Livable Garden Centre | Livable Basics

Acid/Acidic

Acid refers to a substance with a pH level below 7 with sour or sharp taste like lemons or vinegar. Acidic soils can influence plant growth, and some plants are specifically adapted to these conditions.

Alkaline

A substance with a pH level above 7 with a bitter or soapy taste like baking soda. Alkaline soils can impact nutrient availability and influence plant growth.

Annuals

Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle within a single growing season. They sprout, grow, flower, produce seeds, and die within a year. Annuals will often require seeds to either be harvested or repurchased and replanted.

Arid

Arid refers to a climate or environment that is extremely dry, with very little rainfall. Arid regions often have low humidity, limited vegetation, and are characterised by desert landscapes. These environments typically support drought-tolerant plants or xerophytes.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or environment. A diverse ecosystem supports beneficial organisms and promotes natural balance.

Biennial

Biennial refers to a plant that completes its life cycle over two growing seasons. In the first year, it typically produces foliage, while in the second, it flowers, sets seed, and dies. Biennials will often require seeds to either be harvested or repurchased and replanted.

Bracts

Bracts are modified leaves usually found near a plant’s flowers. They are typically different from foliage leaves in size, colour, shape, or texture and may be brightly coloured to attract pollinators.

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium is a macronutrient essential for plant health. It strengthens cell walls, supports root development, and plays a role in nutrient absorption.

Climbers/Climbing Plants

Climbing plants use specialised structures such as tendrils, aerial roots, or twining stems to attach themselves to surfaces, allowing them to grow vertically.

Coastal

Coastal refers to environments located along shorelines. These areas are influenced by salt spray, sandy soils, and wind exposure, which can impact plant growth.

Compost

Compost is decomposed organic material used to improve soil structure and fertility. It helps retain moisture, supports beneficial soil organisms, and provides essential nutrients.

Container

A container is an enclosed structure, such as a pot or raised garden bed, used for growing plants independently of the ground. Container gardening allows for greater control over soil conditions and placement including the ability to move a container if needed.

Creeper

A creeper is a plant that grows along the ground or other low surfaces. Creepers spread horizontally rather than growing upright.

Deciduous

Deciduous refers to plants that shed their leaves seasonally. Leaf loss typically occurs in response to temperature changes or dry conditions and allows the plants to conserve water and energy during unfavourable seasons.

Dry Sclerophyll Woodland

Dry sclerophyll woodland refers to a habitat with lower rainfall, featuring open canopies and vegetation adapted to dry conditions.

Eucalyptus forest

Eucalyptus forest refers to a habitat dominated by eucalyptus tree species. These forests vary in density and composition depending on soil, rainfall, and climate conditions.

Fertilisers

Fertilisers are materials applied to soil or plants to improve growth by supplying nutrients. These can be in solid or liquid form, with varying breakdown rates affecting nutrient availability.

Forest

Forest refers to an environment with a high density of trees, creating a shaded and humid habitat that supports diverse plant and animal life.

Grasslands

Grasslands refer to habitats dominated by grasses rather than trees. They can exist in both dry and wet climates and support a variety of plant and animal species.

Groundcover

Groundcover refers to low-growing plants that spread across the soil surface, reducing erosion and suppressing weed growth.

Habitat

Habitat refers to the natural environment where a species lives. It includes physical and biological conditions that support its survival.

Heath/Heathland

Heathland refers to a habitat with low-growing shrubs, often found in nutrient-poor, well-drained soils.

Height

Height refers to the measurement from the base of a plant to its highest point. Growth may be influenced by environmental conditions such as soil quality, water availability, and pruning.

Herbaceous

Herbaceous refers to plants with soft, non-woody stems. These plants typically die back to a bulb in colder months and regrow from their roots in warmer conditions, meaning it is dormant during this time.

Littoral Forest

Littoral forest refers to a habitat found along coastal areas, particularly near the shoreline. It may contain a mix of tree species adapted to salt spray, wind, and sandy soils.

