Glossary

Glossary

Bedding plants

Plants grown for ornamental display in outdoor beds or containers. They are often half-hardy, and may be short lived or annual in nature. Displays may be changed frequently, with spring, summer and winter bedding displays using plants of differing hardiness and seasons of interest.

Compost

Rotted organic matter that is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. In the UK, the term is also used to describe seed and potting mixtures.

Half-hardy

Plants that may be grown outdoors after the risk of frost has passed, i.e. they are hardy outside only during the warmer, but not during the colder, half of the year. Used particularly of bedding plants and other annuals, but also applies to woody plants.

Saprophytic

Describes a plant or fungus that derives its nutrition directly from dead or decayed organic matter. Plants of this type usually lack chlorophyll (green pigment).