuals-Plants that complete their cycle in one growing season.
Annual Ring -The concentric circle found in wood during growth periods.
Apex -The tip or terminus of a stem as applied to a leaf or petal.
Aphids-Small sap sucking insects. They infect foliage and flowers they can be easily recognized by the "honeydew" that they secrete.
Arbor-A free standing structure used in gardens as an accent and also to support vines and other climbing plants.
Arboretum-A garden with a large collection of trees and shrubs usually grown for scientific purposes.
Arborist-A tree specialist also known as the “Tree Doctor”
Areole -A small well-defined area, usually covered with fine hair like spines, found on the stem of cacti. From them arise tiny hooked spines (see also glochids).
Asexual-A propagation technique where plants are reproduced without the use of seeds. A method of using cuttings or division to create new plants.
Auxin -A hormone that stimulates plant growth. This chemical occurs naturally in plant cells.
B
B&B -Balled and Burlap, a method of containerizing plants for transport or sale using burlap and string or wire to protect the root areas after excavation.
BT Bacillus thuringiensis -A bacterium used to destroy the stomach cells of insects that consume vegetation. The bacterium is safe to humans, birds, pets, and plants.
Backfill -The replacing of soil in a trench or around a plant root ball from previously excavated areas. Back fill for planting is usually amended to aide in the plant root growth.
Bare Root -A common name for plants that have been harvested without soil during a dormant period for replanting at a later date. Bare Root plants are usually heavily trimmed back and all the soil is removed from the root zone. These plants are then stored in a mulch bed until replanted elsewhere.
Bark -Is a protective layer of dead cells on the outside of trees and shrubs. Bark protects the cambium layer of the plant.
Basal -The lowest part of a plant or stem.
Basal Cutting -A propagation method where a cutting is taken from the base of a plant.
Bearing point-A point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated and transferred to a foundation.
Bedding Plant -Plants that are suitable for mass planting grown for quick cover or floral displays. Annuals are a good source of bedding plants.
Bedrock-A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a structure.
Beneficial Insects –
Broadly categorized as predator or parasites that feed on other insects that are harmful to plants.
Bicolor -A flower that has two distinctly different colors.
Biennial -A type of plant that requires two growing seasons to complete its life cycle.
Bisexual -Usually pertain to flowers with both stamens and pistols.
Blade-The flat portion of a grass leaf that extends above the sheath and up from the stem.
Bleeding - A loss of sap from plant tissue caused by pruning or damage.
Bloom -A process of bearing flowers.
Bog Plant -A plant that thrives in semi-aquatic growing conditions.
Bole-The part of a tree trunk from the ground to the first major branch.
Bone Meal -Finely ground composition of bone used as a fertilizer.
Bonsai-The art of micro dwarfing plants and trees maintained in containers by carefully pruning the roots and stems.
Borders -Borders can be plantings along the edge of an area.
Borders can also be structural materials such as curbing to define a certain garden areas
Botanical Name -A Latin or scientific name given to a plant.
Botrytis-Any fungi of the genus Botrytis, that is responsible for numerous diseases of fruits and vegetables. Known as "grey mold" this fungus commonly colonizes dead tissue and attacks live plants through wounds, especially under periods of prolonged high-humidity.
Bottom Heat -A propagation method where heat is placed under the base of the propagation medium or trays.
Bract-A modified leaf usually located at the base of a flower. Bougainvilleas colorful bracts are often thought to be flowers.
Branch -A secondary limb growing from the main trunk of a tree or shrub.
Brick lintel -The metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially above a window, door, or other opening.
Brick tie-A small, corrugated metal strip @ 1" X 6"- 8" long nailed to wall sheeting or studs. They are inserted into the grout mortar joint of the veneer brick, and holds the veneer wall to the sheeted wall behind it.
Brick veneer-A vertical facing of brick installed against and fastened to sheathing of a framed wall or tile wall construction.
Brown Rot -A fungus that commonly affects stone fruit.
Bud -The embryonic flower or shoot of a plant.
Building codes -Community ordinances governing the manner in which a structure may be constructed or modified.
