Nurseries Key Terms

Understand nursery terminology
By B. Lumadue Whether you want to create a colorful, neat landscape for your business or want to start a nursery-related business, there is a lot to learn. Getting to know some of the key terms used in the nursery business can help you choose a supplier or run your business. 
 

Hardiness zones

When you are landscaping a space or selling plants, it's important to choose plants that will thrive in your particular hardiness zone. Hardiness zones, climate zones or growing zones determine what plants can be grown in your area. Plants that don't do well in a particular zone can die quickly, because they can't tolerate the temperatures present in that zone.
Try: Backyard Gardener gives a full definition of hardiness zones along with links to maps showing zones throughout the United States.

Native plants

Native plants are plants that occur naturally in a specified area. Since they thrive in local conditions, they are easy to grow and maintain, without the need for special fertilizers or other tools.
Try: eNature talks more about native plants, with a link to a native plant finder to locate native plants in your area.

Ornamental plants

Ornamental plants are grown for display purposes. They include trees, shrubs and small plants or flowers. Ornamental plants are usually chosen for their shape or color and are planted to compliment other plants in the garden and add color and texture through all seasons.
Try: Check out wiseGEEK for a full definition and more details about ornamental plants.

Herbs and vegetables

Growing and selling herbs and vegetables can give your business an edge over the competition. Herbs not only provide color and add to interest in a garden, they can be used in recipes, crafts and home remedies.
Try: Find more information about types of herbs and growing tips at the Gather website. See Garden Helper for help with growing vegetables.

Landscape design

A neat and organized garden starts with a plan. Landscape design principles ensure that the plants in the garden coordinate with their surroundings. This includes the home, hardscaping and other plants. Get to know the basics of landscape design before creating your garden. Landscape design knowledge is vital for nursery operators to help customers choose the right plants, and can also be added as a professional service.
Try: Check out The Landscape Design Site for an overview of the principles of landscape design, as well as links to examples and resources.

Regulations

Like all businesses, nurseries must adhere to local and federal laws. There are also additional regulations for those that grow or sell plants.
Try: The Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR) lists details of regulations for nurseries.