Including Examiners Comments R111 UNDERSTANDING GARDEN FEATURES, PLANT SELECTION & PLANNING Level Tuesday June 015 09:0 10:50 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 10 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/601/051 Please note, when the word distinct is used within a question, it means that the items have different characteristics or features. 1 Please turn over/..
Q1 a) ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS Name FOUR distinct bulbs, corms or tuberous plants to provide interest in a garden situation. 4 State the season of interest and TWO decorative merits for TWO of the plants named in a) by completing the table below. Plant name Season of interest Decorative merits 1 1 Total Mark Please see over/..
Q a) Define EACH of the following terms: i) site appraisal; ii) garden survey. i). ii). Describe THREE factors that should be recorded when carrying out a site appraisal which would influence the choice of plants. 6 Total Mark... Please turn over/..
Q a) c) Name TWO horizontal elements used in a domestic garden... Describe TWO distinct types of water feature suitable for a domestic garden. State TWO examples of EACH of the following materials that are used to construct water features: i) manufactured; ii) natural. 4 i).... ii)..... 4 Total Mark Please see over/..
Q4 a) State TWO examples of materials used for the main structure of rock gardens under EACH of the following headings: i) manufactured; ii) natural. i). ii). Name THREE Alpine OR Rock garden plants suitable for a domestic garden feature, giving ONE decorative merit for each. 6 Total Mark Please turn over/.. 5
Q5 Describe (using specific examples) the difference between formality and informality in garden design, by completing the table below. Element Formal Informal Planting Horizontal Hard Landscaping Vertical Hard Landscaping Water Features Garden Boundaries Total Mark Please see over/.. 6
Q6 a) Name TWO artificial materials suitable for constructing a path in a domestic garden. Describe TWO hazards for EACH of the materials named in a) which may result from a poorly constructed path. 6 c) Name TWO natural materials used in a cottage garden. Total Mark Please turn over/.. 7
Q7 a) Define cohesion (unity) as a principle of garden design. 1 Describe THREE examples of how elements of soft landscaping should be selected, using information recorded during the site appraisal. 9 Total Mark Please see over/.. 8
Q8 a) Name TWO shrubs suitable for EACH of the following garden situations: i) north-facing border; ii) semi-shaded site with acid soil. i). ii). Complete the table below for ONE shrub named for EACH of the situations in a): Plant name ONE decorative merit Ultimate height Ultimate spread i) ii) Total Mark Please turn over/.. 9
Q9 a) Distinguish between a hazard and a risk. State how hazards and risks would be managed during the planning and design stage, by completing the table below. 1 ONE hazard ONE risk ONE method of risk reduction Access to garden Plants Slope Total Mark Please see over/.. 10
Q10 a) Describe THREE NAMED hard landscape materials that may be chosen during the planning and design stage which contribute to environmental sustainability. 6 State TWO examples in which sustainable maintenance practices can be integrated successfully during the planning and design stage of a garden. 4 Total Mark ******* 11
These questions are the property of the Royal Horticultural Society. They must not be reproduced or sold. The Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU 6QB. Charity Registration Number: 879/SC086 1
R111 UNDERSTANDING GARDEN FEATURES, PLANT SELECTION & PLANNING Level Tuesday June 015 Candidates Registered 586 Total Candidates Passed 44 84.6% Candidates Entered 501 85.49% Passed with Commendation 167.% Candidates Absent/Withdrawn 76 1.97% Passed 57 51.0% Candidates Deferred 9 1.54% Failed 77 15.7% Senior Examiner s Comments: 1 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. 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. 1
4 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. 14
Q1 a) Name FOUR distinct bulbs, corms or tuberous plants to provide interest in a garden situation. 4 State the season of interest and TWO decorative merits for TWO of the plants named in a) by completing the table below. Plant name Season of interest Decorative merits 1 1 Q1a) The majority of candidates were able to name a range of distinct bulbs, corms and tuberous plants and were awarded full marks. Suitable answers included; Narcissus Tête-à-tête, Crocosmia Lucifer, Colchicum autumnale, Galanthus nivalis. Candidates who named rhizomatous plants could not be awarded any marks. Candidates who only gave the genus of a plant could only be awarded half a mark if all plants in the genus answered the question. Q1 Candidates who completed the table appropriately for plants that they had already named gained full marks. Acceptable answers included; Narcissus Tête-à-tête is of interest in early spring and has 1- blooms of golden yellow flowers on stems up to 15cm tall. Crocosmia Lucifer flowers in mid-summer having upward facing tomato-red flowers which are on arching, sparsely branching spikes. Colchicum autumnale is of interest in the autumn and bears goblet-shaped, lavender pink flowers and has erect lance-shaped leaves. Galanthus nivalis is of interest in the winter and has white flowers with green markings and narrow glaucous-coloured leaves. Scent is not a decorative merit and could not be awarded any marks. 15
Q a) Define EACH of the following terms: i) site appraisal; ii) garden survey. Describe THREE factors that should be recorded when carrying out a site appraisal which would influence the choice of plants. 6 Qa) Candidates who could clearly define each of the terms were awarded full marks, Suitable definitions included; i) Site Appraisal is the recording of the general nature and condition of a site within its environment to include; soil type, contour, aspect, exposure, microclimates and drainage. ii) Garden Survey is the detailed surveying/measuring and recording of a garden together with features and services to include; positions and condition of buildings and trees, site topography, positions of all features such as ponds, watercourses, hard landscaping, overhead and underground services, boundary constraints, access and potential hazards and risks relating to any of the features and services. Q Descriptions provided by candidates who included how the factors would influence the choice of plants gained full marks. Suitable answers included; Soil Type e.g. sand, silt or clay and soil ph which will affect the choice of plants. A low soil ph would require the specification of calcifuge plants to be grown e.g. Rhododendron Cynthia and Camellia japonica. Exposure the site may be exposed to strong winds on a regular basis, evidenced by wind pruned or damaged trees and therefore planting may include the provision of shelter belts or plants which will bend in the wind. Aspect if the site is south facing, it will have sunny conditions and require plants e.g. Lavendula angustifolia to be grown. Alternatively trees and hedges could be planted to create shade to enable shade loving plants to be used e.g. Hosta fortunei. 16
Q a) c) Name TWO horizontal elements used in a domestic garden. Describe TWO distinct types of water feature suitable for a domestic garden. State TWO examples of EACH of the following materials that are used to construct water features: i) manufactured; ii) natural. 4 Qa) The majority of candidates were able to name two horizontal elements e.g. paths, patios, decking, steps and terraces and gained full marks. Candidates who named vertical elements e.g. wall and fences could not be awarded any marks. Q Candidates who described distinct types of water feature to illustrate their understanding gained full marks. Suitable examples included; Wildlife Pond, which is excavated and fitted with a flexible butyl liner and once filled with water planted up using deep water, surface floating and marginal plants to attract wildlife e.g. frogs, newts and dragonflies. Formal Pond, which once excavated can be a raised feature built of brick and stone and lined. The top of the pond can be used as a seating area. Deep water and surface floating plants can be used and a small fountain could also be included. Qc) Examples of both manufactured and natural materials were provided by the best candidates who were awarded full marks. These included; i) Manufactured e.g. concrete (treated), reconstituted stone, fibreglass, butyl rubber. ii) Natural e.g. limestone, granite, puddled clay, bamboo (for Japanese features). 17
Q4 a) State TWO examples of materials used for the main structure of rock gardens under EACH of the following headings: i) manufactured; ii) natural. Name THREE Alpine OR Rock garden plants suitable for a domestic garden feature, giving ONE decorative merit for each. 6 Q4a) Most candidates provided suitable examples of materials for the main structure of rock gardens and were awarded full marks e.g. i) Manufactured polyurethane composite, glass reinforced plastic, concrete and fibreglass. ii) Natural sandstone, limestone, granite and slate. Specific types of stone were also acceptable e.g. Yorkstone, Cotswold, Purbeck and Westmoreland. Q4 Candidates named a range of suitable alpine or rock garden plants providing a decorative merit for each and gained full marks. Suitable examples included; Gentiana alpina has trumpet-shaped deep blue flowers which are spotted green inside. Saxifraga oppositifolia has cup-shaped deep red-purple to pale pink or white flowers. Pulsatilla alpina has cup-shaped white flowers with silky-hairy petals and yellow stamens. Candidates who named invasive species e.g. Sedum acre or plants that are too large for a domestic situation e.g. coniferous trees (rather than true dwarf species could not be awarded any marks. 18
Q5 Describe (using specific examples) the difference between formality and informality in garden design, by completing the table below. Element Formal Informal Planting Horizontal Hard Landscaping Vertical Hard Landscaping Water Features Garden Boundaries Q5) The differences between formality and informality in garden design were described well by most candidates under the specific headings. Suitable answers which were awarded full marks included; Planting In formal planting plants are clipped into geometric shapes for hedges in Knot Gardens or topiary e.g.buxus sempervirens whereas informal planting is naturalistic, a profusion of plant forms and colours as in Prairie and Steppe Gardens e.g. Pennisetum villosum. Horizontal Hard Landscaping In formal gardens the use of square cut slabs of Yorkstone laid to make straightedged paths on the long axis and cross axis of a garden while meandering paths of hoggin winding amongst the naturalistic plantings of a steppe garden can be used in an informal setting. 19
Vertical Hard Landscaping A straight pergola formed of brick piers or dressed stone with prepared oak rafters is suitable for a formal garden whereas rustic Wigwams of Salix or Corylus can be used to support climbing plants in an informal cottage garden. Water Features A geometric shaped pool e.g. round, square or octagonal, edged with square cut Indian Sandstone is suitable for a formal setting whereas a naturalistic wildlife pond with serpentine margins closely planted with Iris pseudacorus and Carex elata Aurea would be appropriate for an informal situation. Garden Boundaries In a formal garden a double-skinned brick wall using English or Flemish bond construction with a coping course on top would be suitable while a loosely cut hedge of native species e.g. Crataegus monogyna and Prunus spinosa could be used in an informal garden. 0
Q6 a) c) Name TWO artificial materials suitable for constructing a path in a domestic garden. Describe TWO hazards for EACH of the materials named in a) which may result from a poorly constructed path. Name TWO natural materials used in a cottage garden. 6 Q6a) The majority of candidates named suitable artificial materials and were awarded full marks. Suitable answers included; poured concrete, concrete slabs, frost-proof bricks, reconstituted stone and resin-bonded aggregate. Candidates who named natural materials could not be awarded any marks. Q6 A range of suitable hazards were provided by candidates who gained full marks for the materials named. These included; Poured concrete failure to create a textured, non-slip surface, uneven surface leading to pooling of water and cracking due to a poor mix or laying will create trip hazards. Bricks poor foundation causing trip hazards, failure to use frost-proof bricks leading to loose material on the surface and use of damaged units due to poor selection of re-claimed bricks. Q6c) The best candidates named suitable natural materials and gained full marks. These included; willow fencing, hazel wigwams, softwood with the bark retained, logs and Yorkstone. 1
Q7 a) Define cohesion (unity) as a principle of garden design. 1 Describe THREE examples of how elements of soft landscaping should be selected, using information recorded during the site appraisal. 9 Q7a) Candidates who were able to define cohesion as creating a one-ness, by making a garden which is in harmony with its surroundings, where elements relate to the house and where materials, plants etc. relate to each other to create a consistency throughout were awarded the mark. Q7 Those candidates who related their answers to specific information that is recorded during the site appraisal gained maximum marks. The best answers included; Soil type/ph If the soil ph is alkaline calcifuge plants would need to be avoided. A range of plants suited to the soil type would need to be specified relative to the design for the garden e.g. a wildflower meadow. Microclimate This may reveal frost pockets which would inform plant choice/location i.e. tender plants should not be selected. Conversely there may be areas which are sun traps where tender plants would thrive for much of the year. If the design was for a Mediterranean theme then such information would be vital for a cohesive result. Drainage If this was a problem e.g. relating to topography and soil structure it could lead a design for a naturalistic pond and bog area with a selection of suitable plants creating cohesion rather than specifying major landscaping works to alter the site.
Q8 a) Name TWO shrubs suitable for EACH of the following garden situations: i) north-facing border; ii) semi-shaded site with acid soil. Complete the table below for ONE shrub named for EACH of the situations in a): Plant name ONE decorative merit Ultimate height Ultimate spread i) ii) Q8a) Suitable shrubs were named by the majority of candidates for the specific situations and gained full marks e.g. i) North facing border Hypericum calycinum, Mahonia aquifolium, Prunus laurocerasus Otto Luyken and Sarcococca humilis. ii) Semi-shaded site with acid soil Camellia japonica, Kalmia latifolia, Pieris japonica and Rhododendron Sappho. Q8 The best candidates were able to provide the specific details for named shrubs from each of the situations and were awarded full marks. Suitable answers included; i) Sarcococca humilis has small clusters of very fragrant creamy-white flowers with a height of 60cm and a spread of 1m. ii) Kalmia latifolia has large corymbs of pale pink to deep pink cup-shaped flowers with a height and spread of m.
Q9 a) Distinguish between a hazard and a risk. State how hazards and risks would be managed during the planning and design stage, by completing the table below. 1 Access to garden ONE hazard ONE risk ONE method of risk reduction Plants Slope Q9a) The majority of candidates were able to state that a hazard is something that can cause harm e.g. a thorny shrub and a risk is the likelihood, high or low that someone could be harmed as a result of the hazard. Q9 Candidates who related their answers to the planning and design stage of a garden gained full marks. Acceptable answers included; Access to garden access being too narrow for machinery to pass through is the hazard while the risk is heavy materials need to be manually handled which could cause back strains. A method of risk reduction would be to specify light-weight materials e.g. artificial rocks when planning the garden. Plants Thorny plants e.g. Pyracantha angustifolia is the hazard with a risk of scratches and puncture wounds to people especially if the plant is near a path. A method of risk reduction is that the planting design locates such plants away from access paths. Slope Any slope is potentially a hazard especially when wet with the risks being slips and falls resulting in bruises, cuts or broken bones. A method of risk reduction is to incorporate well designed steps to avoid the need for a slope. 4
Q10 a) Describe THREE NAMED hard landscape materials that may be chosen during the planning and design stage which contribute to environmental sustainability. 6 State TWO examples in which sustainable maintenance practices can be integrated successfully during the planning and design stage of a garden. 4 Q10a) The best candidates named suitable hard landscape materials which contribute to environmental sustainability and were awarded full marks. These included; FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) sourced timber which reduces the impact of harvesting timber from unprotected forest areas and ensures that the trees are replaced. Recycled bricks which are selected for their suitability (frost proof) and condition. Use of recycled onsite materials e.g. hardcore to avoid purchasing and transporting new materials. Q10 Candidates provided a range of suitable examples of sustainable maintenance practices and gained full marks e.g. The design of a composting area which would use waste products from the garden and kitchen to be recycled. Planning water harvesting in water butts to enable the collection and storage of rain water for use in the garden. Use of drought tolerant plants in the design to minimise the need for watering. Include meadow lawns in the design to reduce the need for mowing. ******* 5