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17 September 2014
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how to be a gardener - The complete online guide

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Gardening
Part One
Part Two

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2 - Plant types
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Understanding your plants
In Module 1 we said that plants are classified according to how 'hardy' they are. Well, that's just the start. They are also described by their life cycle and how they grow. For example: annual climber, herbaceous perennial, woody shrub. As we'll see, they each have a unique name that identifies them, whether you're a gardener in Tunbridge Wells or Tibet.
Plant label
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Information is power, and knowing what all the terms mean will enable you to read a plant label or seed packet in the garden centre, or look at a plant description in a book or magazine. You'll know all about that plant at a glance and whether it will suit your garden's 'character'.

Plant listsFind a list of suggested plant types for your garden here.
Watch the clipYour garden should be a theatre offering year-round interest. Watch the clip here.
InteractiveGet to grips with plant types and learn about Latin naming with our fun game!
Requires Flash 5
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2. Understand plants

Introduction
Plant types
 Annuals and biennials
 Perennials and bedding plants
 Woody plants
 Evergreen and deciduous plants
 Bulbs
 Climbers
Plant names
Test your knowledge
Go further

Highlights
Plant lists Plant lists
Plant lists featured in this module:

Find thousands more plants in the BBC Gardening database.
Video Video
A good garden should change throughout the year. Watch the clip here.
InteractiveInteractive
Get to know your plant types, with the Matching pairs game
Requires Flash 5
Useful links


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