A. Horticulture

Download 30.64 Kb.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

CRS 523 STUDENT NOTES hedges and ground covers-1
2

SELECTING GROUND COVER

Choose attractive vigorous plant that will quickly cover their allotted space without unduly becoming invasive. They should be perennial remaining above ground all year round for an evergreen effect or remerging and developing rapidly when the weather becomes favourable. Annual and biennial plants are unsuitable except as seasoned fillers while the ground cover is becoming established.
Should be selected to suit its location for example wet, dry, shady, hot or sunny.
The care (maintenance). Select the plant that is easily cared for.
Choose long term plant that should remain healthy for 5-10 years or more.
Look for species or cultivars that will provide interesting and attractive foliage, as well as fruit.

BENEFITS AND USES OF GROUND COVER

Help to reduce weeds.
Reduce evaporation from expose or free drained soils.
Prevents erosion. Examples are Junipers sqamata (Blue carpet)
Act as a low boundary markers
Helps to trap wind blown rubbish beneath their branches which can be raked out later.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD GROUND COVER

Must provide complete cover for the soil surface.
It must be perennial.
It must be vigorous enough to maintain itself and keep down most weeds.
Must require little maintenance
Must be inexpensive to purchase as lot of plants are required to cover even a small moderate area.

EXAMPLES OF GROUND COVER

ASSIGNMENT
List 10 examples of hedge plants and write short note on any three.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9