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.


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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 

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Essential Landscape Lingo: Nurserymen

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Making a Plan for HOA Approvals