what does grade of plant

Hi, I am designing a perennial border at college and I've got to list specifications of plants to be used, eg: pot size, costing, quality, spacing, and grade of plant but I don't know what to put for grade of plant, or what it means? I would be very greatful for any help, regards.

 

http://www.northernliners.com/Documents/NLC_2004_5.pdf
This may be of some help to you, I hope.

 

some of the plant catalogue s have borders already designed, i m not suggesting you copy and paste, but it will give you an idea of a balanced plan ...try crocus, thompson and morgan and dobies for good ideas and ilustrations

 

I don't know what they want for 'grade ' of plant either. if I were you I'd ask lecturer/ supervisor. I'm not sure what they want for 'quality' either- I expect others are confused as well!
Good Luck :rolleyes:

 

No idea either, but as a guess they may mean

is it

annual, half hardy, hardy or perennial but might also mean flower, herb, shrub, bush or tree

So I would agree with Liz and get someone to clarify the question first

 

Interesting site Palustris - first one I have seen with wholesale prices.

It does not explain why plant prices have doubled over the last three years from about �£3 and �£4 to �£7 and �£8 at many garden centres around here. No way can they blame that on their own plant costs.

 

quality by definition is consistant eg a big mac is of known quality ,,whether you buy it in Moscow or Texas
grade in the food trade for example means a level of quality eg if you want a decent chicken you want grade A, grade A chickens are raised to a defined standard using good food, limited chemicals, slaughtered in good conditions etc
non graded chickens.... well you get what you pay for...

 

sorry i should say graded chickens are not all the same size
i hope this clarifies the issue
but i think your lecturers are not clear!

 

Ref. Peter's comments about plant prices - we are surrounded with nurseries quoting 'Wholesale only' clearly the market for plants is very profitable as we all want something new/different. Am still looking for a good 'swaps' site as I have a number of Perennial needs as well as offerings.

Chobart

 

For my two pennyworth Jo234 - I would define grade of plant in respect of the particular project of designing a perrenial border as a) size height and width both at the time of planting, and at full growth b)colour of stem, leaf and flower.

For the design to sork there has to be a clear view of what the border will look like initially and then with time (don't forget the seasons)

Get your course tutors to clarify to be absolutely clear of their requirements.

 

i hope jo will tell us the answer to this connundrum