Gardening

(gar'dn-ing.) [From Ger. garten, a garden.] That branch of cultivation which teaches how to dispose fruit-trees, flowers, and herbs, to the best advantage, whether for profit or pleasure; and how to prepare the soil for sowing the different kinds of seed; as well as how to treat the plants during their various stages of vegetation, till they arrive at maturity. The subject is divided into Horticulture, which relates to the cultivation of culinary vegetables and fruits; Floriculture, which relates to the cultivation of ornamental and rare flowers, shrubs, and trees; Arboriculture, which relates to the cultivation of trees and shrubs used for various purposes in the arts and general economy; and Landscape gardening, or the general arrangement of the scenery or landscape about a country residence. [s. 395]