Landscaping and Ornamental Gardening | Unit 4

UNIT IV: Landscaping and Ornamental Gardening

HORMI-101

Contents

Lawns: Establishment and Maintenance Special Types of Gardens 1. VERTICAL GARDEN 2. ROOF GARDEN (TERRACE GARDEN) 3. BOG GARDEN 4. SUNKEN GARDEN 5. ROCK GARDEN 6. CLOCK GARDEN COLOUR WHEELS TEMPLE GARDEN SACRED GROVES IMPORTANT EXAM POINTS (REVISION)

Lawns: Establishment and Maintenance

Lawns

1. INTRODUCTION

Definition: A lawn is an area covered with fine, dense grasses maintained as a green carpet through regular mowing and care.

👉 It is one of the most important components of landscape gardening.

2. IMPORTANCE OF LAWNS

• Enhances aesthetic beauty
• Provides recreational space
• Reduces soil erosion
• Lowers surrounding temperature
• Controls dust and noise
• Creates resting space in gardens and parks

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN IDEAL LAWN

• Uniform green appearance
• Dense grass cover
• Soft texture
• Free from weeds
• Tolerant to trampling
• Fast recovery after mowing

4. TYPES OF LAWNS

4.1 Based on Purpose

1. Ornamental Lawn: Decorative purpose, High maintenance, Fine-textured grasses
2. Utility Lawn: Used for: Parks, Playgrounds, Public gardens
3. Sports Lawn: Used for games and sports, Requires durable grasses

4.2 Based on Climate

1. Warm Season Lawns: Grow well in tropical/subtropical climates.
   Examples: Bermuda grass, Doob grass
2. Cool Season Lawns: Suitable for temperate regions.
   Examples: Rye grass, Fescue grass

5. IMPORTANT LAWN GRASSES

Common Name	Botanical Name	Characteristics
Bermuda grass	Cynodon dactylon	Fine texture, drought tolerant
Korean grass	Zoysia japonica	Dense growth
Carpet grass	Axonopus compressus	Shade tolerant
Rye grass	Lolium perenne	Cool season lawn

6. ESTABLISHMENT OF LAWNS

6.1 Site Selection

• Open sunny area
• Good drainage
• Fertile soil
• Level land preferred

6.2 Soil Preparation

1. Cleaning: Remove Stones, Weeds & Debris
2. Digging and Levelling: Dig soil up to 20–30 cm depth, Fine tilth prepared, Proper levelling essential
3. Addition of Organic Matter: 5–10 kg/m² FYM or compost
4. Soil pH: Ideal pH is 5.5–7.0

6.3 Methods of Lawn Establishment

1. Seeding Method
   • Procedure: Seeds broadcast uniformly, Covered lightly with soil, Irrigated immediately
   • Advantages: Economical, Suitable for large areas
   • Disadvantages: Slow establishment
2. Turfing (Sodding)
   • Procedure: Pre-grown grass turf laid on prepared land
   • Advantages: Instant lawn, Controls erosion quickly
   • Disadvantages: Expensive
3. Dibbling/Root Slip Planting
   • Procedure: Root slips planted at regular spacing
   • Common in: Doob grass
4. Sprigging/Stolonizing
   • Grass runners planted in soil

6.4 Irrigation after Establishment

• Frequent light irrigation initially
• Avoid water stagnation

7. MAINTENANCE OF LAWNS

7.1 Mowing

Definition: Cutting grass regularly to maintain uniform height.

• Objectives: Encourage dense growth, Maintain neat appearance
• Frequency: Every 7–15 days depending on growth
• Ideal Height: Usually 3–5 cm

7.2 Irrigation

• Deep but infrequent irrigation preferred
• Morning irrigation best

7.3 Fertilization

Nutrient	Function
Nitrogen	Green growth
Phosphorus	Root development
Potassium	Stress resistance

General Recommendation: NPK applied 3–4 times/year

7.4 Weeding

• Manual weeding
• Herbicides if necessary

7.5 Aeration

Making holes in soil to improve:

• Air movement
• Water infiltration

7.6 Rolling

Light rolling improves smoothness

7.7 Top Dressing

Addition of sand + compost mixture over lawn

• Benefits: Improves leveling, Encourages growth

7.8 Pest and Disease Management

• Common Pests: White grubs, Armyworms
• Common Diseases: Brown patch, Dollar spot
• Management: Proper drainage, Fungicides/insecticides, Regular monitoring

8. COMMON PROBLEMS IN LAWNS

Problem	Cause
Yellowing	Nutrient deficiency
Bare patches	Poor irrigation/pests
Weed infestation	Poor maintenance
Waterlogging	Improper drainage

9. SPECIAL TYPES OF LAWNS

1. Terrace Lawn: Lawn on rooftops
2. Meadow Lawn: Natural grass appearance
3. Sports Turf: Durable grasses for sports fields

10. ADVANTAGES OF LAWNS

• Cooling effect
• Reduces pollution
• Increases property value
• Recreational utility

11. DISADVANTAGES

• High maintenance cost
• Frequent watering needed
• Requires mowing regularly

Special Types of Gardens

Definition: Special types of gardens are gardens designed for:

• Specific environmental conditions
• Space limitations
• Decorative themes
• Functional landscape purposes

👉 These gardens improve urban aesthetics and environmental quality.

