R2111 UNDERSTANDING GARDEN FEATURES, PLANT SELECTION & PLANNING

Including Examiners Comments R2 UNDERSTANDING GARDEN FEATURES, PLANT SELECTION & PLANNING Level 2 Tuesday 2 June 206 09:0 0:50 Written Examination Candidate Number: Candidate Name: Centre Number/Name:.. IMPORTANT Please read carefully before commencing: i) The duration of this paper is 80 minutes; ii) iii) iv) ALL questions should be attempted; EACH question carries 0 marks; Write your answers legibly in the lined space provided. It is NOT necessary that all lined space is used in answering the questions; v) Use METRIC measurements only; vi) vii) viii) Use black or blue ink only. Pencil can be used for drawing purposes only; Where plant names are required, they should include genus, species and where appropriate, cultivar; Where a question requires a specific number of answers; only the first answers given that meet the question requirement will be accepted, regardless of the number of answers offered; ix) Ofqual Unit Code F/60/025 Please note, when the word distinct is used within a question, it means that the items have different characteristics or features. Please turn over/..

Q a) ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS State how EACH of the following can be used when planning a domestic garden which is pleasing: i) symmetry; ii) colour. i)........... ii)............. Name THREE features which can be used as focal points in a domestic garden........ 2 Total Mark Please see over/..

Q State FIVE characteristics of a cottage garden under EACH of the following headings: i) hard landscaping; ii) border planting. 5 5 i).................. ii)............ Please see over/. Total Mark

Q a) State how decking can be used in a domestic garden. Name ONE material used for decking from EACH of the following: i) natural; ii) man-made. c) i).. ii). State how to minimise TWO NAMED hazards associated with decking in a garden situation. i).. ii). Total Mark Please turn over/.. 5

Q7 a) Describe how a cohesive design is achieved under EACH of the following headings: i) path in a formal garden; ii) pond in an informal garden. i).. ii). State FOUR factors that should be considered when selecting elements of soft landscaping for a domestic garden. Total Mark Please see over/.. 8

These questions are the property of the Royal Horticultural Society. They must not be reproduced or sold. The Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU2 6QB. Charity Registration Number: 222879/SC08262 2

R2 UNDERSTANDING GARDEN FEATURES, PLANT SELECTION & PLANNING Level 2 Tuesday 2 June 206 Candidates Registered 59 Total Candidates Passed 0 85.8% Candidates Entered 50 8.9% Passed with Commendation 60.9% Candidates Absent/Withdrawn 87.67% Passed 270 5.89% Candidates Deferred 5 0.8% Failed 7.7% Senior Examiner s Comments: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a good range of plant knowledge and be able to give accurately named plant examples where appropriate. Common names and generic names are often too vague and cannot be rewarded in the positive manner that genus, species and where appropriate, variety/cultivar can. This is particularly important when answering questions relating to particular (named) plant(s). Marks can only be awarded for these narratives where the example(s) are correctly and fully identified. 2 Candidates must be able to display accurate knowledge of the technical terms and concepts detailed in the syllabus, in the context of horticulture and also be aware that wider interpretation will not be rewarded. The examination should be regarded as a possible introduction to higher level studies, which will only be open to those who are in possession of a clear understanding of the horticultural terms and concepts which are current. The introductory rubric given on the first page of each question paper should be read carefully by candidates. At each examination there are a significant number of candidates who ignore or misread the instructions given and consequently may not perform as well as they could have done.

Candidates should pace themselves during each paper. The most successful candidates allow sufficient time to read the question thoroughly before answering it and also take time to read through their answers. They should take care to write as legibly as possible, so that the examiner is in no doubt about what is intended. 5 Candidates need to interpret key words within questions, particularly those such as state, list and describe. Questions requiring descriptions or explanations obviously require a more detailed answer than those requiring a list. 6 It is important to ensure that responses to questions are to the point. Candidates should bear in mind that small sketches might be used to convey information more succinctly than words. 7 Successful candidates ensure that their answers are focused and to the point. It is disappointing when they cannot be rewarded for their efforts because the answer is irrelevant to the particular question. Candidates should take note of the mark allocation for specific sections and allocate their time and efforts accordingly. 8 Diagrams can enhance an answer and where appropriate can replace detailed descriptions. They should be large, clear and well annotated, ensuring that labels are properly attached to the features they describe. Diagrams should preferably be in pencil. Colour may be used successfully but only where it is relevant to the answer. 9 In each examination it is clear that some candidates are ill prepared to answer papers of the type set. It is essential that candidates have the opportunity to practice questions. Ideally some papers should be answered in a time constrained situation. Appropriate feedback must, in any case be provided.

