Horticulture, simply put, refers to the cultivation methods of crops such as flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees. More precisely, it refers to the techniques for cultivating and propagating vegetables, fruit trees, flowers, edible fungi, and ornamental trees, and is generally quite sophisticated. Correspondingly, it is divided into fruit tree horticulture, vegetable horticulture, and ornamental horticulture.

　　英语中对'horticulture'的基本定义是'Horticulture(Latin:hortus(gardenplant)+cultura(culture)) is classically defined as the culture or growing of garden plants. Horticulturists work in plant propagation, cropproduction, plant breeding and genetic engineering, plant biochemistry, plant physiology, and the storage,processing, and transportation of fruits, berries, nuts, vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, and turf. They improve crop yield, quality, nutrition alvalue, and resistance to insects, diseases, and environment alstresses. Genetics is alsoused as avaluable tool in the development of plants that can synthesize chemicals for fighting disease(includingcancers).'

　　Horticulture is an important component of agricultural production, playing a vital role in enriching human nutrition and beautifying and improving the human living environment. In horticulture, the term generally refers to the intensive cultivation of crops related to garden cultivation, as well as the techniques for their cultivation, propagation, processing, and utilization; it is an important part of agriculture and crop production.

The term "horticulture" includes the characters "garden" and "art." The dictionary *Ciyuan* defines "garden" as "a place where vegetables, fruits, flowers, and trees are planted, and which has boundaries." The *Analects* states that "learning and skills are all called art." Therefore, the art of planting vegetables, fruits, flowers, and trees is called horticulture. There are many online forums about horticulture, such as Flower Talk, Flower Collection, Garden Memories, and Flower Stroll.

　　Whether in courtyards, gardens, rooftops, balconies, or the surrounding spaces of related indoor facilities, every available space is utilized to create a clean and beautiful living environment and elegant and comfortable working conditions. This plays an important role in cultivating good moral character and social atmosphere, and in developing modern socialist material and spiritual civilization.

　　The purpose of "specialized horticulture" is to produce high-quality crops in order to obtain the greatest economic benefits, while "general horticulture" is mainly for ornamental purposes, with production as a secondary function. Therefore, the former mainly emphasizes the scientific nature of management, while the latter, in addition to requiring scientific management, generally also needs to pay attention to the artistry in application, requiring a combination of science and art to make it exhibit both ornamental and practical value.

　　In recent years, with the increasing environmental awareness of the people, in addition to landscaping, the trend of beautifying every corner of the living environment is gradually taking shape. Therefore, the content of "common horticulture" has been extended beyond the technology of cultivating ornamental plants, and has begun to pay attention to the art of shaping, making it develop in the direction of ornamental art.

The origins of horticulture can be traced back to the early stages of agricultural development. Archaeological evidence suggests that date palms, figs, olives, grapes, and onions were cultivated as early as the Stone Age. During the height of Egyptian civilization, horticultural production also flourished, with crops such as bananas, lemons, pomegranates, cucumbers, lentils, garlic, lettuce, and roses being cultivated. Ancient Roman agricultural texts mention fruit tree grafting and fruit storage, and primitive greenhouses covered with mica sheets were already in use for forcing vegetable cultivation. In addition to various fruit trees such as apples, pears, figs, and pomegranates, noble estates also cultivated various ornamental flowers and herbs such as lilies, roses, violets, irises, and marigolds. Horticulture declined during the Middle Ages.

　　During the Renaissance, horticulture experienced a resurgence in Italy and spread throughout Europe. Following the discovery of the New World, horticultural crops such as corn, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, beans, pineapples, avocados, cashews, and pecans were widely introduced. Later, trade and transportation further stimulated the development of horticulture.

