Garden Essentials
Aside from plants, a garden can be a refuge, an entertainment center. Romantics propose and get married in gardens; some use it as a place to argue so that the children or guests don’t have to hear the heated exchange of words.
For this third and final series on gardening vocabulary, I compiled a list of terms of garden tools, components and accessories. When I say “final series”, I don’t mean that this theme is forever closed. Lexicons for plants and gardens are numerous and I shall re-start a series at a future time and add more terms.
Take your typical home in the suburbs with a garden. What do you see?
| FRENCH | ENGLISH |
| chaise longue | lounging chair |
| barbecue au gaz | gas grill |
| piscine hors terre | above-ground pool |
| appareil de nettoyage automatique pour piscine hors-terre | automatic above-ground pool cleaner |
| hamac | folding hammock |
| tapis d’extérieur | outdoor rug |
You need not travel to far away places to enjoy the esthetics and symmetry of gardens. Two dominant types of gardens have influenced the landscape and development of gardens: French and English. But nowadays distinctions blur, as more and more people prefer to mix elements taken from both styles. In fact, most people who like recreational gardening don’t really pay attention to principles and methods. They learn as they go!
Despite the recession, people are spending their money to embellish their gardens. As one gardener said, “why not, my garden is my safe haven.” According to a report by Beth Johnston of Sun Media, this year’s hot ticket is the strawberry vanilla hydrangea. The red Mandeville (an annual) is also popular.
| FRENCH | ENGLISH |
| jardinière à 3 tablettes | 3-tier plant holder |
| paniers à suspendre | hanging baskets |
| topiaire de cèdre artificiel | artificial cedar topiary |
| abri-moustiquaire | screen house |
| parasol de patio | patio umbrella |
If you like to entertain in your garden, you’ll need… 
| FRENCH | ENGLISH |
| table de bout carrée en bois dur pour l’extérieur | hardwood outdoor square end table |
| desserte/porte bouteille | wine rack/serving rack |
| coffre à roulettes | deck box with wheels |
| ustensiles de cuisine | kitchen utensils |
| sac à rebut | waste bag |
| brocs | pitchers |
Some fancy items for the garden include…
| FRENCH | ENGLISH |
| marqueurs pour plantes | plant marker sets |
| housse de balancelle | patio swing cover |
| carillon éolien en bois | wooden wind chimes |
| vasque décorative pour oiseaux | decorative bird baths |
Next week, I’ll start a new theme – summer sports!
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