Q a) State how EACH of the following can be used when planning a domestic garden which is pleasing: i) symmetry; ii) colour. Name THREE features which can be used as focal points in a domestic garden. Qa) The majority of candidates were able to state how symmetry and colour can be used when planning a domestic garden, and were awarded full marks. Suitable answers included: i) Symmetry; mirror imaging of features, e.g. flower beds, topiary specimens, statues, pots along an axis; balancing such elements around geometric features; the balanced repetition of key plants in a bed; use of formal straight lines or regular curves for paths etc. ii) Colour; to evoke mood hot colours to energise, cool colours to relax; harmonising/unifying colours in hard and soft landscaping with reference to the house; visual manipulation of space bright colours advance, pastel colours recede ; evoke a theme, e.g. hot colours for a Mediterranean Garden; achieving seasonal colour highlights etc. Candidates who gave generalised comments about symmetry and colour without stating how they are used could not be awarded any marks. Candidates who wrote about asymmetry could not be awarded any marks as this was not relevant to the question. Q The best answers included the following examples of suitable features that can be used as focal points, and gained full marks: a statue, a specimen tree, a large potted plant, a classical urn, a decorative building, a Lutyens seat, a fountain, etc. 5

Q2 a) Name TWO services that can be found in a garden. 2 Describe TWO distinct problems that could result from not correctly identifying the presence of underground services in a garden. 8 Q2a) Candidates named both overhead and underground services that are found in a garden and gained full marks. Suitable examples included: electricity, gas, drains, sewers, domestic oil line, water etc. Q2 Most candidates answered this question by referring to two underground services and then described the resulting problems if the service is disrupted, and were awarded full marks. A number of problems which apply to most services were described, e.g. possible delays to works; additional expense due to cost of repairs; insurance claims; inconvenience to the client and possibly their neighbours etc. Problems which relate to specific services were also described, e.g. a damaged water main could flood the garden, damage buildings and plants; a damaged sewage pipe could cause pollution and possible health risks and a damaged gas pipe could cause an explosion etc. Candidates who described overhead services could not be awarded any marks. 6

Q State FIVE characteristics of a cottage garden under EACH of the following headings: i) hard landscaping; ii) border planting. 5 5 Q) The best candidates showed a good understanding of the characteristics of a cottage garden and gained full marks. Acceptable answers included: i) Hard Landscaping The use of recycled/reclaimed materials e.g. brick for paths, seating areas and walls The path from the gate to the cottage door is typically straight and if using brick will often be in a traditional pattern, e.g. herringbone or basket weave The use of local materials, e.g. Cotswold or other stone for dry stone or mortared walls, paths and benches Fences are simple and low, e.g. a white picket fence Local natural materials, e.g. Salix, Corylus and Castanea are often used for hurdles, arbours and plant supports The use of materials in a rustic or undressed form, e.g. benches, arches etc, made from wood with the bark intact Candidates who named features that are not typically seen in cottage gardens, e.g. pergola, pond, raised beds and curving paths could not be awarded any marks. ii) Border Planting Mixed borders of edible, ornamental and medicinal plants, i.e. fruit and vegetables mixed with herbaceous perennials, herbs and annuals The use of traditional perennials, e.g. Alchemilla mollis, biennials, e.g. Alcea rosea and annuals, e.g. Calendula officinalis The style of planting is loose, informal and naturalistic with plants spilling onto paths Borders typically display a riot of colour and many scents fill the air The use of native wildflowers which attract pollinators Plants are allowed to self-seed freely and to assume natural growth habits 7