　　During the Xia and Shang dynasties in China, there was no clear division between agriculture and horticulture. Gardens began to emerge as independent businesses during the Zhou dynasty, and at that time, vegetables, fruits, and economic trees were cultivated within them. Writings from the Warring States period mention the cultivation of fruits such as melons, peaches, dates, and plums.

gardening

　　Since the 20th century, horticultural production has increasingly developed into enterprise-based operations. Horticultural products, including fruit trees, vegetables, and ornamental plants, have become increasingly essential for improving food nutrition and beautifying and purifying the environment. The proportion of grapes, citrus fruits, bananas, apples, coconuts, and pineapples among fruit trees, legumes and melons among vegetables, and cut flowers and bulbous flowers among flowers in international trade has also been continuously increasing. Due to the application of many modern scientific and technological achievements, horticultural production technology has progressed rapidly. For example, plant hormones have provided new means for regulating the reproduction, growth, and fruiting of horticultural crops; tissue culture technology has made it possible to rapidly propagate horticultural crops and conduct virus-free seedling cultivation; the widespread use of plastic film has greatly facilitated the protected cultivation of various horticultural crops; controlled light treatment has opened up new avenues for year-round supply of vegetables and flowers; the invention of various fruit harvesting machines and collectors has made it possible for horticultural production to quickly end manual operations; and advances in genetics are raising horticultural crop breeding to a new level. Modern horticulture has become an important field that comprehensively applies various scientific and technological achievements to promote production. At the same time, research on horticultural production technology, in turn, plays a powerful role in promoting the development of plant physiology, genetics, and other related fields.

　　Horticulture has a long history, but it was initially a minor sector of agriculture, primarily focused on subsistence. From the latter half of the 19th century onwards, with the rapid development of agricultural productivity and the increasing regional specialization in agriculture, horticulture gradually emerged as an independent agricultural sector and developed rapidly. In addition to economically developed countries, some developing countries also established plantations specifically for horticulture. Since the mid-20th century, horticulture has become an important component of foreign exchange-earning agriculture.

　　China possesses favorable conditions for developing its horticulture industry: diverse natural conditions suitable for various horticultural crops; a large population and abundant labor force; a tradition of intensive farming; and a horticultural history spanning thousands of years, with experience and skills in horticultural production, resulting in several key horticultural development areas, such as Nanfeng, Wenzhou tangerines, Caozhou (Heze) peonies, Turpan grapes, and Hami melons. Based on the principles of adapting to local conditions and appropriate concentration, future efforts should focus on vigorously developing various commercial horticultural production bases to meet export earnings and domestic needs.

Courses include Botany, Plant Physiology, Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Fertilization, Plant Disease and Pest Control Technology, Environmental Science, Horticultural Crop Production Technology, Seed Production and Management, Turf Establishment and Maintenance, Fruit and Vegetable Processing Technology, Fruit and Vegetable Storage and Transportation, Landscape Planning and Design, Pollution-Free Agricultural Product Production Technology, Medicinal Plant Production Technology, and Agricultural Product Quality Testing.

Sketching, color theory, quick sketching, planar composition, color composition, and traditional Chinese morality.

Soil Science, Landscape Painting Techniques, Landscape Drafting, Floriculture, Arboriculture, Landscape Plant Breeding, Landscape Plant Cultivation, Prevention of Landscape Pests and Diseases, Landscape Engineering, Landscape Planning and Design, and Elective Courses for Landscape Green Space Planning and Design.

Art appreciation, photography, calligraphy, literature, an introduction to economic law, a visit to gardens from various countries, and architectural appreciation.

　　Horticultural crops generally refer to crops with high economic value that are cultivated intensively on a small scale.

　　Horticultural crops typically include fruit trees, vegetables, various ornamental plants, spice plants, and medicinal plants, and are mainly divided into three categories: fruit trees, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

　　Fruit trees are perennial plants, and primarily woody plants, that provide edible fruit. They include deciduous fruit trees, evergreen fruit trees, vines and shrubs, and a small number of perennial herbaceous plants.

　　Vegetables are mainly annual and biennial herbaceous plants, not limited to fruits; roots, stems, leaves and flowers can also be used. Therefore, they can be divided into fruit vegetables, root vegetables, stem vegetables, leaf vegetables and flower vegetables. In addition, they also include a small number of perennial herbaceous and woody vegetables as well as fungi and algae.