Loam/Loamy Soil

Loamy soil refers to a soil type that contains a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay. It has good drainage while retaining moisture and nutrients, making it suitable for a wide range of plants.

Macro Nutrients

Macronutrients are essential elements required in large quantities for plant growth, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium is a macronutrient that plays a crucial role in photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Mallee Area

Mallee refers to a habitat dominated by low-growing, multi-stemmed trees. This habitat is typically found in arid or semi-arid regions and is adapted to survive dry conditions.

Media/Medium

Medium refers to the material in which plants are grown. It may include soil, compost, peat moss, perlite, or other components designed to support plant roots.

Mediterranean Climate

Mediterranean climate refers to regions with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. These climates are typically found in coastal areas and are characterised by prolonged dry periods.

Micro Nutrients

Micronutrients are essential elements that plants need in small amounts. These include iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), boron (B), and chlorine (Cl).

Mountain Slopes

Mountain slopes refer to the sloping sides of hills or mountains. These areas may have unique microclimates and varied soil types.

Mulch

Mulch is a layer of organic material applied to the soil surface to retain moisture, reduce weeds, regulate soil temperature, and add nutrients as it decomposes.

Mycorrhizae

Mycorrhizae refers to beneficial fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, improving water and nutrient absorption.

Neutral

Neutral refers to a substance with a pH level of 7. It is considered a balanced state between acidity and alkalinity, where neither acidic nor alkaline properties dominate.

Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen, symbolised by the letter N, is an essential nutrient for plant growth. It plays a key role in leaf and stem development, as well as chlorophyll production, which enables plants to convert sunlight into energy.

Obovate (Leaf Shape)

Obovate refers to a leaf shape that is broader at the top and narrows towards the base or stem. It resembles an upside-down egg.

Open forest

Open forest refers to a habitat characterised by scattered trees with an open canopy, allowing moderate sunlight to reach the ground. These forests support a mix of understory vegetation and a variety of plant and animal species.

Organic Matter

Organic matter refers to decomposed plant and animal material in soil. It enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

Perennials

Perennials are plants that live for more than two years. They typically grow, flower, and produce seeds over multiple seasons without needing to be replanted each year.

PH (Potential of Hydrogen)

PH refers to the measure of acidity or alkalinity in soil, on a scale from 0 to 14. It affects nutrient availability and plant growth.

Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus, symbolised by the letter P, is an essential nutrient for plant growth. It plays a key role in energy transfer, root
development, and flowering. Phosphorus supports strong root systems and is particularly important in early plant growth and seed formation.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy, producing oxygen as a bi-product.

Potassium (K)

Potassium, symbolised by the letter K, is a vital nutrient for plant health. It supports root growth, strengthens plant cells, improves resistance to drought and disease, and plays a role in fruit and seed development.

Rainforest

Rainforest refers to a habitat characterised by dense vegetation with a high canopy cover, created by tall trees that form a continuous overhead canopy. Rainforests have high humidity, abundant rainfall, and support a diverse range of plant and animal species.

Rainforest Margin

Rainforest margin refers to the transitional area between rainforests and other habitats, such as open forests or grasslands. These areas contain species from both ecosystems and often serve as buffer zones.

Rhizome

Rhizome refers to an underground stem that grows horizontally. It produces roots and shoots along its length, allowing plants to spread and store nutrients for future growth.

Riparian Zones

Riparian zones refer to areas where land meets a river, stream, or other waterway. These zones act as natural buffers, preventing erosion, filtering water, and supporting diverse plant and animal life.

Rocky Gullies

Rocky gullies refer to narrow valleys or channels with rocky surfaces. These areas may have unique microclimates and support plant species adapted to rocky, well-drained environments.

Sclerophyll

Sclerophyll refers to plants with thick, leathery leaves adapted to conserve water. This vegetation is commonly found in dry or nutrient-poor soils.