Q a) c) State how decking can be used in a domestic garden. Name ONE material used for decking from EACH of the following: i) natural; ii) man-made. State how to minimise TWO NAMED hazards associated with decking in a garden situation. Qa) Candidates stated a range of ways in which decking can be used in a garden. Suitable answers which were awarded full marks included: Decking is normally used for outdoor entertaining or relaxing Often, though not exclusively, built adjacent to the house Can enable people to step out from a living room or a conservatory May be built anywhere on the site to take advantage of a good view or to gain privacy A deck may be raised above soil level and is a good way of using a sloping site Decks may be cut to intricate shapes Q Full marks were awarded to candidates who gave specific names for materials that are used for decking. Acceptable answers included: i) Natural pressured treated grooved pine ii) Man-made PVC Vinyl, various composites based on re-cycled plastics or woods and various metals including aluminium Qc) The majority of candidates were able to name two hazards associated with decking and stated how these can be minimised. Acceptable answers included: Named Hazards Slippery surface when wet or poorly maintained Possible splinters due to poor construction, poor materials or damage to decking Slippery if surface is not grooved or suitably treated Trip hazard when stepping onto decking Exposed edge if decking is above ground level Steps on/off decking Poor lighting for evening use 8

Ways to Minimise Hazards Where possible avoid locating decking under over-hanging trees Provide grooves in surface, especially across direction of travel at access points Ensure high quality finish to woodwork Choose suitable materials according to anticipated use Apply non-slip treatments at recommended intervals Ensure that any damaged area is repaired promptly Install handrails for all steps and raised edges Provide adequate lighting if deck is used for evening entertaining 9

Q5 a) State FOUR observations which could be made and recorded when completing a garden site appraisal with reference to soil drainage. State what is meant by EACH of the following terms: i) aspect; ii) contour; iii) microclimate. c) State ONE reason why EACH of the terms named in is recorded in a site appraisal. Q5a) Candidates provided a range of suitable observations with reference to soil drainage which could be recorded when completing a site appraisal. These included: Standing water or evidence that it has occurred Excessive growth of moss and algae Presence of wet area indicator plants, e.g. sedges and rushes Result of soil texture tests from across the site Discovery of gleyed soil through digging test pits Rate of absorption of water when poured onto surface Marks could not be awarded to candidates who referred to soil structure or items entirely unrelated to the soil. Q5 Most candidates showed a good understanding of the terms and were awarded full marks. Acceptable answers included: i) Aspect relates to the principle direction in which the site faces ii) Contour relates to the topography of the land. When carrying out a site appraisal a visual assessment is made to determine if the land is flat, sloping or consists of ups and downs, hills and hollows. iii) Microclimate refers to specific very localised climates in a site, e.g. rain shadows caused by buildings or trees, frost pockets in hollows or sun traps against a wall etc. Q5c) Most candidates were able to state suitable reasons for recording each of the terms in a site appraisal and gained full marks. Acceptable answers included: i) Aspect is recorded to inform choices made with reference to planting and the location of seating areas, glasshouses etc. within a garden. ii) Contour is recorded to enable initial decisions to be made relating to hard landscaping. Some areas may require special treatment, e.g. terracing or the inclusion of a rock garden. iii) Microclimate is recorded to enable the correct plants and their positions to be selected as well as the design and location of buildings and hard landscape features. 20

Q6 a) Describe the decorative merits of THREE NAMED distinct evergreen trees (large shrubs) suitable for planting in a domestic garden, by completing the table below. Evergreen tree/large shrub Decorative merits.. 2. 2.. 2... 2. State the height and spread of ONE of the species given in a) above. Q6a) The best candidates were able to name suitable examples of evergreen trees (large shrubs) and gave appropriate decorative merits for each. Suitable examples included: Abies koreana Silberlocke which has dark green needles which curl up to reveal silvery white undersides and purple cones in spring Arbutus unedo which has rough, shredding red-brown bark and spherical, warty red fruits which look like strawberries Ilex aquifolium J.C. van Tol which has ovate, almost spineless glossy dark green leaves and large abundant bright red fruits Q6 Candidates who knew their plants well correctly stated the height and spread for one of their named species, e.g. Arbutus unedo which has a height and spread of 8m, and gained full marks. Candidates who named evergreen trees which grow in excess of 0m or very small shrubs could not be awarded any marks. Candidates who named deciduous species or gave imperial measurements could not be awarded any marks. 2