　　In reality, some horticultural crops are often difficult to distinguish from other crops, and classification practices vary from country to country and region to region. For example, potatoes and sweet corn, which are considered horticultural crops in some countries, are classified as agricultural crops in the United States; jujube trees, chestnut trees, and especially nut-bearing fruit trees under extensive management are often considered economic forest trees; rapeseed, broad beans, and peas are oilseed and grain crops, respectively, but become horticultural crops when cultivated on a small scale for vegetable purposes; lawn grasses are horticultural crops, while large-scale cultivated forage grasses become forage crops; in Europe, some plants, such as spices and medicinal plants, are classified as horticultural crops, while in China, they are conventionally classified as special economic crops, along with tobacco, tea, and coffee, under the broad category of agricultural crops, and so on.

Horticulture

　　Horticulture is the science that studies the germplasm resources, growth and development patterns, reproduction, cultivation, breeding, storage, processing, pests and diseases, and landscaping of horticultural crops.

　　With the development of science and technology, the research content and division of labor in horticulture have become more specific. The scope of horticulture is generally divided into four major categories: fruit tree horticulture, vegetable horticulture, ornamental horticulture, and landscape architecture. Some scholars also divide horticulture into five categories, listing nursery science as a separate category.

　　Fruit horticulture is the science that studies the varieties, growth habits, cultivation management, and product processing of fruit trees.

　　Vegetable horticulture is the science that studies the varieties, growth habits, cultivation management, and product processing of vegetables.

　　Ornamental horticulture is the science that studies the varieties, growth habits, cultivation management, and applications of flowers and ornamental trees.

　　Landscape architecture, also known as garden planning and design, is the science that studies the design, planning, construction, maintenance, and management of gardens and green spaces.

Horticulture

　　Horticulture is an important component of agricultural production, and it plays a vital role in enriching human nutrition and beautifying and transforming the human living environment.

　　Horticulture has a long history, but it was initially a minor sector of agriculture, primarily focused on subsistence. From the latter half of the 19th century onwards, with the rapid development of agricultural productivity and the increasing regional specialization in agriculture, horticulture gradually emerged as an independent agricultural sector and developed rapidly. In addition to economically developed countries, some developing countries also established plantations specifically for horticulture. Since the mid-20th century, horticulture has become an important component of foreign exchange-earning agriculture.

　　The origins of horticulture can be traced back to the early stages of agricultural development. Archaeological evidence suggests that date palms, figs, olives, grapes, and onions were cultivated as early as the Stone Age. During the height of Egyptian civilization, horticultural production also flourished, with crops such as bananas, lemons, pomegranates, cucumbers, lentils, garlic, lettuce, and roses being cultivated. Ancient Roman agricultural writings mention fruit grafting and fruit storage, and primitive greenhouses covered with mica sheets were already in use for forcing vegetable cultivation. In addition to various fruit trees such as apples, pears, figs, and pomegranates, noble estates also cultivated various ornamental flowers and herbs such as lilies, roses, violets, irises, and marigolds. Horticulture declined during the Middle Ages.

　　During the Renaissance, horticulture flourished again in Italy and spread throughout Europe. Following the discovery of the New World, horticultural crops such as corn, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, beans, pineapples, avocados, cashews, and pecans were widely introduced. Later, trade and transportation further stimulated the development of horticulture.

　　Since the 20th century, horticultural production has increasingly developed into enterprise-based operations. Horticultural products, including fruit trees, vegetables, and ornamental plants, have become increasingly essential for improving people's nutritional intake and beautifying and purifying the environment. The proportion of grapes, citrus fruits, bananas, apples, coconuts, and pineapples among fruit trees, legumes and melons among vegetables, and cut flowers and bulbous flowers among flowers in international trade has also been continuously increasing. Due to the application of many modern scientific and technological achievements, horticultural production technology has progressed rapidly. Plant hormones have provided new means for regulating the reproduction and growth of horticultural crops; tissue culture technology has made it possible to rapidly propagate horticultural crops and conduct virus-free seedling cultivation; the widespread use of plastic film has greatly facilitated the protected production of various horticultural crops; controlled light treatment has opened up new avenues for year-round supply of vegetables and flowers; the invention of various fruit harvesting machines and collectors has made it possible for horticultural production to soon end manual operations; and advances in genetics are raising horticultural crop breeding to a new level. Modern horticulture has become an important field for comprehensively applying various scientific and technological achievements to promote production. At the same time, research on horticultural production technology has, in turn, played a powerful role in promoting the development of plant physiology, genetics, and other related fields.

