Glossary- Gardening Terms

English garden

A form of landscape design that recreates an idealized, “natural” style. Typically, English-style gardens feature lakes, rolling hills, stands of trees, and naturally shaped flower beds. The garden style is considered to be the contrasting counter-point to formal gardens.

epicotyl

The part of the stem on a seedling that falls between the cotyledon leaves and the first set of true leaves.

epigeal

Plants whose first leaves (cotyledons) first appear above the soil line during the seed germination process.

epiphyte

A plant that grows by attaching itself to something, typically another plant, and receives its nourishment from the air and water. Some varieties of orchids and air plants are epiphytes.

erosion

The process of water washing away soil from the areas the water flows over. It can be caused by rainfall or a the flow of a body of water.

espalier

The process of pruning a plant, normally a fruit tree, so that it grows flat against a wall or fence. Normally done to save space and to make the best use of stored heat.

evaporation

The name of the process by which water goes from a liquid form to a gas form. This process can be sped up by heat or air flow.

evergreen

A plant that does not shed its leaves at any point in time during the year.

evergreen

A plant that stays green all year round by not losing it leaves. Evergreens may go into a state of semi dormancy, but never one of full dormancy.

exudation

Releasing plant toxic chemicals through the roots so as to prevent nearby plant growth.

eye

On tuberous root, it is the point at which either a root or stem can grow from the tuber.