HORTICULTURE

HORSL 4 - PRODUCE ORNAMENTALS AND LAWN

HORSL. 4.1 demonstrate skills in the propagation o ornamental

plants
HORSL 4.2 demostrate skills in management of ornamentals
HORSL 4.3 demonstrate skills in marketing of ornamentals
HORSL 4.4 demonstrateskills in establishing lawn
HORSL 4.5 demonstrate skills in management of lawn
HORSL 4.6 demonstrate skills in marketing of planting materials of
lawn
 ORNAMENTALS
Ornamental plants are plants grown for decorative purposes.

The growing of ornamental plants is called floriculture, which forms a major branch of
horticulture.

These plants are grown in gardens and landscape design projects as:-

 House plants
 Cut flowers
 Specimen dis[lay

There are three types of ornamental plants. This depends on where they are grown or the
purpose for which they are grown. These include:-

(a) Potting or potted plants

 These are plants particularly suited to be grown in containers for their entire life.
 These plants can be moved around.
 They are usually used to decorate indoors.

Examples
Monstera; fiscus; daffoldis; geranium; azalea; asparagus fern; flamingo; cactus; brandy and
rubber plant.

(b) Bedding plants

 These are usually flowering plants grown outdoors in large clusters to create a
colourful display.
 They are planted on the ground.
 They are stationery and therefore cannot be moved around.
 Annual plants are often used as bedding plants.

Examples:
Impatiens; petunia; begonia; chrysanthemum; marigold; verbena; geranium; dahlia; and
salvia

(c) Flower cuttings

 These plants are grown for their beautiful flowers/good smell.

 They last longer without wilting when placed in water/ a cool place.

Examples:
Roses; camation; dahlia; marigold; chrysanthemum; calendula; static; proteas;

SOIL MIXES
Ornamental plants require soils that are able to hold them for a long time especially those grown
in containers/pots. Prepared media for the different plants have been formulated and these are
called soil mixes.

A standard potting soil is normally comprised of three things:-

 Composted tree bark

 Sphagnum peat moss
 Vermiculite or perlite

Characteristics of good quality soil mixes

Soil mixes are a combination of different materials used for raising plants. These should have
the following characteristics:

(i) the mixture should be sufficiently firm to give enough support to seedlings
(ii) it should be workable
(iii) the volume of the mixture should remain constant when dry/wet
(iv) it should allow for adequate water drainage & aeration
(v) materials used should be free of weed seeds & other harmful organisms
(vi) it should have good water holding capacity
(vii) it should have sufficient nutrients

Materials used for soil mixes

(a) Charcoal – it is obtained from plants and it improves drainage and reduces acidity.
(b) Leaf mould – it is obtained from well-decomposed leaves. It permits drainage and
improves fertility.
(c) Peat moss – this is partly decomposed plant remains obtained from wet and swampy
areas. It increases the moisture holding capacity of the mixture.
(d) Saw dust – it is a by-product of timber added to the soil to reduce moisture loss.
(e) Vermiculite – it is a mass of volcanic rock grit/small stones. It helps in absorbing large
quantities of water. It also provides Mg, K and Fe silicate. It also reduces leaching of
nutrients.
(f) Perlite – these are very small volcanic rock particles. It is lightweight, sterile with a
neutral pH. It reduces the weight of the potting soil. It improves aeration and drainage.
(g) Loam soil – it is a mixture of sand, clay and silt in almost equal proportions. It forms the
basis of the mixture.
(h) Sand – it improves soil drainage and aeration. It also increases the weight of the soil
mix.

Describe the preparation of a standard soil mix

 Select the desired base of the soil mix – choose either loam or peat.
 Add river sand / sand / vermiculite / perlite / leaf mould to the base of the mix.
 Add well decomposed manure e.g. well rotted kraal manure / chicken manure
 Add superphosphate fertilizer to the mix.
 Ensure correct ratios of the soil mix components:-
o Loam based mix – 1 part loam : 1 part compost
o Peat based mix – 3 parts peat : 1 part compost
  The soil mix is then sterilized (with heat) to kill any pathogens.

