Sorting Out the Garden Beds Trivia Quiz

Answer: Flowers

Occurs - Crocus

Part of the family Iridacea, the crocus is a perennial flower which grows from a corm. The most widely known variety is the Crocus sativus, or Autumn Crocus, from which saffron is obtained. While this crocus has distinctive purple petals, other varieties may be white, yellow or orange.

Answer: Flowers

Ores - Rose

The rose is one of the most instantly recognisable flowers and a favourite of horticulturists around the world. Of the tens of thousands of different cultivars of rose, the plants may be shrubs or climbers, are frequently highly scented and come in a variety of colours. Ornamental or cut roses are usually hybrids, bred especially for their colour and markings, while the fragrant roses are popular in perfumes and cosmetics. Some varieties of rose bear a fruit called a rose hip. These are high in vitamin C and can be eaten fresh or made into jams or teas. Rose water, made by steeping rose petals in water, is often used as a flavouring in baking. Rose hips are used in traditional medicines for treating fever, rheumatoid arthritis, intestinal complaints and even the common cold.

Answer: Flowers

Rhodic - Orchid

Orchids are an exotic flower from the large family Orchidaceae, of which there are over 28,000 species. The plant may be terrestrial, growing from a corm or tuber, or they may be epiphytic, with aerial roots that absorb water and nutrients from the atmospheric humidity. Orchids are used as a scent in perfumes and candles, while the seed pod of the Vanilla planifolia is used in cooking and baking.

Answer: Flowers

Faeries - Freesia

In the same family as the crocus (Iridaceae), freesias are an annual flower that grow from a corm. A group of funnel-shaped flowers grow on a spike and may be heavily fragrant. Colours range from white and yellow through to pink, red and blue-mauve. They are often used in hand creams and shampoos and are a popular flower for weddings.

Answer: Flowers

Drainage - Gardenia

Gardenias are a tropical and sub-tropical flower of the coffee family, Rubiaceae. They grow as a shrub or small tree and its white or pale yellow flowers can grow quite large. If water touches the petals they turn brown. Gardenias, Sigmund Freud's favourite flower, are traditionally worn in French boutonnieres.

Answer: Herbs

Ages - Sage

A member of the mint family, sage (Salvia oficinalis) has grey-green hairy leaves and purple flowers. It is widely used in cooking as an essential herb but also has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. The ancient Romans used sage, the 'holy herb' in their religious rituals. The name Salvia means to save, and sage was used in Europe to protect, or save, against the black death. Sage has been used throughout history to cure hysteria and epilepsy, to treat joint and muscle pain, ulcers, colic and mouth sores, to mention just a few.

Answer: Herbs

Bails - Basil

Basil is a mainly annual herb member of the family Lamiaceae. Growing up to 5 feet in height, sweet basil, with its strong scent and distinctive flavour is the most commonly used variety of culinary basil. It is usually added fresh late in the cooking process as the heat can ruin the flavour. Basil was used in the embalming process in ancient Egypt and is a symbol of mourning in Greece.

Answer: Herbs

Sparely - Parsley

Parsley, either flat-leafed or curly, is a biennial plant of the family Apiaceae. The leaves are grown and harvested in the first year, and in the second year the plant produces flowers and seeds. Curly parsley is often used as a decoration, while the stronger-flavoured, flat-leafed variety is popularly used in cooking. Another variety is the Hamburg root parsley, whose root resembles a parsnip in shape, and is used mainly in European cooking. Parsley (or celery or lettuce) is dipped in salt water and used in the Karpas, one of the Jewish rituals of the Passover.

Answer: Herbs

Arrogant - Tarragon

Estragon, commonly called tarragon, is a glossy-leafed, perennial herb from the sunflower family. Its taste is reminiscent of anise (liquorice), and accompanies well with fish, chicken and egg dishes. It may be used fresh or dried, however some flavour is lost during the drying process. Called the 'King of herbs' by the French, Tarragon is also called 'dragon wort' because of its root system which looks like a den of snakes.

Answer: Herbs

Augural - Arugula

Arugula, aka rocket, (Eruca vesicaria) is an annual in the Brassicaceae family. Although native to the Mediterranean region, it is eaten around the world as a salad vegetable, popular for its peppery taste. The ancient Romans ate arugula for good luck and also for its purported aphrodisiac qualities. Arugula is a very quick growing herb, which is how it got its alternative name of rocket.

Answer: Trees

Ample - Maple

Maple trees and shrubs are in the genus Acer and are native to several countries in the Northern Hemisphere. The Acer laurinum is the only species of maple native to the Southern Hemisphere and is found in Asia. Most maples can grow to a height of 45 metres and are deciduous with a vibrant autumn leaf colour. The seeds of the maple consist of a single seed attached to a 'wing' which allows the seed to spin as it falls. Maple syrup is made from the sap of just three species of maple - the sugar maple, red maple and black maple. The maple leaf is pictured on Canada's national flag.

Answer: Trees

Basal - Balsa

The balsa tree (Ochroma pyramidale) is part of the mallow family and is a fast-growing, large deciduous tree. Native to South America, its name comes from the Spanish word for 'raft', an apt name, because the balsa wood is lightweight and floats, making it ideal for model-making. The Incas used Balsawood rafts to transport their armies. Balsawood is 60% water so must be dried before use, and is warp-resistant.

Answer: Trees

Raced - Cedar

Cedars, members of the family Pinaceae, are evergreen conifers native to the western Himalayas and Mediterranean regions. Able to grow to 60 metres high and with barrel-shaped cones, cedars are prized for their resinous wood. This wood and its oil is a natural moth repellent, so the wood is often used for making storage chests. A Middle Eastern cedar, Cedrus libani, or Lebanon cedar, is the National emblem of Lebanon and is depicted on the country's flag.

Answer: Trees

Paroled - Leopard

A native of Brazil, Bolivia and Central America, the Leopard tree, Libidibia ferrea, also known as the Brazilian ironwood, can grow up to 20 metres tall. The tree sheds its bark, leaving a dappled appearance reminiscent of the leopard, hence its name. Although quite an attractive shady tree, the roots are invasive and can burrow under roads and foundations. The oval seed pods are very hard and do not break open on the ground, becoming a trip hazard for the unwary.

Answer: Trees

Venogram - Mangrove

Mangroves are one of very few plants that can tolerate salty or brackish water. They flourish along the coastal waters and river estuaries in the tropic and sub-tropic regions around the equator. Classed as halophytes, their root systems are mired in deep mud, which is low in both oxygen and nutrients. Some species, like the red mangrove (Rhizoflora mangle) have spongy porous tissue in their bark to enable them to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. Other species, like the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) send up pneumatophores, like a breathing straw, from their roots to access oxygen. Mangrove roots are also very efficient at filtering 90% to 97% of salt content from the available water and any excess salt in the mangrove is stored in vacuoles or secreted out of salt glands on each leaf.