Essential Landscape Lingo: Designers
If you’re undertaking a landscape project of any sort, you’re likely to encounter a lot of industry-specific terminologies. Keep this reference guide handy as you navigate through the world of outdoor improvements.
For more, see our guides to Talking like a Designer, Talking like a Nurseryman, and Talking like a Gardener.
Talking like a Designer
Learning the language of outdoor features will help ease communication with design-minded consultants.
accent - the use of a plant or object to draw attention to, or punctuate, space
allée - a walk bordered with trees or clipped hedges
arbor - a latticework structure often used as a decorative passageway between garden spaces
deck - a raised platform, often made of wood
drip line - an imaginary circle around a plant’s outermost branches, also the area to protect
edging - a material (like brick, plastic, stone, or metal) used as a border around planted areas
gazebo - a freestanding structure with a solid, pitched roof and open sides
groundcover - low-growing plants that create a uniform appearance over an area
hardscape - nonliving fixtures, like paths, decks, or walls (may be brick, stone, wood, etc.)
hedge - shrubs that give a wall-like appearance, used to screen views or separate areas
naturalize - planting without a pattern, to create the effect of finding them in the wild
ornamental grasses - those left to grow to their full height, without mowing
patio - an uncovered and paved outdoor area
pergola - a freestanding structure with an open roof supported by posts or columns
porch - a covered shelter in front of the entrance of a building (also called a veranda)
portico - a structure attached to a building with a roof supported by columns at regular intervals
retaining wall - a structure that holds back water and earth
softscape - all the living organisms installed in a yard
topiary - controlling plant growth by pruning or shearing into a decorative shape
trellis - a flat latticework surface often used to support plants
veranda - a covered area attached to the home for outdoor living area