BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Horticulture and Planting Design 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which USDA Hardiness Zone covers most of the Pacific Northwest coastal region of the US?
- Zone 3
- Zone 6
- Zone 8 (Correct answer)
- Zone 11
Correct answer: Zone 8
The Pacific Northwest coast falls primarily in USDA Hardiness Zone 8, with mild winters rarely dropping below 10°F.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a 'rain garden' in landscape planting design?
- Aesthetic focal point
- Capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff (Correct answer)
- Provide shade to adjacent structures
- Reduce wind speeds on site
Correct answer: Capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff
Rain gardens are shallow, planted depressions designed to capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces.
Question 3: Which term describes the practice of using plants native to a specific region in landscape design?
- Xeriscaping
- Naturalistic planting
- Native planting (Correct answer)
- Biophilic design
Correct answer: Native planting
Native planting uses plants indigenous to a specific geographic region, supporting local wildlife and requiring less maintenance.
Question 4: What does 'xeriscaping' primarily aim to achieve in landscape design?
- Maximize biodiversity
- Reduce water usage through drought-tolerant planting (Correct answer)
- Increase canopy cover in urban areas
- Improve soil fertility over time
Correct answer: Reduce water usage through drought-tolerant planting
Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation by using drought-tolerant plants.
Question 5: Which soil amendment is commonly used to improve drainage in heavy clay soils?
- Peat moss
- Compost
- Coarse sand or grit (Correct answer)
- Vermiculite
Correct answer: Coarse sand or grit
Coarse sand or grit added to clay soils increases pore space, improving drainage and aeration.
Question 6: What is the term for the arrangement of plants by height from tallest at back to shortest at front in a border?
- Layered planting
- Staggered massing
- Tiered arrangement (Correct answer)
- Succession planting
Correct answer: Tiered arrangement
A tiered arrangement places tall plants at the rear and progressively shorter plants toward the front to maximize visibility and visual interest.
BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Horticulture and Planting Design 1
Which USDA Hardiness Zone covers most of the Pacific Northwest coastal region of the US?