Know the characteristics and naming of the main groups of plants and their life cycles. 7 minute read
Describe the structure of plant cells and state the functions of plant cell components and tissues. 1 minute read
Understand the importance of photosynthesis, respiration, and the movement of water and minerals through the plant. 1 minute read How plants drink, breathe, make their own food (using photosynthesis) and move the food and water around.
Describe the characteristics and uses of different types of organic matter added to the soil. 4 minute read
Explain what is meant by physical, cultural, chemical, or biological control. less than 1 minute read
Describe how the selection of plants can help to avoid plant health problems. less than 1 minute read
Describe how to identify potential hazards and risks on a site, including overhead and underground hazards (e.g. electric cables); unsafe buildings, features and trees; topography and existing features (e.g. watercourses and ponds). Define hazard and risk as used in risk assessments. site topography; unsafe hard landscaping features and garden buildings; trees; areas of water in the garden; overhead and underground services. 2 minute read
Describe the potential restrictions which may limit work on the site, including financial constraints; difficulties with access for plant, equipment and materials; topography (degree and extent of slopes); boundary constraints and restrictions on the time the works can be carried out. Completion of work in stages to suit client’s cash-flow, access points for plant and equipment, delivery of materials, the need to negotiate work at boundaries with neighbours, seasonal restrictions to the timing of work (day length, weather) and legal restrictions (local byelaws). Ways to overcome restricted access. less than 1 minute read
State what existing garden features need to be identified, including buildings, hard landscape features, and the trees and plants that are to be retained. The survey should identify any significant features to be retained such as garden buildings, hard landscaping features, trees and plants with design or sentimental importance and other features that need removal. less than 1 minute read
State why it is necessary to identify the existence of overhead and underground services. less than 1 minute read
Describe how to carry out basic linear surveying techniques, including the use of tapes, offsets and triangulation. 1 minute read
State what needs to be recorded when carrying out a site appraisal, including soil type, contour, aspect, micro climate, exposure and drainage. 4 minute read
Describe the relevance of garden planning principles to the production of a garden design that ‘works’ – one that follows accepted ‘rules’ or ‘conventions’, and which is pleasing to the eye. 3 minute read
Describe the main characteristics of a knot garden, a landscape garden and a cottage garden. 2 minute read
Describe rock gardens and water features. State TWO examples of manufactured and TWO of natural materials for EACH element. 24 minute read
Name TEN patio or basket plants suitable for planting in a variety of garden situations. State details of their decorative merits, height and spread and site requirements; describe a situation where each could be used effectively. less than 1 minute read
Name FIVE bulbs, corms or tuberous plants used for winter or spring interest, and FIVE for summer or autumn interest, in a variety of garden situations. State details of their decorative merits, height and spread and site requirements; describe a situation where each could be used effectively. less than 1 minute read
Name FIVE evergreen and FIVE deciduous trees (large shrubs), suitable for planting in a domestic garden. State details of their decorative merits, height and spread and site requirements; describe a situation where each could be used effectively. less than 1 minute read
Name FIVE evergreen and FIVE deciduous plant species, suitable for hedging or screening (including formal or informal use). State details of their decorative merits, height and spread and site requirements; describe a situation where each could be used effectively. less than 1 minute read
Name TEN deciduous and TEN evergreen shrubs suitable for planting in a variety of garden situations. State details of their decorative merits, height and spread and site requirements; describe a situation where each could be used effectively. less than 1 minute read
Name TEN herbaceous perennials suitable for planting in a variety of garden situations. State details of their decorative merits, height and spread and site requirements; describe a situation where each could be used effectively. less than 1 minute read
Name TEN Alpine or Rock garden plants suitable for planting in a variety of garden situations. State details of their decorative merits, height and spread and site requirements; describe a situation where each could be used effectively. less than 1 minute read