The difference between garden art and landscape architecture

In modern times, some people have referred to "gardening" and related content as "horticulture," and dictionaries often unpredictably translate the English word "gardening" into Chinese as "園園" (yuán chéng). This creates a name conflict with the agricultural term "園園" (yuán chéng), resulting in two versions of "園園" (yuán chéng) and thus forming the "horticulture phenomenon."

　　The English definition of "gardening" is: "Gardening is the practice of growing flowering plants, vegetables, and fruits."

Residential gardening most often takes place in or about a side, in a space referred to as the garden. It is suggested that when translating the English word "gardening," the Chinese word "園育" (yuányù) should be avoided as much as possible to reduce confusion with the agricultural term "園育".

　　Some books titled "Introduction to Horticulture" include content related to landscaping, plant cultivation, and the art of sculpting and flower arrangement, leading some students to mistakenly believe that horticulture encompasses these two disciplines. It should be pointed out that landscaping and flower arrangement are merely interdisciplinary extensions of modern horticulture, a consequence of the comprehensive application of modern horticulture.

　　Horticulture, as an applied discipline, is generally considered to encompass three areas: fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers. The development of this discipline is inseparable from industry, or rather, industry drives its development, and it also relies on the progress of other related disciplines—that is, the impetus from other disciplines. Because "gardening," with its aim of aesthetic pleasure, is increasingly closely related to life and art, modern horticulture incorporates interdisciplinary content such as landscaping and flower arrangement to varying degrees.

Cultivation medium

The medium mentioned in the text refers to the substrate or the "soil" commonly used for planting flowers. As the name suggests, the medium is the basic substance upon which plants rely for growth. Because it is a basic substance, its selection must be carefully considered. Several key points and principles should be followed when selecting a medium. First, it is essential to ensure the quality of the medium itself. High-quality mediums are manufactured with rigorous processes, including sterilization and disinfection, making them less prone to bacterial growth and providing excellent nutrient and water retention. Conversely, inferior mediums often contain a large number of harmful bacteria and may even harbor insect eggs, making plants highly susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, the basic skill of selecting a medium cannot be taken lightly.

1. Soil

Soil, in general, is soil directly taken from outdoors or a medium formed from the residue left by the decay of plant stems and leaves. The biggest advantage of this medium is that it is easy to obtain, plentiful, and inexpensive, making it the most suitable medium for large-scale planting of robust plants. However, its disadvantages are that the quality of soil varies greatly, is difficult to control, and often contains various bacteria, harmful insects, or even eggs hidden within. This can easily disturb or damage the plants, leading to disease or death. Therefore, if the plants being cultivated are extremely valuable, ordinary soil is not suitable as a medium. If it must still be used, it must be pre-treated. First, select the soil to remove unnecessary impurities, then sterilize it by direct sunlight or by sprinkling a small amount of lime before use.

2. Peat soil

Peat moss is one of the most well-known and widely used horticultural cultivation media. Its raw materials are mainly collected from mosses and algae in temperate regions' swamps or wetlands. The fibers accumulated after their death and decay are dried, processed, and sterilized. Taiwan does not produce raw materials locally, and making them domestically is not cost-effective, so it mainly relies on imports. Only a few larger flower growers process imported raw materials themselves. Peat moss has many advantages that general soils lack, mainly its cleanliness, light weight, and stable quality. It is also versatile, suitable for most plant species and various growth stages. However, peat moss also has some disadvantages. For example, it does not absorb water easily when first used, and when completely dry, it easily forms clumps that do not absorb water well. In this case, it can be kneaded into finer granules by hand or soaked in water to help it absorb water more effectively. Furthermore, due to its light weight, peat moss is not suitable for planting taller plants. Mixing it with sand or soil to increase its weight can prevent large plants from collapsing.

3. Pearl

Perlite is a common growing medium in horticulture. Its granular shape and light, white color, resembling granular polystyrene or pure white snow, make it popular among gardeners. Physically, it offers better drainage and aeration than peat moss, so it's often used in combination with it. Perlite particles come in different sizes, and the appropriate use depends on the specific needs. Generally, larger particles are used to better highlight the physical properties of perlite when mixing with other media or when using large quantities, and they are less likely to be lost. Smaller particles are suitable for cultivating more delicate horticultural plants or potted plants. Perlite also has a decorative function; covering the surface of the growing medium with a layer of fine perlite can not only cover less noticeable areas but also prevent insects from entering the medium and avoid fertilizer odors from spreading into the air—truly a multi-benefit solution.