1. VERTICAL GARDEN

VERTICAL GARDEN

1.1 Definition

A vertical garden is a method of growing plants vertically on: Walls, Frames, Panels, Structures

👉 Also called: Green wall, Living wall

1.2 Objectives

• Space utilization
• Urban beautification
• Thermal insulation
• Air purification

1.3 Characteristics

• Plants grown vertically
• Requires support structures
• Often uses lightweight media

1.4 Components

• Supporting frame
• Irrigation system
• Growing medium
• Drainage arrangement

1.5 Types of Vertical Gardens

1. Green Facade: Climbers trained on wall/support
2. Living Wall: Plants grown in modular panels attached to walls

1.6 Suitable Plants

Plant	Feature
Money plant	Fast growing
Ferns	Shade tolerant
Philodendron	Ornamental foliage
Spider plant	Hardy

1.7 Advantages

• Saves space
• Reduces heat effect
• Improves air quality
• Noise reduction

1.8 Limitations

• High installation cost
• Requires regular maintenance
• Irrigation management essential

2. ROOF GARDEN (TERRACE GARDEN)

Roof Garden

2.1 Definition

A roof garden is a garden established on the roof or terrace of a building.

2.2 Objectives

• Urban greening
• Temperature reduction
• Food and ornamental plant production
• Rainwater management

2.3 Requirements

• Strong roof structure
• Waterproofing
• Proper drainage
• Lightweight growing media

2.4 Components

• Waterproof membrane
• Drainage layer
• Root barrier
• Growing medium
• Irrigation system

2.5 Suitable Plants

Category	Examples
Ornamentals	Petunia, Marigold
Succulents	Sedum, Aloe
Shrubs	Duranta dwarf
Vegetables	Tomato, Chilli

2.6 Types of Roof Gardens

1. Extensive Roof Garden: Lightweight, Low maintenance, Small plants used
2. Intensive Roof Garden: Deeper soil, Large plants/shrubs possible, Higher maintenance

2.7 Advantages

• Reduces urban heat island effect
• Improves insulation
• Utilizes unused space
• Enhances aesthetics

2.8 Limitations

• Structural load concerns
• Waterproofing cost
• Limited rooting depth

3. BOG GARDEN

Bog Garden

3.1 Definition

A bog garden is a garden designed for growing plants that prefer: Wet, Marshy, Waterlogged conditions

3.2 Characteristics

• Moist soil conditions
• Poor drainage intentionally maintained
• Humidity-loving plants

3.3 Objectives

• Cultivation of marsh plants
• Water garden beautification
• Naturalistic landscape effect

3.4 Site Requirements

• Partial sunlight
• Continuous moisture supply
• Organic rich soil

3.5 Suitable Plants

Plant	Type
Canna	Moisture loving
Cyperus	Marsh plant
Iris	Bog ornamental
Colocasia	Tropical foliage

3.6 Construction

• Shallow pit created
• Waterproof lining sometimes used
• Filled with organic soil and moisture-retaining media

3.7 Advantages

• Unique landscape feature
• Supports aquatic/marsh vegetation
• Enhances biodiversity

3.8 Limitations

• Mosquito breeding risk
• Continuous water requirement

4. SUNKEN GARDEN

Sunken Garden

4.1 Definition

A sunken garden is a garden developed below the surrounding ground level.

4.2 Characteristics

• Lower than surrounding landscape
• Often enclosed by retaining walls or slopes
• Creates intimate garden effect

4.3 Objectives

• Decorative effect
• Wind protection
• Improved visual depth

4.4 Design Features

• Central lawn or flower bed
• Steps for access
• Retaining walls
• Water features/fountains sometimes included

4.5 Suitable Plants

• Seasonal flowers
• Ground covers
• Shrubs
• Lawn grasses

4.6 Advantages

• Attractive landscape effect
• Protection from strong winds
• Better microclimate

4.7 Limitations

• Drainage problems possible
• Higher construction cost

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPECIAL GARDENS

Feature	Vertical Garden	Roof Garden	Bog Garden	Sunken Garden
Location	Vertical walls	Rooftops	Wet areas	Below ground level
Main Feature	Vertical planting	Terrace cultivation	Water-loving plants	Depressed landscape
Water Requirement	Moderate	Moderate	High	Moderate
Purpose	Space saving	Urban gardening	Marsh effect	Ornamental depth

5. ROCK GARDEN

Rock Garden

5.1 Definition

A rock garden (rockery) is a garden designed using: Rocks, Stones, Gravel along with suitable ornamental plants to imitate natural rocky landscapes.