Importance of cleanliness of equipment as a precaution against disease attacks

It is very important to keep the equipment and the working area very clean to avoid diseases
attacking the plants. This can be done by:-
 Cleaning and sterilizing containers/boxes/pots used for planting with boiling water.
Remove old soil / media and disinfect them to kill any pests and diseases remaining
from old plants.
 Using sterilized soil or growing media e.g. vermiculite. Otherwise sterilize by heating soil
at 90oC for 30 minutes to kill all living organisms that may harm plants.
 Pruning infected plant parts and burn them to avoid diseases and pests.
 Cleaning / sterilizing the work area and surfaces by removing old plant material /
residues / weeds / soil because they attract pests and harbour diseases.
 Using clean water when handling plants to avoid infection.
 Always using clean tools. They should be dipped in a boiling water or disinfectant
after/before using on new plants to avoid spreading diseases.

 Washing hands regularly/ frequently while working on ornamental plants.

GROWING OF ORNAMENTALS

1. POTTING PLANTS (E.g. Petunia)

Propagation
 Petunia is propagated by means of seeds. The seeds are drilled 1mm deep in seed
compost. The seed compost consists of loam soil, pit and sand in the ratio 2:1:1
respectively or a mixture of pit sand, leaf mould, manure and charcoal.
 The seed compost must be sterilized before use.
 Seeds can be sown in either pots or trash.
 Watering must be done regularly and seedlings must be raised away from old stock.
 Pests must be controlled by spraying pesticides like Malathion once a week.

State features of pots that need to be considered when planting ornamentals.

 Material from which the pot is made.

 Weight/mass of the pot.
 Shape of the pot.
 Size of the pot – the larger the plant, the larger the pot and vice versa.
 Colour of the pot.
 Drainage of the pot – the pot should be well drained to avoid water logging.
 Durability – plant pots should last for a long time.

State ways in which pots should be made ready for planting ornamental plants.

 Clean or soak the pots.

  Disinfect the pots to kill any pathogens.
 Fill the pots with the right soil mix/growing media to the correct depth or height.
 Place the pots on supporting benches/trays.
 Cover drainage holes with porous material

Potting up

 Prepare a potting soil mix.

 Ensure that the new pot is larger than the previous one and it has holes for drainage.
 Remove the plant from its original container by holding the stem between the index
finger and the second finger. Tap the back of the pot and the holes, to allow the soil to
slide-out.
 Put the plant into the pot and fill it with soil leaving at least 3cm unfilled from the top of
the pot
 Press the soil around the plant to remove air pockets before watering.

Care and maintenance

 Containers should be large enough for the plants. The larger the plant, the larger the
container, and vice versa.
 Never waterlog the saucers especially for indoor pot plants.
 Ensure that plants have sufficient light.
 Control pests and diseases.
 Regular supplementary feeding should be done during the growing season.
 Place aired mulch of well-rotted manure or compost to keep the surface temperature
more constant.

Discuss preparations and marketing of potted plants.

 Plants must be kept under shade.
 Harden them off.
 Water the plants.
 Dead/damaged flowers and leaves should be removed.
 Cover the plants with clear plastic bags.
 Clean the pot/containers, plants as well as the soil surface
 Control pests and diseases.
 Sort/grade and pack them neatly.
 Price the plants.

FLOWER CUTTINGS – e.g. Roses

Soil preparation
The soil mixture will consist of 6 parts kraal manure, 4 parts red soil; three parts sand and two
parts loam soil.

Planting
 Roses should be planted between September and May. Their spacing should be
between 1 – 1.2m apart. They can be planted from either transplants or cuttings.

(i) Transplanting
 Dig holes that are 40cm wide and 30cm deep.
 Trim any damaged roots or stems
 Spread the roots of the plants horizontally into the hole.
 Fill the hole with soil and firm the soil around the plant stem.

(ii) Cuttings
 The cutting should have a few dormant eyes (buds)
 Soak the cutting in water for a few hours and allow it to swell.
 Dip the cutting into a rooting hormone to stimulate root development.
 Plant the cutting upright and firm the soil around it.
Fertilizer Application
Basal dressing
- This can be done with 2kg of super phosphate per 10m2 .
- A compound fertilizer 5: 1: 5 (44) can be applied at 30kg per 10m2 or 3kg every 6 weeks.

Pricking out of seedlings

This is the transfer of seedlings from a seedbed/seed tray to open spaced conditions. The
seedlings should be moved to a more nutritious/fertile soil mixture (or growing medium).