4. Vermiculite

Vermiculite is yellowish-brown with a metallic luster. The particles are small, about 3-5 millimeters in size, and lightweight. It is a cultivation medium with physical properties between peat moss and perlite. The manufacturing process is also sterilized, so it is safe to use. It is often used as a mixture with peat moss. It has good aeration and water absorption, but the particles are relatively large and do not adhere well to each other, so it cannot effectively fix the plants and is not suitable for use when sowing seeds.

5. Snakewood chips

Tree fern fiber is a growing medium made from the dried, aged fibers of the branches and trunks of ferns (Pencil Tree). Tree fern fiber itself is black, fibrous strips. After processing and sterilization, it becomes a block or loose growing medium. The physical properties of this medium are very similar to dried instant noodles. It is dry and crisp, with good drainage and ventilation. However, unlike instant noodles, it does not absorb water and swell, thus softening. On the contrary, it is very durable and is very suitable for cultivating orchids or climbing plants. However, its disadvantage is that nutrients do not adhere easily, increasing the difficulty of fertilization.

6. Sphagnum moss

Sphagnum moss, as the name suggests, is made from the fibers of moss plants. Because of its excellent water absorption, much like a sponge, and its fibrous physical properties, it does not easily disperse. Therefore, it is often used in combination with tree fern fiber to cultivate orchids, to compensate for the shortcomings of tree fern fiber, such as the difficulty in attaching nutrients and the difficulty in fertilizing. In addition, it is especially suitable for fixing plants in uneven places. For example, many landscaping enthusiasts often plant orchids on tree trunks, and in this case, fixing them with sphagnum moss and rope is the most appropriate.

7. Sand and gravel

Sand and gravel are generally sourced from riverbeds or streamsides, or as surplus material from construction. They are not difficult to obtain. Their physical properties include high weight, good heat absorption and dissipation, and strong drainage. Sand and gravel particles vary in size; larger particles are generally called sand and gravel, while finer particles are called soil. Sand and gravel (soil) are often used for special purposes, such as planting drought-tolerant plants (peanuts, cacti) or stabilizing large plants. Sand and gravel (soil) are highly leached, making fertilization difficult. This can be mitigated by using small, frequent applications of slow-release fertilizers.

Chemical artificial materials, polymers, foamed stone, etc., are sometimes used as cultivation media for hydroponic plants, sometimes as fillers, and sometimes purely for aesthetic purposes.

Watering

Water is an essential element for all living things, including animals and plants. We all know that humans can go without food for several days, but not without water. This same phenomenon exists in plants, showing that water is far more important to living things than nutrients. Therefore, knowing how to water properly and appropriately has become an indispensable basic knowledge for horticulturalists.

Many people think that watering is simply pouring water on plants, which is not wrong in theory, but do you know where to water, when to water, and how often to water? Moreover, each plant has different living habits. Some need more water, while others must be watered sparingly. Therefore, all plants cannot be treated the same. For a simple example, cacti are dry plants that need very little water, while duckweed grows in water throughout its life and cannot live without water. If their environments were switched, they would both likely die.

Water according to different plants

1. Drought-tolerant plants

This type of plant requires very little water. The growing medium should be kept dry most of the time, and it should quickly dry out after watering, similar to cacti and succulents. During spring, summer, and autumn, this type of plant can be cared for as a plant that alternates between wet and dry conditions, but during its winter dormancy, the growing medium should be kept almost completely dry.

2. Plants that alternate between dry and wet conditions

These types of plants require slightly more water than the former. When watering, the medium should be thoroughly soaked, but it doesn't need to be kept constantly moist. From spring to autumn, water only after the surface of the medium has dried out. In winter, water only after about 1 cm of the medium has dried out. Most foliage plants belong to this type.

3. Semi-humid plants

Semi-moisture plants require more water. From spring to autumn, they typically need frequent watering to maintain soil moisture, but the soil should not be oversaturated, otherwise the roots will easily rot. In winter, water only when the topsoil has dried out. Most flowering plants belong to this type.