Name FIVE plants grown as biennials, which are suitable for planting in a variety of garden situations. State details of their decorative merits, height and spread and site requirements; describe a situation where each could be used effectively. less than 1 minute read
Name TEN hardy plants grown as annuals, suitable for planting in a variety of garden situations. State details of their decorative merits, height and spread and site requirements; describe a situation where each could be used effectively. less than 1 minute read
Name TEN half-hardy plants suitable for seasonal bedding. State details of their decorative merits, height and spread and site requirements and describe a situation where each could be used effectively. less than 1 minute read
Describe how elements of hard landscaping should be selected and used to ensure that a design is cohesive. less than 1 minute read
Describe how elements of soft landscaping should be selected and used to ensure that a design is cohesive. less than 1 minute read
Describe how other materials and items (e.g. garden furniture) should be selected and used to ensure that a design is cohesive. less than 1 minute read
State how the risks related to the hazards identified in 8.1 can be minimised by careful planning during the planning and design stage. 1 minute read
Describe how the environmental sustainability of landscaping materials may affect choices made during the planning and design stage. 1 minute read
State how sustainable practices in the maintenance of a garden can be integrated successfully during the planning and design stage. less than 1 minute read
Explain the importance of F1 hybrid plants and the term ‘hybrid vigour’. State FOUR specific plant examples. less than 1 minute read
Name FIVE plants suitable for spring bedding displays, including TWO bulbs (or corms or tubers). less than 1 minute read
Name FIVE plants suitable for winter display in containers or hanging baskets. less than 1 minute read
Describe the soil or growing media preparation, sowing (H.A border) or planting out of plants for seasonal display for the situations listed in 1.3 – 1.7. 11 minute read
Describe the routine maintenance of seasonal bedding, including control of weeds and common pests and diseases (aphids, slugs and snails, vine weevil, grey mould, powdery mildew) for the situations listed in 1.3 – 1.7 3 minute read
Name TEN herbaceous perennial plants suitable for growing in an herbaceous border. less than 1 minute read
Name FIVE herbaceous perennials suitable for growing in shade and FIVE suitable for use as ground cover. less than 1 minute read
Name TEN bulbs or corms or tubers, of which FOUR should be suitable for growing in the border, FOUR for containers and FOUR for naturalizing. less than 1 minute read
Describe the soil preparation, planting, routine maintenance and control of weeds, pests and diseases (aphids, slugs and snails, vine weevil, grey mould, powdery mildew, stem or bulb eelworm) required for growing herbaceous perennials and bulbs, corms or tubers. 18 minute read
Name FIVE shrubs grown for winter interest and FIVE grown for autumn display. less than 1 minute read
Name FIVE bush roses suitable for growing in a rose bed, including cluster- flowered (floribunda) and large-flowered (hybrid tea) examples. less than 1 minute read
Name FIVE climbers and FIVE wall shrubs suitable for a variety of garden situations including shaded and north-facing. less than 1 minute read
Describe the routine maintenance for trees and woody shrubs, to include pruning and the control of weeds and common pests and diseases (aphids, powdery mildew, black spot of roses, canker, coral spot, honey fungus). 5 minute read
Name FIVE alpine or rock garden plants for spring display and FIVE for summer display. less than 1 minute read
Describe soil characteristics, soil preparation and routine maintenance for the display of alpine or rock garden plants in open soil. 7 minute read
Describe choice of container, the characteristics and preparation of the growing medium, and the routine maintenance required for an alpine or rock garden display in containers. 4 minute read
Describe the annual maintenance of a garden pool including possible controls for algae including blanket weed. 3 minute read
State appropriate grass mixtures for the establishment of a high quality ornamental lawn and for a hard-wearing utility lawn. 1 minute read
Describe the annual maintenance programme for quality ornamental and for hard-wearing utility lawns. 3 minute read
Describe the range of equipment used for mowing, feeding, scarifying and aerating to maintain lawns. less than 1 minute read
Describe the symptoms of a range of common lawn pests and diseases, including red thread, Fusarium patch, fairy rings, leatherjackets and moles; state an appropriate control measure for EACH. 3 minute read
R2112 Understanding the choice establishment and maintenance of garden plants and lawns 1 minute read