How to prick out seedlings?

 Prick seedlings when they are 2-5cm high and had developed two true leaves.
 Remove seedling from the tray/seedbed with a dibber/spatula.
 Prick out the seedlings by holding them by leaves to avoid damaging the stem.
 Make planting holes in the new soil mixture where seedlings will be planted. Space
seedlings 2 - 5cm apart depending on the vigour seedling.
 Place seedlings in the planting holes at the same depth that it was growing.
 Firm the soil around to the roots with fingers.
 Water the seedlings and place them in a warm place away from direct sunlight.

Pricking out provides enough space for even growth of seedlings since there is less competition
for nutrients.

Hardening-off of seedlings

This is a method used to acclimatize plants in a new environment before transplanting. Plants
grown in controlled environment are gradually exposed to grow outside. Their protection under
the controlled conditions is slowly reduced to allow the plants to face the natural environment.
They may however be provided with protection during the night especially under very cold
conditions.

Examples
 When plants are hardened-off for dry weather before transplanting, they are gradually
exposed to reduced amount of watering until they survive a few days without watering.
 For bedding plants if hardened for conditions that exist in the flower beds, they are
removed from the nursery for a gradually increasing number of hours every day until
they can survive outside for the whole day.

Discuss pruning of ornamental plants

 This is the judicious removal/cutting out of plant parts to control its size, shape (or form)
and to encourage new growth.
 Pruning can be done using secateurs, long handled loppers, curved pruning saw or
sharp pruning knives.
 All pruning cuts should be made about 45 degrees slanting angles immediately above a
dormant bud.
 The best time prune trees and shrubs is when they are dormant. In Botswana it is
recommended to prune towards the end of winter and in early spring (i.e. at the end of
July or early August).

Advantages and benefits of pruning ornamental plants

 Reasons Benefits / advantages
To control the plant size Moisture is conserved.
Management practices done easily
(e.g. pesticide application/harvesting)
To control pests and diseases Reduced pest/disease spread.
Improved plant health.
To improve light penetration Increased plant growth.
To improve plant Increased the productivity of the plant.
performance/productivity
To create a desired/pleasant plant Improved plant appearance
shape
To stimulate plant growth
To improve air circulation

Training
This is the form of pruning where the main objective is to achieve a wanted shape/form/growth
habit design. It is usually done at early stages of growth. In vines it is usually done by pruning
and supporting plants.

Discuss topiary of ornamentals

This is the art of training or pruning shrubs and trees into decorative shapes. Topiaries are
shapes usually created by training.
Plants are trained to a required shape that may be round, cone-shaped, square-shaped, oval or
even animal shapes like elephants, giraffe, etc.
The growth pattern of a plant often suggests a shape to be obtained. This often used to create
plants with special shapes in the garden.
Topiaries are usually done on evergreen plants that can be good as hedges.

Pests and Disease control

The most common diseases of roses are:

 black spot,
 powdery mildew and
 rust diseases
These can be controlled by spraying fungicides before bud burst. Spray with Copper
oxychloride or Mancozeb.

The most common pests are:-

 rose chafer beetle
 aphids
 red spider mite
 scale insects
The chafer beetle can be controlled by using stomach and contact pesticides. Examples
Malathion, Carbaryl.
Aphids, red spider mites and scale insects are piercing and sucking. They can be controlled
by using systemic pesticides. Examples: Dimethoate.
Describe the preparation and marketing of roses
 (i) Cut the flower with the stem. Make sure that the cuts are clean & slanting.
(ii) The flowers should be cleaned and have unwanted parts removed.
(iii) Sort and grade them.
(iv) Tie them into bunches.
(v) Price them.
(vi) Once picked the roses are then placed in water in a cold room, which brings the
temperature of the stems to around 8 – 10 degrees Celsius.
(vii) Before packing, the lower leaves are removed and trimming is done if necessary.
(viii) Transport Roses in temperature-controlled trucks (about 4 degrees Celsius).

REVISION QUESTIONS FOR ORNAMENTALS

1. Identify two plants for each of the following:

(a) Potting,
(b) Bedding and
(c) Flower cutting.