Scrubland

Scrubland refers to a habitat dominated by low-growing vegetation, including dense shrubs and small trees. These environments can be found in coastal areas, arid regions, and mountain slopes.

Semi-arid

Semi-arid refers to a climate or environment with limited but regular rainfall. These regions are drier than temperate areas but receive more moisture than arid zones. Vegetation is typically adapted to withstand prolonged dry periods.

Shrublands

Shrublands refer to habitats where shrubs are the dominant vegetation type. These areas can vary in density and composition and occur in different climates, including dry regions, coastal areas, and mountain slopes.

Soil Biome

Soil biome refers to the complex ecosystem of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and insects, that contribute to soil health and fertility.

Specimen Plant

Specimen plant refers to a plant selected for its unique characteristics or striking features, often grown as a focal point in a landscape. It may also be referred to as a feature plant.

Spread

Spread refers to the horizontal growth of a plant, indicating the overall width it may reach under optimal conditions.

Subalpine

Subalpine refers to habitats found at higher elevations, below the alpine zone but above the lowlands. These environments are characterised by cooler temperatures, shorter growing seasons, and plant species adapted to harsher conditions.

Subtropical

Subtropical refers to a climate zone located between tropical and temperate regions. These areas typically have warm to hot temperatures, high humidity, and distinct seasonal variations.

Subtropical Coastal Rainforests

Subtropical coastal rainforests refer to rainforest habitats found in coastal regions within subtropical climates. These forests contain evergreen trees, dense undergrowth, and a high diversity of plant and animal species.

Sulfur (S)

Sulfur, symbolised by the letter S, is an essential nutrient for plant growth. It is involved in protein formation, enzyme activation, and overall plant development.

Swampy Coastal Heath

Swampy coastal heath refers to a habitat found in low-lying coastal areas with poor drainage. These areas experience seasonal or permanent waterlogging and support plants adapted to wet conditions.

Temperate Climate

Temperate climate refers to a region with moderate temperatures and distinct seasons. It typically features a mix of rainfall and dry periods distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

Tendrils

Tendrils are thin, specialised structures that some climbing plants use to attach themselves to supports.

Trace Elements

Trace elements, also known as micronutrients, are essential minerals required in small quantities for plant health, including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), boron (B), and chlorine (Cl).

Tropical Climate

Tropical climate refers to warm, humid regions with high annual rainfall. These conditions support dense vegetation and diverse ecosystems.

Twining Stems

Twining stems refer to stems that coil around supports to provide stability for climbing plants.

Vertical Gardening

Vertical gardening refers to the practice of growing plants on upright surfaces such as walls, trellises, or hanging structures. This method is useful for maximising space in small gardens.

Wallum

Wallum refers to a type of vegetation and sandy soil ecosystem found in coastal regions of eastern Australia. Wallum habitats include a mix of shrubs, heath plants, and wetland species adapted to nutrient-poor, acidic soils.

Waterwise Gardening

Waterwise gardening refers to techniques that minimise water use, such as selecting drought-tolerant plants, using mulch, and optimising
irrigation.

Wet Sclerophyll Forest

Wet sclerophyll forest refers to a habitat with tall trees and an understory of moisture-loving plants. These forests occur in high-rainfall areas and contain a mix of eucalyptus and other species adapted to wet conditions.

Woodland

Woodland refers to a habitat with an open canopy, where trees are spaced apart, allowing more sunlight to reach the ground. These areas often contain a mix of grasses, shrubs, and trees, supporting a diverse range of species.

Xerophyte

Xerophyte refers to a plant adapted to dry conditions, often with water-storing structures or deep root systems.

Xeriscape

Xeriscape refers to a landscaping approach designed to reduce water usage by incorporating drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation methods.

Yield

Yield refers to the amount of produce or growth a plant generates within a given period. It is often used to measure productivity in crops and edible plants.