Very, very basics explained please

Have never, ever got into gardening I'm afraid.

I'm now starting and I'm looking to start this summer.

I'm putting in a single border, which will be half in the shade/sun. The soil is clay, not sure of acidity level etc. yet (to be tested).

Can somebody please explain what perrenials are, hardy plants, annual, biennial etc.

Also, I'm looking to grow from seed. Any recommendations on where to but seeds from online ? What will I need ?

Thanks

 

to put it simply,
there are trees ... conifers or not, most conifers are evergreen, holly eg is an evegreen non conifer.
some trees are pruned to grow into hedges eg hawthorn and beech
shrubs ........ things like rhododendron and its cousin azalea, lot of others generally grown in a mixed shrub border
annuals are plants which are sown in spring, grow and set seed then die in one year eg sunflower
biennials are plants which are sown this year and flower next year eg wallflowers, then they die.
perennials can be sown from seed and you may have to wait for a few years to get a decent size plant, they flower every year [except maybe year 1] and you have to remove the old flowering stuff during the winter.
you will see hardy and half hardy annuals, hardy generally means they can be sown outside in soil from May on [see seed packets], half hardy means they need to be started in seed trays in a greenhouse or a windowsill be4 transplanting in to pots then "hardening off" ie acclimatising to external climate be4 planting outside where they are to flower.
Please note this is a simplification ....... but it encompasses the basics [i hope]

 

ever thought of teaching, TLG?? Just to answer the extra question, about where to get seeds on-line -
try http://seeds.thompson-morgan.com/uk/en?er=googleuk;term=morgan+thompson
http://seeds.thompson-morgan.com/uk/en?er=googleuk;term=morgan+thompson

They're good for starters. Suttons hav e sow-n-throw range, which are ideal for sowing outside with no fuss. Have fun! :D

 

yes Dendy, im sure i could teach, if only kids were not involved [joking], those ready to grow seeds look a great idea, alos bulbs are foolproof, i think one needs to have guaranteed success in the first year.

 

agreed! :D