2. Demonstrate the proper use of pots, seed beds and boxes including the importance of
cleanliness of equipment as a precaution against diseases.

3. Choose only one plant from the above and study practically under the following
objectives
(a) Demonstrate preparation of standard soil mixes
(b) Demonstrate the hardening-off of seedlings
(c) Practise the following activities: pricking out of seedlings, timing of planting,
transplanting, suitable spacing, apply suitable fertilizers
(d) Demonstrate one suitable method of irrigation
(e) Discuss the control of one common pest and one common disease of the chosen
crop
(f) Discuss pruning and topiary of ornamentals
(g) Discuss the preparation and marketing of the ornamental crop chosen
 LAWN MANAGEMENT
Define a lawn
A lawn is an area of land composed of a dense growth of intertwined stems and leaves of
grasses if closely cut.

State the importance of lawns

1. It beautifies the area..
2. it adds value to a home
3. it reduces dust in the home
4. it provides areas for games and picnics
5. it prevents the tracking of mud and sand inside dwellings
6. lawns improve the environmental temperatures by absorbing the sun’s heat
7. Lawn reduces wind and water erosion
8. Lawns maintain the oxygen-carbon dioxide ratio.

Explain the preparation of land into a tilth suitable for a lawn

 The land is cleared of weeds and other rubbish. Tree stumps are dug out.
 The land is graded to ensure proper drainage. If the land is poorly drained, pipe drains
must be constructed.
 The site is dug/cultivated to a depth of about 20 - 30cm using a digging fork. The clods
of soil must be broken down.
 The site is then firmed to remove air pockets.
 The site must be allowed to remain fallow/irrigated for a period to induce weed growth.
 Then the land is cultivated again to remove/control weeds.
 The land is then levelled using a rake to obtain a fine tilth before planting.
 Add well-rotted organic manures/chicken manure / lime / superphosphate /2: 3: 2 (22) at
(120g/m2).

Identify plants species used for lawn

Lawn species - These consist of grass or any creeping plant with intertwined stems and
leaves but grasses are mainly used.
Examples:-
Couch grass (Cynadon dactylon)
Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum claudestinum)
Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides)
Carpet grass (Axinopus compressus)
Turf grass (Ischaemum afrum)
Canada green
Royal cape

Planting of lawns

 The seed for sowing must be of good quality. The required quantity of seed must be
used.
 Sow seeds by broadcasting to cover the land surface evenly (35g seed /m2.
 Water regularly to encourage a quick and uniform germination and emergence (it takes
about 14 days).
 Apply mulch where necessary.
  Lawns may also be established / propagated vegetatively using plant parts (e.g. stems).
This is done usually at the beginning of the rainy season.

MAINTENANCE OF LAWNS

A. Irrigation of Lawns

The amount of water to use depends on the growth stage of the grass. More water is required
during the period of maximum growth. Irrigation water should penetrate a depth of 15-cm.
Evaporation rate should be about 5mm/day in grasses.

Methods of irrigation
1. hose pipe (for flooding)
2. garden sprinkler
3. misters (produce mist/a fine drizzle)

Management of irrigation
The best time to irrigate is in the morning when there is no wind to blow the irrigation water
away especially with sprinklers. Wind can cause uneven distribution of water around sprinklers.
This could also reduce evaporation losses. Late evening water encourages the development of
fungal diseases.

B. Aerating the soil

A turf gradually forms a fibrous layer of dead blades known as thatch between the roots and the
foliage (leaves). This can act as mulch, which can prevent water and/or fertilizers from reaching
the roots. The soil will lack drainage and air. However, the soil needs good aeration. Thus, the
following methods can be used to aerate the soil and the lawn:

1. Spiking
This is making of holes, 15 cm apart, in the soil. An appropriate tool to use is a hollow
tine fork. A powered spiking machine or digging fork may also be used. Spiking loosens
the soil, improves aeration/air movement, and water penetration in the soil. This should
be repeated every 4-5 weeks in summer.

2. Scarification (dethatching)
This involves the removal of thatch (dead leaf blades) from a lawn. An appropriate tool to
use is a hollow tine rake. A metal rake can also be used. Thatch is a fibrous layer of
dead/dry grass blades formed on the turf. Scarification can be done before applying
fertilizer. This improves air circulation in the lawn.

