VistaGardens · Field notes
Landscaping glossary
Understand the language of your garden proposal.
- BOQ
- Bill of quantities: an itemised schedule of proposed work, materials and quantities used to describe and price an agreed landscape scope. Read it alongside drawings, specifications and exclusions.
- Hardscape
- The non-living built elements of a landscape, such as paving, paths, steps, walls and edging. Materials, drainage and construction details affect safety and durability.
- Softscape
- The living planted elements of a landscape, including trees, shrubs, lawns and groundcovers. Selection should account for soil, water, exposure and ongoing care.
- Topiary
- Plants clipped and trained into deliberate shapes. Suitable species, healthy growth and repeated selective trimming are needed to maintain the intended form.
- EC
- Electrical conductivity, a measurement used to assess dissolved salts in soil extracts or water. Interpret readings with the test method, units and plant tolerance; EC is not a complete water-quality assessment.
- Drip line
- In irrigation, tubing that delivers water through emitters near plants. In tree care, the same phrase can mean the ground beneath the outer edge of the canopy; clarify the intended meaning.
- Cultivar
- A cultivated plant variety selected for particular characteristics. Confirming the cultivar helps establish appropriate light, mowing and care requirements; a local trade name may not identify it reliably.
- pH
- A measure of acidity or alkalinity that influences nutrient availability. Soil and irrigation-water results require interpretation before amendments are selected.
- Salinity
- The amount of dissolved salts in soil or water. Excess salts can hinder water uptake or damage sensitive plants; suitability depends on the plant, drainage and actual test results.
- Soil texture
- The relative proportions of sand, silt and clay in soil. Texture influences drainage, water storage and cultivation, but does not by itself describe soil fertility.
- Drainage
- The movement and removal of excess water from soil and surfaces. Effective drainage requires suitable levels, soil conditions and a lawful, practical outlet.
- Grading
- Shaping ground levels and slopes to support drainage, circulation and the design. Changes must respect buildings, boundaries, utilities and retained plants.
- Mulch
- Material placed over soil to help moderate moisture loss, temperature and weed growth. Keep it away from trunks and stems and choose a type suited to the site.
- Compost
- Decomposed organic material used to improve soil properties where appropriate. Quality and maturity matter; compost is not a universal substitute for soil testing or drainage improvements.
- Root zone
- The soil volume occupied or potentially occupied by plant roots. Water, air, compaction and salts in this zone strongly influence plant health.
- Establishment
- The period during which newly installed plants or turf develop roots and adapt to the site. Care and readiness for use depend on actual growth and conditions, not one fixed duration.
- Turf
- Grass supplied as a rooted surface layer for lawn installation. Confirm the species or cultivar, quality, site preparation and establishment care before selecting it.
- Scalping
- Cutting grass so low that stems or soil become exposed and the lawn is stressed. Suitable mowing height depends on the confirmed grass and growing conditions.
- Irrigation zone
- A group of outlets controlled together by a valve or controller setting. Grouping plants with compatible water needs helps make watering more appropriate.
- Emitter
- An irrigation component that releases water at a controlled rate. Blockages, pressure problems or damage can cause uneven watering even when the controller operates normally.
- Backflow prevention
- Measures or devices that prevent contaminated water from flowing back into a supply. Requirements and device selection should be checked by an appropriately qualified professional.
- Hardening off
- Gradually acclimatising plants to changed light, temperature or exposure before final placement. The approach depends on plant type and its previous growing conditions.
- Planting plan
- A drawing or schedule showing intended plant locations and selections, often with spacing and quantities. The final agreed specification should identify substitutions and retained plants.
- Commissioning
- Checking and demonstrating installed systems, such as irrigation or a water-feature pump, against the agreed requirements before routine operation and handover.
- Variation
- An agreed change to the original scope, materials or quantities. Record its effect on cost, responsibilities and scheduling before the changed work proceeds.
- Fortnightly maintenance
- Maintenance visits every two weeks. This visit interval does not mean watering, observation or other necessary care can wait two weeks between checks.
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