made from organic substances, such as plant or animal material, or other matter similar enough in composition to be broken down naturally. An example would be a plantable pot, a type that is made of biodegradable material and can be planted (with its plant) directly into the ground – as opposed to a plastic pot, which will not biodegrade. The breaking down process can happen with or without oxygen. Oftentimes, the term “compostable” is used interchangeably with biodegradable; this is close, but not 100-percent accurate. If something is meant to be composted, it means it goes into a compost pile to be broken down into smaller pieces. Biodegradable material does not have to go into a compost pile to break down.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
One component of an integrated pest management strategy (see page 76) in the garden and landscape, where a gardener focuses on reducing pest populations by using natural enemies.
Natural enemies or “beneficial” insects include predators, parasites, and parasitoids. Biological control may include surveying and scouting for beneficial insects, introducing them to the landscape, or providing shelter and food for them to thrive.
BIOTIC
A living organism.
BLOOM
The opening up of a flower bud. (Also, an increase of algae in water.)
There are good blooms and not-so-good blooms. The good blooms are those that come to mind right away: the beautiful flowers in your garden in their open and peak stage (before they start to wilt and wither away). It is the bloom of a flower that breeders strive to enhance – a larger bloom, brighter bloom or a longer lasting bloom. Don't forget that the blooms are also one of the ways that a plant attracts pollinators in order to ensure longevity of the species.
Now, should you hear a gardener say in a distraught manner that they have “bloom in their pond,” that is not a good thing. Oftentimes, bloom is used as shorthand for algae bloom. This is a condition in a body of water when the population density of algae increases, discoloring the water and making the once-clear garden pond not so attractive. Some blooms can change the color of the water to yellow-brown or red and may be hazardous to humans.
BOLT/BOLTING
When a plant goes to seed prematurely.
This does not mean that plants are going to pick up and run, as one new gardener thought! Warm weather sends some plants into the reproductive stage and seeds are produced. Bolting is common with garden crops that prefer cooler weather for optimal growth. Lettuce, spinach, beets, carrots, rhubarb, cabbage and others will produce flowers and seeds prematurely (before you have a chance to enjoy them). Other reasons that plants bolt include changes in day length and stresses such as lack of water or nutrients.
BONSAI
A Japanese art form that uses miniature trees growing in containers and combines art and horticulture.
The “art” is trying to take a large specimen tree and making it appear as a miniature living in a small container. The science is the right environment and growing needs to keep the plant alive. Bonsai is usually considered a hobby and can be very time-consuming but the results are museum-quality plants.
BORDER/BORDER PLANT
A plant that is used to define or divide the space between the garden and the lawn, walk, drive or another non-garden area.
This definition refers primarily to the herbaceous perennial border, which had its origins in England in the late 1800’s. At that time, borders were perennial gardens that were growing in front of a hedge that was used for the backdrop. Many plants can be border plants, so you will not see a “border plant” section in your local garden center or nursery. These plants are usually shorter plants and placed in the front of the garden area, followed by medium-height and then tall plants in the back, using the hedge for a backdrop or background. You'll find all types of plants in a border, including specimen trees or shrubs, as well as annuals, perennials, bulbs and grasses. Garden art is sometimes placed strategically throughout the planting.
BOTANY
The scientific study of plants (a botanist is a person who specializes in this field).
BRAMBLE
A shrub with thorns that is in the rose family.
Blackberries and raspberries are considered brambles.
BRANCH COLLAR
The area where the branch attaches to the trunk of a tree, sometimes visible with a little ring around the branch.
BROADCAST
To spread fertilizer over the growing area.
BROAD SPECTRUM
Pesticides that affect a wide variety of pests.
BROADLEAVED EVERGREENS
A plant with leaves year-round.
In general, broadleaved evergreens have one central vein and the leaves are often flat, broad or wide. To further clarify, broadleaved evergreens do not keep their leaves forever, as they do drop their leaves eventually, but just certain leaves. Unlike deciduous trees and plants that drop all their leaves at the end of the growing season, broadleaved evergreen plants will drop leaves at some time during the growing season, depending upon the species. They generally drop their older leaves with new leaves developing during the next growing season,