3. Mowing
This is cutting the lawn to a uniform height using a lawn mower. Mowing may be done at
least once a week from late spring to late summer or when necessary in winter. The
grass should not be cut close to the ground in winter as the roots may be damaged by
frost.
Lawn management tools and equipment

MANAGEMENT NAME OF EQUIPMENT FUNCTIONS / USES

PRACTICE

To cut the lawn at a

uniform height

Mowing

Lawn mower

To make holes in the

lawn

Hollow tine fork

Spiking

To make holes in the

lawn

Lawn aerator
 MANAGEMENT NAME OF EQUIPMENT FUNCTIONS
PRACTICE

To cut the lawn at the

edges
Edging

Edging shears

To remove thatch /
dead grass blades from
the lawn
Scarification

Spring tine rake

C. Fertilizer application
 Apply nitrogen containing fertilizers e.g. LAN during the growing period.
 Apply Manure and Super phosphate during land preparation. Super phosphate supply
phosphorus needed for root development.
 Apply water after application of fertilizer.

Rates of application

Limestone Ammonium Nitrate (LAN) – 30g/m 2 in every 8m (topdressing) or 15g of Urea per
m2 in 8 weeks.
Super phosphate – 120 g/m2 into the soil (basal dressing).

Why is un-decomposed kraal manure not suitable for adding to a lawn?

o It has got some weeds seeds

o It can burn the lawn when it decomposes
o Its nutrients are not readily available
 D. Weed control
Chemical control

o Simazine may be used to control broad-leaved weeds. It is sprayed over the land
surface as a post emergence control of weeds.
o Round up- it used to control all types of weeds. It is applied as a pre-emergence
weed control (dilution rate: 400ml in 20L water).

Mechanical control
Other weeds may be removed by hand pulling occasionally as they occur.

Diseases of lawn species

Diseases can reduce the beauty of the lawn.

Lawn diseases can be divided into two groups according to their causes:-
Environmental factors and
Pathogen diseases.

1. Environmental factors causing diseases

(a) Temperature. High temperatures may cause wilting of grasses, yellowing and
death of the whole plant. Low temperatures in winter slow down growth rate. Frost
may cause yellowing of plants and death.
(b) Nutrient deficiency. The signs of nutrient deficiency include stunted growth,
yellowing and death of leaves.

2. Pathogen diseases
Fungi and nematodes are the most common organisms.

(i) Brown Patch disease

It is caused by fungi. The disease affects a wide range of grasses.

Symptoms
 there will be circular areas of brown patches on the leaves during the wet and hot
periods due to over watering

Prevention
 avoid over watering of lawns
 spray with fungicides e.g. Dithane M45

(ii) Tar spot / Black leaf spot

This is a common disease of Cynadon dactylon (couch grass).

Symptoms
 Brown spots (of up to 0.5 – 10mm in diameter) or dead leaves.

Control
 Use resistant varieties of lawn species.
 Mow / cut the grass to remove thatch and reduce infection.
 Apply water and fertilizers properly
 Apply fungicides (Dithane M45)
PESTS OF LAWNS AND THEIR CONTROL
1. Nematodes
These enter through the roots and cause the leaves to turn yellow and die.
Control
 uproot affected plants
 fumigate with nematocides

2. Dogs
They pass out their droppings (faeces) on the lawn. This contaminates and can cause burnt
patches on the lawn. They also dig out heaps of soil on the lawns.
Control
 scare away dogs from the lawn
 remove dog faeces
 dog urine should be washed out by excessive watering

3. Lawn crickets
These organisms make holes on the lawn. They also cause dry patches on the lawn. They cut
the grass stem just under the surface of soil.
Control and prevention
 pour soapy water down the holes
 crush out the crickets physically
 apply Jeyes fluid on the patches
 Apply pesticides e.g. Carbaryl.

4. Termites
They cut and eat the grass. They may build their nest on the lawn, and this will make the lawn
look untidy.
Control
 remove grass cuttings from the lawn
 Apply ripcord.

