You need to know the characteristics, arrangement, function and horticultural importance of: Root: xylem, phloem, cambium, epidermis, endodermis. R2101 – Roots Stem: xylem, pholem, cambium, epidermis. R2101 – stems but you don't need the adaptations here. R2101 – Plant Classification, structure and function the dicotyledon stem. Leaf: xylem, phloem, epidermis, lamina, stomata, palisade, spongy mesophyll. R2101… Continue reading Unit 1, Topic 1, Element 4 – Internal Plant Structures
Unit 1, Topic 1, Element 3 – external parts of plant
This element covers the characteristics and functions of: Roots - R2101 – Roots Stems - R2101 – stems Leaves - R2101 – leaves Flowers - R2101 – Flowers, fruits and seeds You will need to be able to explain how plant structures are used to identify and describe species, and also how external structures support function… Continue reading Unit 1, Topic 1, Element 3 – external parts of plant
Unit 1, Topic 1, Element 2 – Lifecycle Adaptations
There are some definitions regarding plant lifecycle to learn, which are here: R2101 definitions The advantages of having lifecycle adaptations is to include: exploiting short growing season avoiding extreme weather ecological niches growth in less favourable conditions To get the AO3 outcome, you will need to demonstrate the impact of plant lifecyles on biodiversity, plant… Continue reading Unit 1, Topic 1, Element 2 – Lifecycle Adaptations
Unit 1, Topic 1, Plant Science 1
The scientific naming of plants is detailed here: R2101 plant name. This covers taxonomy, family, genus, species, cultivars and hybrids. The major plant groups are outlined here: R2101 plant classification. Some extra groups that were not required in the old-style exam are: Pteridophyta = vascular plants that have roots, stems, leaves and reproduce through spores… Continue reading Unit 1, Topic 1, Plant Science 1
New syllabus from September 2022
There is a new sylllabus to be taught from September 2022, which replaces the previous 2 theory certificates with one. The new certificate is in two parts however and is called RHS level 2 certificate in the principles of plant growth & development. I was going to just leave this blog but decided to look… Continue reading New syllabus from September 2022
R2111 My plant list
As I said before, I think it is better that you make your own list of plants including ones that you know because it is much easier to describe a plant that you have actually seen. It would also allow you to throw in a bit of other information, proving that you really do know… Continue reading R2111 My plant list
Christmas gifts for gardeners
It's that time of year again. I don't really think you should have to buy gifts for grown-ups, but if you have to find something for a gardening friend, or if you will have to give someone a few pointers for you or risk ending up with something totally wasteful, this might be for you.… Continue reading Christmas gifts for gardeners
can slugs see in colour?
This is a serious question : can slugs see in colour? All summer, the tomatoes have been growing well and just as the green tomatoes start to ripen, the slugs have attacked! How do they know when the tomatoes have ripened? They showed absolutely no interest for months until now. I suppose they might be… Continue reading can slugs see in colour?
Mutant Limnanthes?
I'm pretty sure I was told that there is only one type of Limnanthes douglasii and it is the cheerful poached-egg plant, with a very open flower and good for attracting insects. This is what most of the ones I have in my garden look like: Standard poached-eggs However, I seem to also have a… Continue reading Mutant Limnanthes?
Book review: The Complete Gardener by Monty Don Vs. How to be a Gardener by Alan Titchmarsh
It's nearly Christmas, and I decided to do a combined review of these two gardening books, as they might be on your Christmas list. It is a direct comparison of them both and I definitely have a favourite. The Complete Gardener - Monty Don I had seen this book about everywhere! It had been in… Continue reading Book review: The Complete Gardener by Monty Don Vs. How to be a Gardener by Alan Titchmarsh
Gardening studies 