C
Calcium -Is the chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Ca. Calcium is a soft grey alkaline earth metal, and is the fifth most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Calcium is an essential element for the proper functioning of plant cell walls and membranes.
Caliche-A soil condition found in arid regions around the world. Caliche is mostly made up of a deposit of calcium carbonate beneath the soil surface. This creates an impervious layer in the soil.
Cambium-Layer of living cells which is just below the bark, these cells are the water and food carrying tissues required for growth.
Cane-A straight, not woody branch of a multi stemmed plant.
Canker-A bacterial or fungal disease in woody plants.
Carpel-A single pistil in a female flower containing several pistils.
Cantilever-An overhang. Where a floor or structure extends beyond and over a specific area.
Cap-The upper member of a column, pilaster, or fireplace.
Caudiform-A plant with a swollen fleshy base that is not a true bulb.
Caulking-A flexible material used to seal a gap between two surfaces.
To fill a joint with mastic or asphalt plastic cement to prevent leaks.
Cellulose-The main component of cell walls, cellulose is a carbohydrate polymer of glucose.
Cement-The gray powder that is the "glue" in concrete. Portland cement. Also, any adhesive.
Central Leader -The central dominate stem of a tree.
Chalk line -A line made by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes.
Chlorophyll-The green pigment in foliage. A group of molecules used to convert light to energy.
Chlorosis-An abnormal yellowing of foliage due to nutrient deficiencies or disease.
Circuit- The path of electrical flow from a power source through an outlet and back to ground.
Circuit Breaker- A device which looks like a switch and is usually located inside the electrical breaker panel or circuit breaker box. It is designed to (1) shut of the power to portions or all of the house and (2) to limit the amount of power flowing through a circuit (measured in amperes). 110 volt household circuits require a fuse or circuit breaker with a rating of 15 or a maximum of 20 amps.
Clay Soil-Soil with very small, tightly packed flat particles that tend harden when dry, sticky when wet Clay soils drain poorly. Amendments are generally required to enhance the poor quality of this type soil.
Climate-A seasonal range of temperatures, types and amount of precipitation, wind, cloud cover etc.
Climbers-Vines or vine like plants that can grow on or over structures.
Clone-Plants are genetically derived or propagated from a single mother plant by cuttings. All are identical to each other and to the mother plant.
Column- A vertical structural member which supports loads.
Common Name-The non scientific name given to a plant. A name by which plants are commonly known.
Compaction-Compaction is created by heavy machinery compressing the layers of the soil together, resulting in the increase of soil density and decrease in porosity.
Compaction is good for structures and buildings allowing for a more solid foundation. For plants It's destructive to the composition of good growing soil.
Complete Fertilizer-A Plant food which contains all three of the primary elements - nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. NPK
Compost-A mixture that contains decayed or decaying organic matter used for fertilizing, mulching and improving soil structure.
Concrete- The mixture of Portland cement, sand, gravel, and water. Used to make, sidewalks, patios, foundation walls, etc. It is commonly reinforced with steel rods (rebar) or wire screening (mesh).
Concrete block - A hollow concrete 'brick' often 8" x 8" x 16" in size.
Concrete board - A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a tile backing material.
Container Gardening-A type of gardening where the use of containers or pots are used to grow instead of in the ground.
Control joint- Tooled, straight grooves made on concrete slabs and walks to "control" where the concrete should crack
Crop -Any fruit or vegetable grown for harvest.
Cryptogam-A type of plant that reproduces by spores.
Culinary Herb-A type of plant grown for its strong flavor which is used in cooking.
Cultivar-The cultivated form of a plant.
Cultivate-A term used for breaking the surface of the soil, so water, air and fertilizer can penetrate in preparation for planting.
Cutting-A method of propagation where a piece of plant is cut and inserted into a growing medium to form roots.
D
Damping Off -A fungal disease affecting the stems of seedlings to rot or decay.
Dado- A groove cut into a board intended to receive the edge of a connecting board.
Daylight- The end of a pipe that is not attached to anything.