4. Fully Damp Type

This type of plant requires its growing medium to be completely saturated when watering, and the medium must be kept moist at all times. Such plants are not common; an example is the calamus.

5. Immersing plants

The roots need to be submerged in water for a long time, while the main stems and leaves grow above the water surface, such as lotus and water hyacinth.

6. Aquatic plants

All plants grow below the water surface, such as aquatic plants and marine plants.

Fertilization

(I) Introduction

Fertilizer is as essential to plants as food is to humans. While plants produce some nutrients through photosynthesis, this only sustains them at a very basic level. Simply providing water is insufficient; without additional nutrients, even the most skilled cook cannot cook without ingredients. Furthermore, fertilizer allows plants to grow under more ideal conditions, enhancing their resistance and preventing unnecessary losses from pests and diseases caused by weak plants.

Fertilization is a long-term and continuous process. During the development of plants, they gradually absorb and utilize the nutrients in the growing medium. Therefore, when the nutrients in the medium are gradually depleted, the plant will begin to show signs of malnutrition. Thus, timely and appropriate fertilization becomes one of the driving forces for the continuous growth of plants. Modern people are often too busy with work to properly water the plants they cultivate. Over time, the originally beautiful plants gradually decline and wither. Some resilient plants can survive on their own, but for other more delicate plants, they can only rely on their own efforts.

In summary, while fertilization is not as urgent as watering for plants, its long-term effects on plants are undeniable. Therefore, for aspiring plant enthusiasts, fertilization techniques are a necessary and indispensable skill.

There are approximately 15 essential elements required by plants. Of these, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen can be synthesized chemically from air and water, while the remaining elements must be obtained from the soil medium. These can be roughly divided into three categories:

1. Main elements: The main elements are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are the main requirements for plant development and growth, and are also relatively lacking in the soil.

2. Secondary elements: calcium, sulfur, magnesium.

3. Micronutrients: Soil content can generally meet the needs of other nutrients with lower requirements.

(III) Three main elements of fertilization

The three main elements mentioned above—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—are crucial to the healthy development of plants, and therefore will be discussed in detail below:

1. Nitrogen: The main component of plant leaves, primarily forming the plant's protoplasm (protein), which promotes lush, dark green leaves.

Excessive growth will lead to excessive stem and branch growth, and overly large and dense leaves, affecting the timing and quality of flowering and fruiting.

{Deficiency}: This results in thin and weak stems and branches, pale yellow and smaller leaves that are prone to falling off.

{Timing}: From seedling stage to before flowering, the dosage should be gradually reduced before the flowering period.

2. Phosphorus: It is mainly absorbed by plants in the form of phosphate and is a major element in the formation of plant flowers and fruits. It is mainly used in cell division and cell nucleus synthesis.

Excessive flowering and fruiting will lead to an overabundance of flowers and fruits, and if the stems and branches are unable to support them, they may fall over.

{Drawbacks}: This results in fewer and smaller flowers and fruits, poor quality, and premature fruit drop.

{Timing}: The dosage should be gradually increased before the flowering period.

3. Potassium: It is mainly absorbed by plants in the form of potassium oxide, and is a major component of plant stems and branches.

Excessive growth will lead to dense branches, shortened internodes, slow growth, and yellowing leaves.

{Disadvantages}: This results in poor resistance, including poor cold, drought, and disease resistance. Lower leaves are prone to falling off, and leaves are easily wrinkled and shrunken.

Love too much

Horticultural therapy is popular in developed countries and is used in many nursing homes; moreover, many healthy people enjoy gardening. However, it's important to be aware of the corresponding contraindications to avoid undermining the health benefits of horticulture. Conversely, some people over-care for their plants: either watering and fertilizing irregularly, watering only when they remember, causing the plants to die from overwatering or over-fertilization; or they are keen on moving the pots around, forcing the plants to frequently adapt to the environment.

Pursuing fame and fortune

Some growers believe that to grow flowers and plants, one should choose premium varieties because they have high ornamental value and are more profitable in the market. However, the result is often that, due to a lack of proper care and management techniques, the plants die shortly after purchase, wasting both the precious plants and money.