Q7 a) Describe how a cohesive design is achieved under EACH of the following headings: i) path in a formal garden; ii) pond in an informal garden. State FOUR factors that should be considered when selecting elements of soft landscaping for a domestic garden. Q7a) Many candidates were able to describe how a cohesive design is achieved in specific situations and were awarded full marks. Suitable answers included: i) Path in a formal garden The paths would be laid straight with right angle changes of direction Stone for the path would be square cut to be cohesive with the highly formal geometric form of the design The paving would be of natural stone (e.g. limestone or sandstone) with the colour/material chosen to match the house ii) Pond in an informal garden Use of a flowing, serpentine shape Wildlife pond with a natural appearance, e.g. edged with stone or logs Use of a variety of plants, e.g. marginal and aquatics suited to different depths to attract invertebrates Shallow edges to the pond to allow birds and mammals to drink and animals, e.g. hedgehogs, to get out of the water Q7 The majority of candidates were able to give a suitable range of factors regarding the selection of soft landscaping elements, and gained full marks. Acceptable answers included: The style or theme of the overall design, i.e. cohesion The local environment, i.e. cohesion and suitability Soil conditions including ph and drainage Ultimate height and spread of plants Aspect/exposure/microclimates of the site Access to the site for large plants 22

Q8 State distinct sustainability considerations for NAMED construction materials for EACH garden element listed, by completing the table below. Garden element Construction material Sustainability considerations Path. 2. Wall. 2. 5 5 Q8) Candidates who were able to provide appropriate sustainability considerations for named construction materials for specific garden elements gained full marks. Suitable answers included: Path - made from limestone The source of the material has extraction damaged the environment? Transport considerations could a more local material be sourced? Wall made from rough cut sandstone Could a source of re-claimed material be found to avoid new quarrying? Could dry stone walling be used to avoid the use of cement (whose manufacture requires huge amounts of energy which is damaging to the environment)? Candidates who confused sustainability with durability could not be awarded any marks unless the answer was relevant to the question, e.g. the material was long lasting which meant that the user would not have to go back to the source to replace the material in the short to medium term. 2

Q9 a) Select the correct term to describe EACH of the following statements by completing the table below. Statement Terminal spines on Agave leaves Hazard Risk Skin damage caused by Rose prickles Bruises from tripping on uneven path Wet paving due to fountain splash State SIX Health and Safety considerations when planning a garden. 6 Q9a) The majority of candidates clearly identified which statements were a hazard and which were risks and were awarded full marks. These were: Terminal spines on Agave leaves hazard Skin damage caused by rose prickles risk Bruises from tripping on uneven path risk Wet paving due to fountain splash hazard It is important that all candidates can distinguish between a hazard and a risk as health and safety is an important part of the syllabus. Q9 Candidates who gave a range of health and safety considerations when planning a garden gained full marks. Suitable answers included: To include/exclude certain plants, e.g. poisonous or thorny ones Materials used for hard landscape surfaces Inclusion of special safety surfaces/equipment for play areas Water features must not present a drowning risk if included Electrical features/fittings to be out of reach, of suitable quality, properly installed and protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD) Secure fencing/gates to utility areas, glasshouses etc. Hand rails for steps, slopes, raised decks etc. Candidates who gave considerations relating to the survey or construction stages of a garden could not be awarded any marks. 2

Q0 a) State FOUR characteristics of plants suitable for screening (other than evergreen or deciduous). Describe TWO plants suitable for screening an unsightly utility area in an informal garden, by completing the table below. Plant species Deciduous Evergreen Particular merit as a screening plant ONE decorative merit Q0a) Most candidates were able to give a range of characteristics of plants suitable for screening including: dense growth of foliage and stem; tall enough to screen the object; low maintenance, i.e. not requiring frequent pruning; decorative features, e.g. foliage or flowers in keeping with the design of the garden; grows quickly to establish but not too vigorous and hardy, and longevity. Q0 Full marks were gained by candidates who were able to describe the decorative merits and the reasons why specific plants are good for screening. Acceptable answers included: Fagus sylvatica although it is a deciduous plant retains many of its leaves throughout the winter and can be clipped closely or left more natural looking. In spring the foliage is a fresh lime green colour which turns coppery in autumn. Prunus lusitanica is an evergreen plant with dense growth of glossy, dark green leaves which have distinctive red petioles and grows at a modest rate which reduces the need for trimming. It has ascending or pendent racemes of white flowers in early summer. ******* 25