REVISION QUESTIONS FOR LAWNS & LAWN MANAGEMENT

1. Define lawn
2. State the importance of lawns.
3. Explain the preparation of land into a tilth suitable for lawns
4. Demonstrate proper use of fertilizers and manures
5. Identify three plant species for lawns
6. Demonstrate the use of planting materials for lawns
7. Practice appropriate management of lawns in relation to:-

 Timing of planting
 Weed control
 Mowing
 Edging
 Spiking
 Scarification
 Irrigation
 Pests and disease control

8. Identify appropriate equipment for use in management of lawns

 LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Define landscaping?

Landscaping is the improvement of natural outdoor living environment by altering its shape and
decorative planting.

 The planning and designing involves putting on paper what is to be done on the ground.
It shows the position of plants, space between them etc.
 During installation, what has been planned and designed on paper is translated on to the
actual ground to be seen by all.

What are the different kinds of landscapes?

Formal landscape; garden; rockery; cemetery; park; civic space; playground; and water front.

DESCRIBE ANY TWO KINDS OF LANDSCAPES

1. ROCKERY
Building a rockery involves the use of stones and rocks in the design of a landscape such that:-

 A rockery should have a natural appearance.

 The building stones/rocks should be similar to the immediate surroundings.
 The stones and rocks used for building should have a natural layout.
 Soil may be put in between the layers of rocks.
 Small plants, ornamental trees, shrubs, herbs, flowers are grown on the soil layers for
decoration.
 A sculpture may be put at the top of the rockery.
 Paths may be constructed around the rockery.

2. PARK
Usually a park is a publicly owned area of land. Parks are usually found in major cities, villages
and other civic areas.

 It is normally fenced to control animal and human movement.

 It has built shelter/shade structure for sheltering from adverse weather.
 It is also planted with the following plants:-
o Grass/lawn species for ground cover and decoration.
o Trees for providing shade with their canopies and a habitat for wildlife.
o Flowers for decoration.
 It has pathways/pavements for directing human movement in the park.
 It has sports fields / playgrounds for recreational activities.
 It has benches for human seating/relaxation.
 It has a car park for parking vehicles.
 It has toilets/ablutions for resting.
 It has play equipment e.g. seesaw/swings/sliders etc.
 It has ponds for fisheries / watering ornamental plants.
Explain the use of plant life in land scape design
1. They provide aesthetic value in the design
a. They screen out unseen areas
b. They provide privacy
c. They beautify the landscape
d. They direct movement of the eye.
2. Plants have functional uses
a. Serve as wind breakers to reduce wind speeds/strength with their canopies.
b. Provision of shade with their canopies.
c. control or prevention of soil erosion by holding soil with their roots
d. maintain ecological balance
e. provide habitats/homes for birds/wildlife/insects
3. Plants have economic uses
a. add market value to real estate
b. Attract tourists and generate income.
4. Therapy
a. They provide psychological effects on patients e.g. flowers.
b. They enhance the place of work
c. They symbolize love e.g. rose.

EXPLAIN THE USE OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS IN LANDSCAPING

Some of the materials used for landscaping are;-
(a) Stones and Rocks – they are used in rockeries, pavements and fountains.
(b) Plants – they may be used as hedge in providing privacy.
(c) Water – it is used in fountains.
(d) Wood – it can be used for constructing basic structures to support creeping plants.
(e) Concrete – may be used in making plant containers and in pavement construction.
(f) Clay – it may be used for making clay plant pots / containers.
(g) Slabs – they can be used for making paths on partitioning and on wet sticky soils like
clay.

DESCRIBE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Positive impacts
 Creates beautiful/attractive environment due to inclusion of flowers and rockeries
 Reduces mud / dust due to inclusion of plants / lawns / flowers.
 Increases recreational use in the environment due to inclusion of trees, lawns, playing
equipment, etc.
 Increased habitat for wildlife due to inclusion of trees.
Negative impacts
 Extinction of indigenous plants / animals due to land clearing or use of exotic plants.
 Loss of habitat for wildlife due to land clearing.
 Increased speed and volumes of surface water due pavements / pathways.

REVISION QUESTIONS FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN

1. Define landscaping.
2. Describe any two kinds of landscapes from the following list:-
  Formal landscape
 Garden
 Rockery
 Civic space
 Cemetery
 Park
 Playground
 Waterfront

3. Explain the use of five different materials for landscaping

4. Explain the use of plant life in landscape design.
5. Describe the environmental impacts of landscape design.
6. Observe existing examples of built landscapes through the use of field trips.