5.2 Objectives

• Beautification of uneven land
• Utilization of rocky areas
• Growing alpine and xerophytic plants
• Creating natural landscape effect

5.3 Characteristics

• Irregular arrangement of rocks
• Good drainage
• Natural appearance
• Use of dwarf and hardy plants

5.4 Site Requirements

• Sunny location preferred
• Sloping land ideal
• Well-drained soil

5.5 Construction

• Large stones placed first
• Smaller rocks arranged naturally
• Soil mixture filled between rocks
• Plants introduced in pockets

5.6 Suitable Plants

Plant Type	Examples
Succulents	Agave, Aloe
Cacti	Opuntia
Ground Covers	Sedum
Alpines	Dianthus

5.7 Advantages

• Low maintenance
• Drought tolerant plants used
• Suitable for poor soils
• Attractive natural appearance

5.8 Limitations

• Requires careful design
• Limited plant selection

6. CLOCK GARDEN

Clock Garden

6.1 Definition

A clock garden is a decorative garden where flowering or foliage plants are arranged in the shape of a clock.

👉 Sometimes fitted with a working mechanical/electrical clock.

6.2 Objectives

• Ornamental attraction
• Public landscape beautification
• Educational and recreational value

6.3 Characteristics

• Circular design
• Colorful bedding plants used
• Clock hands may be functional

6.4 Design Features

• Circular flower bed
• Numerals marked with plants or stones
• Central clock mechanism (optional)

6.5 Suitable Plants

Plant	Feature
Alternanthera	Colored foliage
Alyssum	Compact growth
Petunia	Seasonal flowering
Iresine	Red foliage

6.6 Advantages

• Highly decorative
• Creates focal point
• Popular in public gardens and parks

6.7 Limitations

• Requires frequent maintenance
• Seasonal replacement of plants needed

COLOUR WHEELS

Colour Wheels

1. Definition

A colour wheel is a circular diagram representing relationships between colors used in landscape and floral design.

2. Importance in Landscaping

Helps in:

• Color harmony
• Contrast creation
• Aesthetic planning

3. Primary Colours

• Red
• Blue
• Yellow

4. Secondary Colours

Formed by mixing primary colours.

Combination	Secondary Colour
Red + Yellow	Orange
Yellow + Blue	Green
Blue + Red	Violet

5. Types of Colour Schemes

1. Monochromatic Scheme: Different shades of same color
2. Analogous Scheme: Adjacent colors in wheel
3. Complementary Scheme: Opposite colors used together. Example: Red and green
4. Triadic Scheme: Three equally spaced colors

6. Application in Gardens

• Flower bed planning
• Seasonal displays
• Landscape harmony

7. Advantages

• Improves visual appeal
• Avoids color clashes
• Creates balanced landscape design

TEMPLE GARDEN

1. Definition

A temple garden is a garden associated with religious places, especially temples, containing sacred and ornamental plants.

2. Objectives

• Religious use
• Spiritual atmosphere
• Supply flowers and leaves for worship
• Beautification of temple premises

3. Characteristics

• Sacred plants dominant
• Symmetrical layout common
• Calm and peaceful environment

4. Common Sacred Plants

Plant	Religious Importance
Tulsi	Sacred in Hinduism
Lotus	Worship flower
Bael	Associated with Lord Shiva
Ashoka	Sacred ornamental tree

5. Components

• Pathways
• Water bodies
• Flower beds
• Sacred groves

6. Advantages

• Conserves sacred plant species
• Enhances spiritual environment
• Supports biodiversity

SACRED GROVES

1. Definition

Sacred groves are patches of natural vegetation protected by local communities due to: Religious beliefs, Cultural traditions

2. Characteristics

• Minimal human disturbance
• Rich biodiversity
• Presence of old trees and rare species

3. Importance

• Conservation of biodiversity
• Protection of medicinal plants
• Soil and water conservation
• Preservation of traditional culture

4. Common Sacred Grove Species

Plant	Importance
Banyan	Sacred tree
Peepal	Religious significance
Neem	Medicinal value

5. Ecological Importance

• Carbon sequestration
• Habitat for wildlife
• Maintains ecological balance

6. Threats

• Urbanization
• Deforestation
• Religious commercialization

7. Conservation Measures

• Community participation
• Legal protection
• Awareness programs

IMPORTANT EXAM POINTS (REVISION)

• Lawn = green carpet of grasses
• Ideal pH: 5.5–7.0
• Methods: Seeding, Turfing, Dibbling
• Mowing essential for dense growth
• Bermuda grass important warm-season grass
• Top dressing improves lawn quality
• Vertical garden = plants grown on walls
• Roof garden requires waterproofing
• Bog garden designed for marsh plants
• Sunken garden below surrounding ground level
• Vertical gardens improve insulation and air quality
• Roof gardens reduce urban heat effect
• Rock garden imitates natural rocky landscape
• Clock garden uses floral clock design
• Colour wheel important for landscape color harmony
• Temple gardens contain sacred plants
• Sacred groves conserve biodiversity naturally
• Complementary colours are opposite in colour wheel

SOURCES

• Bose & Mukherjee – Gardening in India
• Randhawa, G.S. – Flowering Trees and Gardens
• Bhattacharjee, S.K. – Landscape Gardening and Design
• Singh, A.K. – Ornamental Horticulture
• ICAR – Handbook of Horticulture
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research publications
• NHB Landscaping Guidelines – National Horticulture Board

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