Gardening A to Z: A

Useful information for you, brought to you by Garden NZ

Introduction
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Acid (of soils)
Containing relatively little lime, to give a pH reaction of less than 7, the sort of soil needed to grow such plants as Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons and the like, and in which Hydrangeas flower blue. A very acid soil is described as ‘sour’.

Adelaid Rose Festival
Under the creative direction of Adrian Greenoak (the founding director of Hampton Court Palace Flower Show) the festival is being held in the beautiful natural setting of Botanic Park in Adelaide from 31 October – 3 November 2002.

Aerial Root
A root that springs from the stem of a plant above ground. The aerial roots of Ivy are short and used by the plant to cling to its support. In such plants as Monsteras, Philodendrons or some of the tropical Figs they eventually reach the ground; before they do they draw moisture from the air.

Air-layering
A method of propagation applicable to a wide range of trees and shrubs which involves wounding the stem and then packing the wound with damp sphagnum moss, held in place and kept from drying by wrapping in plastic. When roots show, the branch can be severed and planted.

Alkaline (of soils)
Containing a great deal of calcium (lime) to give a pH reaction of more than 7. It is the sort of soil preferred by such plants as Bearded Irises and the Cabbage Tribe, and in which Hydrangeas flower pink. Some gardeners refer to alkaline soils as ‘sweet’.

Alpine
A plant from high mountain regions, usually from above the treeline and hence herbaceous or a very compact shrub, and adapted to overwintering beneath deep snow where they remain moist and are protected from extremely low temperatures.

Annual
A plant that lives for only a year – often less – or which is customarily treated as such in gardens. Annuals are normally propagated from seed.

Aphid
Member of the order Aphididae of small sap-sucking insects with delicate translucent bodies, often infesting foliage in large numbers and weakening the plant. Aphids secrete a sugary ‘honeydew’ eaten by ants, which in return protect the aphids from other predators.

Apple Leaf Roller Midge
See Midge.

Aquatic Plants
A plant able to grow with at least its base immersed in water. Aquatics come in many different forms, including submerged, emergent and floating. Gardeners use aquatics mostly in ponds and streams, but they are also grown in tanks by aquarium fanciers.

Arbor
A structure, usually freestanding, designed to be covered with climbing plants to provide shade. The term is more or less interchangeable with pergola.

Arbor Day
Arbor Day and World Environment Day are celebrated globally on 5th June each year.

Architectural & Sculptural Plants
Dramatic, exotic and often funky, architectural and sculptural plants make a real statement.

Aromatic
Having a strong, usually pleasant but not just sweet smell. Aromatic plants often have resin glands on their stems and leaves, releasing the strongest aroma when the sun is hottest; many others contain essential oils in tiny leaf cavities, releasing their aroma when foliage is crushed or bruised.

Artesania
Artesania is a range of exclusive ceramic garden ware that is bright, functional and stylish for all areas of the garden and home.

Ashton Glen Perrenials Nursery
Ashton Glen is a Clinton, South Otago nursery specialising in perennials, alpines, bog and shade plants, grasses, flowering shrubs, seeds and a few New Zealand natives all erring to the cottage garden. Hostas, Hellebores and plants of woodland conditions are of special interest.

Auckland Flowers & Gifts
Auckland Flowers & Gifts is proud to offer an extensive selection of the finest quality flowers, bouquets, arrangements, gifts and gift baskets available for delivery Auckland and New Zealand wide.

Autumn Planting
The crisp, cool days of autumn are perfect for planting many garden plants. In fact, this time of year offers some clear advantages over the traditional spring planting season.

Awapuni Nursery
Whether you’re in the mood for a daring Delphinium a spicy Sage, or perhaps an engaging Eggplant, you’ll find something to delight the senses among our captivating range of over 200 plant varieties.

Axil
The ‘armpit’ of a leaf; that is, the angle between the leaf base and the stem, where there is usually a bud which may elongate to produce a lateral branch, a flower, or a group of flowers – these are then termed axillary.