Good and bad are mixed

Some people are greedy and want everything, bringing home any flowers and trees they see. This not only makes management difficult but may also introduce unsuitable plants into their homes, polluting the environment and harming health. For example, flowers with poisonous sap can easily cause poisoning upon contact; the scent of some flowers can affect the nervous system, easily causing respiratory problems or even allergic reactions; thorny plants also pose a certain threat to human safety, and so on.

Changing allegiance between morning and evening

Some growers are impatient and lack a clear theme in their planting, constantly changing their subjects. This is a major taboo in gardening. First, changing species too frequently and having a short cultivation period hinders the development of beautiful, ornamental plants. Second, dabbling in each type of plant superficially hinders the improvement of cultivation skills. Only by selecting one or two promising flowers and focusing on their cultivation can gardeners truly achieve success.

develop

Centuries ago, people discovered that walking in gardens had a calming effect and promoted recovery. One method ancient Egyptian doctors used to treat mental patients was to have them engage in activities in parks. The health benefits of gardening activities have been recognized by the medical community, and experts call this method of using gardening to maintain physical and mental well-being "horticultural therapy." Today, horticultural therapy is considered a complementary therapy to modern medicine, an effective way to alleviate pain and soothe emotions. Do you have elderly, frail individuals in your family? Why not let them try gardening activities such as growing flowers or vegetables? This can help them maintain their physical and mental health while rekindling their enthusiasm for life.

Adjust your life

Gardening helps to enrich the spiritual life of modern people. The fragrance of flowers is pleasing to the eye and uplifts the mood. Placing a few potted plants in the home, or planting some flowers, grasses, and bonsai in the yard, can enrich and beautify the home environment, add interest to life, and eliminate various negative emotions. Growing flowers and bonsai is not only physical exercise but also a reflection of cultural and artistic cultivation. Studies have shown that regularly appreciating bonsai and flowers can make those who are impatient become more gentle, those who are in a bad mood become more cheerful, and those who are depressed become more positive. Some elderly people with autism have found that participating in gardening has added enjoyment to their lives, and their loneliness and isolation have been greatly reduced. Moreover, by experiencing this elegant entertainment and enjoyment while planting flowers and grass, people can regulate their emotions and find a certain sense of spiritual sustenance and comfort.

Disease prevention and treatment

Gardening offers numerous health benefits. Activities like planting, watering, and weeding increase physical activity and exercise muscles and joints. Extensive observation and research have shown that gardening has a beneficial auxiliary therapeutic effect on neurosis, hypertension, and heart disease, especially after these conditions have stabilized. Appropriate gardening can further improve the function of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. In addition, it can stabilize mood and alleviate insomnia. Calcium deficiency is common among the elderly, and research has confirmed that regular gardening can strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Many flowers possess special medicinal properties that help prevent disease. Scientists have discovered a special aromatic substance in the essential oils secreted by many plant flowers. When inhaled, this substance is absorbed into various parts of the body, exhibiting antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and central nervous system-regulating effects. Clinical pharmacists in my country have detected various antibacterial substances in the essential oils of fragrant flowers. In addition, engaging in activities in green environments can relieve fatigue, eliminate tension, lower skin temperature, slow pulse, even out breathing, and enhance the flexibility of the senses of smell, hearing, and thought.

Although my country's gardening supplies industry has developed significantly over the past few decades, the majority of enterprises in the industry are still small and medium-sized enterprises, with low levels of specialization and scale. The main business model is OEM manufacturing, and independent brands are scarce. The specific industry situation is as follows.

1. There are a large number of companies in the industry.

There are numerous gardening supply manufacturers in China, and the market is highly competitive. Statistics show that as of September 30, 2009, there were approximately 3,500 gardening supply manufacturers in my country, mainly located in the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions, producing tens of thousands of different varieties of gardening supplies.

2. Few large-scale specialized manufacturers

There are relatively few large-scale professional gardening supply companies in the industry. Most of the manufacturers are not professional gardening supply dealers, but rather sell some gardening products as a side business in addition to their main businesses such as small hardware or plastic products. A small number of manufacturers participate as individual operators, providing some simple gardening tools to the market and selling them locally.