Dead-Head-The removing of spent flowers either with pruners or by pinching-off.
Decidious -Plants and trees whose leaves die off all at once usually in the fall when cooler temperatures occur. New leaves will begin to re-grow in the spring.
Deck, decked- To install the board on the floor joists, rafters, or trusses.
Defoliation -A premature loss of foliage generally caused by stress or disease.
Deep Shade -An area where sunlight is dappled less than two hours per day.
Dethatch-The process of removing the dead grass that builds up under new growth.
Dibble-A pointed tool used to create holes in soil. A pencil or rod can be used as a dibble.
Dividing-A propagation method where the splitting, dividing or separation of roots are done to increase the quantity of plants.
Dormancy-The annual cycle in the life of plants where growth and other activity decreases or stops for a short period.
Downspout- A pipe, for carrying rainwater down from the roof's horizontal gutters.
Drain tile- A perforated, corrugated plastic pipe laid at the bottom of the foundation wall and used to drain excess water away from the foundation. It prevents ground water from seeping through the foundation wall.
Drill -A shallow furrow for sowing seed.
Drip Irrigation -A method of irrigation where a calculated amount of water is distributed to a root zone through emitters.
Drip Line -The circular area at the outside edge of a plant or tree’s canopy.
E
Easement- A formal contract which allows a party to use another party's property for a specific purpose. e.g. A sewer easement might allow one party to run a sewer line through a neighbors property.
Eaves- The horizontal exterior roof overhang.
Egress- A means of exiting the home.
Elbow (ell)- A plumbing or electrical fitting that lets you change directions in runs of pipe or conduit.
Efflorescence-The white deposit of calcium or salts that appear on the surfaces of concrete and clay products after watering.
Endemic-Plants which are naturally found in a region or geographic area.
Ephermerals-Plants that emerge and bloom during one period of a year then die back for the remainder of the year.
Epidermis -The outer layer of a plant.
Epiphyte-A type of plant that grows above ground by attaching itself to trees and other items for support.
Erosion -The loss of soil by natural or man made conditions.
Espalier-A method of training plants to grow in a flat pattern generally horizontal, against walls, fences, or along wires.
Evaporation -A process where water returns to air. Wind and high temperatures speed the process.
Evapotranspiration-ET, it is the quantity of water that transpires through a plant foliage combined with the evaporation from the soil in which the plant is growing.
Expansion joint- Fibrous material (@1/2" thick) installed in and around a concrete slab to permit it to move up and down (seasonally) along the non-moving foundation wall.
Expansive soils- Earth that swells and contracts depending on the amount of water that is present.
Exposed aggregate finish- A method of finishing concrete which washes the cement/sand mixture off the top layer of the aggregate - usually gravel
Evergreen-A term used to describe the plant and tree foliage that remains alive throughout the year.
F
Face nail- To install nails into the vertical face of a bearing header or beam.
Faced concrete- To finish the front and all vertical sides of a concrete, step(s), or patio.
Facing brick- The brick used and exposed on the outside of a wall. Usually these have a finished texture.
Fascia- Horizontal boards attached to rafter/truss ends at the eaves and along gables. Roof drain gutters are attached to the fascia.
Felt- Tar paper. Installed under the roof shingles. Normally 15 lb. or 30 lb.
Female- Any part, such as a nut or fitting, into which another part can be inserted. Internal threads are female.
Family-A genus or several genera which have basically similar floral patterns.
Fertile-Soil with all the necessary ingredients to grow healthy plants.
Plants that are capable of producing seed and fruit.
Fertilize-The use of organic or inorganic plant foods to help maintain healthy growth.
Fiberous Roots-A type of root system that has many thin branching elements.
Field Grown -Plants that are grown in the ground and not in containers. Field grown plants are generally larger and stronger than container grown.
Fireblight-A bacterial disease identified as a problem for fruit trees as well as ornamental plants of the Roseaceae family including cotoneaster, hawthorn and pyracantha.
Fire brick- Brick made of refractory ceramic material which will resist high temperatures.
Fish tape- A long strip of spring steel used for fishing cables and for pulling wires through conduit.
Flagstone Flat stones (1 to 4 inches thick) used for walks, steps, floors, and vertical veneer.
Flashing- Sheet metal or other material used in roof and wall construction to protect a building from water seepage.
Flat paint- An interior paint that contains a high proportion of pigment and dries to a flat or lusterless finish.
Flatwork- Common word for concrete floors, driveways, and sidewalks.
Floating- The next-to-last stage in concrete work, when you smooth off the job and bring water to the surface by using a hand float or bull float.
Floribunda -Plants that flower in quantity and abundance.
Focal Point-A garden Term used in design that refers to an element or point of focus.
Foliage -Leaves or vegetative tissue in mass.
Foliar Feeding -A method of fertilizing applied through a sprayer.
Foliar Fertilizer -A liquid water soluble fertilizer applied through spraying.
Fork -A pronged tool used for lifting or digging.
Footer, footing- Continuous 8" or 10" thick concrete pad installed before and supports the foundation wall or mono-post.
Foundation Planting-Plantings that are used around the base of a building to make it look aesthetically pleasing.
Form- Temporary structure erected to contain concrete during placing and initial hardening.
Foundation- The supporting portion of a structure below grade, including the footings.
Framing- Lumber used for the structural members of a building, such as studs, joists, and rafters.
Frost lid- Round metal lid that is installed on a water meter pit.
Frost line- The depth of frost penetration in soil and/or the depth at which the earth will freeze and swell. This depth varies in different parts of the country.
Frond -A term used to describe the branch or leaf of a palm or fern.
Frost Free Date -The average annual last day of frost determined by years of temperature recordings.
Frost-The frozen condensation of moisture in the air.
Frost Hardy -Plants that can handle frost without damage.
Frost Tender -Plants that will damage or be killed during periods of frost.
Full Sun -Plants that require more than six hours of sunlight per day.
Fumigation -The use of gas or vapors to sterilize soils.
Fungicide-A chemical used to inhibit disease caused by fungi.
Fungus -A simple form of plant life that is known to causes disease to other plants.
G
Gall -Abnormal growths on plants caused by various organisms, insects, nemetodes, fungi, bacteria and viruses.
Gate valve- A valve that lets you completely stop the flow within a pipe.
Gazebo-A freestanding, roofed, usually open-sided structure.
Genus -A method of classifying group of related plants.
Germinate -The start of growth in seed.
GF C I, or G F I- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter- an ultra sensitive plug designed to shut off all electric current. Used in exterior waterproof outlets, garage outlets, and "wet areas".
Glaucous-Smooth waxy leaves.
Globe valve- A valve that lets you adjust the flow of water to any rate between fully on and fully off.
Glochids-Small hairs with barbs found on some cacti.
Gloss enamel- A finishing paint material. Forms a hard coating with maximum smoothness of surface and dries to a sheen or luster (gloss)
Grade- Ground level, or the elevation at any given point. Also the work of leveling dirt. Also the designated quality of a manufactured piece of wood.
Grafting -A process of joining the stem or a bud of one plant to the branch or root stock of another.
Grain- The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or quality of the fibers in wood.
Ground- Refers to electricity's habit of seeking the shortest route to earth. Neutral wires carry it there in all circuits. An additional grounding wire or the sheathing of the metal-clad cable or conduit—protects against shock if the neutral leg is interrupted.
Ground fault- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter see GFCI, GFI
Groundwater- Water from an aquifer or subsurface water source.
Grout- A wet mixture of cement, sand and water that flows into masonry or ceramic crevices to seal the cracks between the different pieces.
Growing Season -The time period from the last day of frost until the first frost later in the year.
Growth Buds -A small bud that occurs at the tip of a stem where a leaf is produced.
H
Hardiness-The strength of a plant to survive low temperatures or frost.
Harden Off -An acclimating process to toughen the tenderness of plants by lengthening its exposure to cool conditions.
Hardpan-An impervious layer of soil.
Hardscape -Any garden feature or item that is not a plant.
Hardwood -Deciduous trees that have broad green foliage.
Hardy Plants -Plants that can withstand exposure to temperatures below 45 degrees.
Drought hardy plants can withstand the lack of water for prolong periods.
Head-The top of a plant or tree.
Header- (a) A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed (b) A wood lintel. (c) The horizontal structural member over an opening.
Hearth- The fireproof area directly in front of a fireplace
Healing - A process where wounds, grafts, or unions are sealed by wax or other means.
Hedge / Hedge Row -A relatively close linear planting of plants either trees or shrubs that provide a barrier. Tree hedges make a great windbreaker.
Heirloom Plant -Plants that have been grown with open pollination for a period of fifty years or more.
Herb -A group of plants grown for their medicinal or flavor qualities.
Herbaceous -A group of non woody plants with soft green and sometimes fleshy stems.
Herbicide -A chemical either organic or non-organic used to kill plants, weeds or grasses.
Home run (electrical)- The electrical cable that carries power from the main circuit breaker panel to the first electrical box, plug, or switch in the circuit.
Honeydew-A sticky secretion deposited on plants by insects. Aphids are known to attract ants for their honeydew.
Horticulture -Is the name applied to the art and science of gardening.
Humus -The organic part of soil resulting from decayed leaves and other matter.
Hybird-An offspring of two or more different species of plants.
I
Indegenous -Plant species that are native and occur in a specific area or region.
Indirect Sunlight -Light that is diffused but fills the area.
Inorganic -A chemical which is derived from a source that has never been alive.
Insecticidal soap -A biodegradable soap for killing soft tissue insects.
Insecticide -A chemical organic or non used to kill undesirable insects.
Irrigation- Lawn sprinkler system.
J
Joint- The location between the touching surfaces of two members or components joined and held together by nails, glue, cement, mortar, or other means.
Joint trench- When the electric company and telephone company dig one trench and "drop" both of their service lines in.
Joist- Wooden 2 X 6’s , 8's, 10's, or 12's that run parallel to one another and support a floor or ceiling, and supported in turn by larger beams, girders, or bearing walls.
Joist hanger- A metal "U" shaped item used to support the end of a joist and attached with hardened nails to another bearing joist or beam.
Juvenile Stage-A period of a plants life usually in the non-reproductive stage where there may be different shaped foliage.
K
Kernel -A seed or part of a nut enclosed in a husk.
Kilowatt (kw)- One thousand watts. A kilowatt hour is the base unit used in measuring electrical consumption.
L
Larva -Immature insects.
Latex-The white milky substance that exudes from some plants. In many plants the latex is toxic.
Lattice-A geometrical framework or structure used for shade, screening, or
To support vines.
Lawn -An expanse of grass.
Layering -A propagation method where flexible stems are attached to the ground to produce roots.
Leach / Leaching -A process to remove excess salts from the soil. Usually leaching is done with the use of large quantities of water.
Lineal foot- A unit of measure for a distance in increments of 12” or lumber equal to 1 inch thick by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long. Examples: 1" x 12" x 16' = 16 board feet, 2" x 12" x 16' = 32 board feet.
Loam -A humus rich soil that contains clay, sand, and silt.
Lumens- Unit of measure for total light output. The amount of light falling on a surface of one square foot.
M
Manufacturer's specifications- The written installation and/or maintenance instructions which are developed by the manufacturer of a product and which may have to be followed in order to maintain the product warrantee.
Masonry- Stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete block, or other similar building units or materials. Normally bonded together with mortar
Mastic- A pasty material used as a cement.
Manure -The decomposed product from animal waste.
Marginal Plant -A plant that grows along the edge of a pond or lake.
Microclimate -An area with set conditions that is different from the surrounding area.
Micronutrients-Minerals needed in small quantities to promote healthy plant growth.
Iron, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, and chlorine.
Microorganisms -A group of plants or animals to small to see without the help of science. These organisms help improve soil conditions.
Mildew -The name given to a fungus of the variety Ersiphacae.
Mold -A fuzzy hairy type of fungus found usually on decaying tissue.
Monoecious-A plant that bares both male and female flowers.
Mortar- A mixture of cement (or lime) with sand and water used in masonry work.
Moss -A simple plant that has short stems and inhabits moist shady areas.
Mowing Edge -An edging placed between grass and planters set at the finish grade. This allows the wheel of a lawnmower to roll on so the edges of the grass can be cut without having to use a trimmer.
Mulch -An organic material made from woof fibers, leaves, straw or peat. Mulch is used to help prevent weed growth and regulate the surface soil temperatures around plants.
Muriatic acid- Commonly used as a brick cleaner after masonry work is completed.
N
Native Plant -A plant that grows naturally in a specific region or location.
Naturalized -Plants that reproduce and grow without cultivation in a given area or region.
Natural finish- A transparent finish which does not seriously alter the original color or grain of the natural wood. Natural finishes are usually provided by sealers, oils, varnishes, water repellent preservatives, and other similar materials.
Nematode -Microscopic worm like organisms that damage plant roots.
Nitrogen -A fertilizer nutrient known for greening plant foliage.
Node -A point on a stem where a leaf bud is attached.
O
O C- On Center- The measurement of spacing from the center of one member to the center of the next.
Offset -A small plantlet or bulb which appears on a mature plant. Offsets can be removed and planted for propagation.
Orchard -A planting of fruit trees for production.
Organic-Chemicals or compounds that have been gathered from a source that was once alive.
Organic Gardening -A method of gardening where only organic products are involved.
Organic gardening materials are derived from living things.
Ornamental -A plant or group of plants that are grown for their foliage or flower.
Overseeding -A method of planting seed on the surface of lawns.
P
Pallets- Wooden platforms used for storing and shipping material.
Parasitic Plant -A plant that grows and receives nutrients from a host plant.
Pathogen-A virus or fungus that causes plant disease.
Paver, paving- Materials—commonly masonry—installed to make a firm, even surface.
Perennials -A plant or group of plants that grow for more than one season.
Pergola -A structure with parallel columns or posts that support an open roof .
Perlite -Hard porous granules from volcanic rock that are treated and used to improve soil drainage and moisture retention.
Pest -Any animal or insect that causes damage to plant materials.
Pesticide -A chemical substance used to kill insects, microbes, mammals and other living things.
pH Level -pH is the “potential of Hydrogen” the measurement of the concentration of Hydrogen ions. A neutral pH is 7.0
Photosynthesis -A process where a plant turns sunlight into energy for growth.
Pier- A column of masonry, usually rectangular in horizontal cross section, used to support other structural members.
Pigment- A powdered solid used in paint or concrete to give it a color.
Plan view- Drawing of a structure with the view from overhead, looking down.
Plume -A feather like inflorescence of grass.
Pollen -A dust like male element that fertilizes the ovule of female plants.
Portland cement- Cement made by heating clay and crushed limestone into a brick and then grinding to a pulverized powder state.
Post- A vertical framing member usually designed to carry a beam.
Post-and-beam- A basic building method that uses just a few hefty posts and beams to support an entire structure.
Powdery Mildew -A disease from fungus that produces a whiteish or greyish residue on foliage. It occurs mostly in summer when the soils are dry and the air is hot and humid.
Pressure-Treated Wood-Lumber that has been impregnated with preservatives to resist decay. Not recommended for use in garden area where vegetables or herbs are grown for consumption.
Primer- The first, base coat of paint when a paint job consists of two or more coats.
Propagate/Propagation-A method to multiply or start new plants by one of a many techniques ranging from starting seeds to clones created by cuttings layering or division.
Pruning-A process of cutting off branches to remove dead, injured or diseased parts of a plant or tree. It is also used to enhance structural strength and maintain shape or form.
PVC - Poly Vinyl Chloride-A type of white or light gray plastic pipe sometimes used for water supply lines and waste pipe.
Q
R
Rabbet- A rectangular longitudinal groove cut in the corner edge of a board or plank.
Railroad tie- Black, tar and preservative impregnated, 6" X 8" and 6'-8' long wooden timber that was used to hold railroad track in place.
Rake- Slope or slanted.
Raised Bed -An elevated garden area designed for better drainage.
Ready mixed concrete- Concrete mixed at a plant or in trucks en route to a project and delivered ready for placement.
Rebar, reinforcing bar-Ribbed steel bars installed in foundation concrete walls, footers, and poured in place concrete structures designed to strengthen concrete.
Receptacle- An electrical outlet
Relative Humidity -A measure of moisture in the atmosphere.
Retaining Wall-A wall or structure built on a slope to keep the soil from eroding or moving.
Rhizome-A thickened stem with roots growing from it, that grow horizontally below or on the soil surface.
Root Bound-A condition that exists when a potted plant has outgrown its container. The roots become entangled and grow in a circular pattern, the growth of the plant becomes stunted.
Root Rot-A plant diseases generally caused by fungi or bacteria, that lead to the decay of the plant roots.
Rooting Hormone-A chemical in powder or liquid form which promotes the formation of roots of a properly prepared cutting.
Rootstock-A hardy plant used to provide the root system for other plants in grafting.
Rot -Any plant disease that causes the breakdown and decay of tissue.
S
Sack mix- The amount of Portland cement in a cubic yard of concrete mix. Generally, 5 or 6
Sap-The fluid that travels through the vascular tissues of plants. Sap consists primarily of sugar and water.
Sapling -The name given to a very young tree.
Scab-A disease from fungal scale that leaves spots on fruit and foliage.
Scald-The process where strong sunlight burns the tissue and foliage of plants.
Scarification/Scarify-A method of propagation where the deliberate scratch nick or breaking the hard coat of a seed is done to allow water to enter the area and begin the germination process.
Scientific Name-The internationally recognized Latin name of a plant.
Scion-A short length of a stem, taken from a woody plant, and then grafted onto the rootstock of another plant.
Screen -A tall hedge or other object to hide unsightly views or block the wind.
Screed, concrete- To level off concrete to the correct elevation during a pour.
Sealer- A finishing material, either clear or pigmented, that is usually applied directly over raw wood or stone for the purpose of sealing the surface.
Seasoning- Drying and removing moisture from green wood in order to improve its usability.
Seed Coat -The outer layer or protective covering surrounding a seed.
Seed Pod -A protective shell that contains maturing seeds.
Seedling -A young plant grown from seed.
Septum -A partition of a fruit.
Serrate -A saw like edge of a leaf design.
Shade Cloth -A woven material used to filter sunlight and protect plants.
Shed roof- A roof containing only one sloping plane.
Shoot -The stem portion of a plant that bears leaves flowers and buds.
Shrub-A woody plant with a framework of branches.
Slab on grade- A type of concrete floor which is placed directly on the soil. The edge of the slab is usually thicker and acts as the footing for the walls.
Sleeve(s)- Pipe installed under the concrete driveway or sidewalk, and that will be used later to run sprinkler pipe or low voltage wire.
Slip -A stem section of a plant used in propagation.
Softwood -A tree that produces narrow needlelike leaves conifers are softwood trees.
Sooty Mold-A fungus that develops on insect secretions. Use a soapy water solution or insecticidal soap to rinse off the insect.
Spade -A hand shovel with a curved blade than can be pushed into the soil with foot pressure.
Spaghetti tubing-A thin flexible poly tube that is used for water distribution to individual plants from larger main lines.
Span- The clear distance that a framing member carries a load without support between structural supports
Species -A group of plants that are genetically similar.
Specifications or Specs- A narrative list of materials, methods, model numbers, colors, allowances, and other details which supplement the information contained in the blue prints. Written elaboration in specific detail about construction materials and methods.
Spent -Flowers leaves and bulbs of plants that have completes their cycle.
Sphagnum Moss-A bog plant which is collected and composted. Used for lining hanging baskets and mixed into soil mixtures to increase water retention.
Spore-A reproductive cell of non-flowering plants ferns moss and fungi.
Stake -A piece of wood, plastic, or metal used to support a plant,
Staking -The practice of using a stake to support trees and other plants.
Starch -A carbohydrate found in seeds fruits tubers roots and stems.
Stolon-A horizontally spreading stem with rooting areas near its tip which produce new plants.
Stomata-The pores in the epidermis of leaves.
Stone -The enclosure of a seed such as a peach.
Strain -A variety or cultivar raised from a seed.
Stratification-A chilling process used to break the dormancy of a seed.
Striate-To have stripes or long lines.
Stucco- Refers to an outside plaster finish made with Portland cement as its base.
Stud- A vertical wood framing member, also referred to as a wall stud, attached to the horizontal sole plate below and the top plate above. Normally 2 X 4's or 2 X 6's. One of a series of wood or metal vertical structural members placed as supporting elements in walls and partitions.
Sublateral -A side shoot that grows from lateral shoots.
Subspecies-An isolated distinct subdivision of a species.
Succulent-Plants that have foliage or stems that store water. Succulent plants tend to be fleshy and watery. Cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti.
Sucker-A vigorous growing shoot that grows from the root system or graft area.
T
T & G, tongue and groove- A joint made by a tongue (a rib on one edge of a board) that fits into a corresponding groove in the edge of another board to make a tight flush joint.
Tap Root -The central or primary root that generally grows vertical and extends to considerable depth.
Tee- A "T" shaped plumbing fitting
Tender -Plants that require a minimum temperatures of 60 degrees F.
Tender Plants -Plants that are unable to withstand frost or cold temperatures.
Tendril -A cordlike structure produced on plants to help support themselves.
Terrace -Any surface area that is level. Also used to define many levels.
Terra cotta- A ceramic material molded into masonry units.
Texture -A definition used to describe of the coarse and fineness of a plant or object In design.
Thatch -The matted layer of dead and living grass.
Thorn -A hard pointed modified branch or stem.
Topiary -The art of trimming and training plants to a defined shape of interest.
Trace Elements-An exceedingly small quantity of chemicals generally described as parts per million PPM.
Transplant -To move from one place to another.
Trenching -A shallow ditch for the placement of waterlines or to carry water to plants.
Tropical -An area that is frost free with temperatures high enough to support year round growth.
Trunk -The Stem of a tree.
Tuber -A fleshy root of a plant used to store starch and water.
Tuberous -Defined as having many tubers.
Turf -A dense covering of lawn or grass.
U
Underplant -Defined as growing shorter plants under larger trees and shrubs.
Union- A plumbing fitting that joins pipes end-to-end so they can be dismantled.
USDA -United States Department of Agriculture.
USDA Zone-U.S. Department of Agriculture classifications according to annual minimum temperatures and or lengths of growing seasons.
USNA -United States National Arboretum.
V
Variegated Leaf -A leaf that has one or more colors in the shape of lines, blotches, stripes, spotted or edged.
Vegetable -A plant that has edible herbaceous tissue in the root leaves or stems.
Vein -The vessels or ribs of a plant leaf.
Vermeculite -A light weight mineral called mica that is heated to the point of expansion making them sponge like. These granules have the capability to retain water and air. They are used in potting mixtures.
Vine -A plant that climbs and trails.
Virus -A disease that can not be controlled by chemical means.
W
Water Garden -A planting of aquatic and bog plants in and around a pond or lake.
Water meter pit (or vault)- The box /cast iron bonnet and concrete rings that contains the water meter.
Water-repellent preservative- A liquid applied to wood to give the wood water repellant properties.
Water table- The location of the underground water, and the vertical distance from the surface of the earth to this underground water.
Water tap- The connection point where the home water line connects to the main municipal water system.
Weed -A plant that is uninvited and usually unattractive.
Weep holes- Small holes in storm window frames that allow moisture to escape.
Wetting Agent -A substance added to water to increase its ability to wet a surface.
Wire nut- A plastic device used to connect bare wires together.
X Y Z
Xeriscape -The use of drought tolerant plants in a garden.
Yard -A unit of measure. A cubic yard is 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet or 27 cubic feet.
It can also be a distance of 3 feet.
Zone -A region that shares a similar climate.
Part of the information in this glossary is from www.HomeBuildingManual.com