WHAT’S THE difference?

Ever wondered if there’s a difference between two garden terms, products or ways of doing something? Here are three to wrap your head around…

1 VIOLETS VS PANSIES VS PETUNIAS

If you don’t know your petunias from your pansies from your violets from your violas, you’re not alone! Violets and violas are actually one and the same – ‘violet’ being one of the common names for plants in the Viola genus. They spread by seed, some by runners, too, and produce dainty, 10–15cm tall, variously coloured flowers from winter to summer. Viola hederacea and V. banksii (top left) are common native violets with mauve, purple or white flowers, while V. tricolour and V. cornuta are more colourful exotics. