Gardening

The term Gardening means as cultivation of plants in enclosed areas for ornamental purposes. It is distinct from agriculture and horticulture. They both are concerned with plants grown on a large scale for economic or other gain to the cultivator. Scientific research into plants is normally a matter for the botanist. Also see Botanical Garden; Botany; Plant Breeding.

Gardening is often a matter of recreation for the home gardener, who usually follows the patterns and methods established by commercial and professional gardeners but adapted to smaller operations. The gardener may purchase some plants, seeds, and tools from a commercial nursery, which provides various services to householders and small-scale gardeners. See History of Gardening; Landscape Architecture.

The type of garden planted by the average home owner generally depends on a number of cultivation variables, as well as on individual tastes and preferences. Among such variables are soil type and fertility, wind and sun exposure, air pollution (if in or near large urban centers), position of existing trees and shrubs, visual effect desired, amount of land available, size and design of buildings, need for walks and pathways, desire for privacy, and ease of maintenance. Local regional climate determines the plants available and useful to the home gardener.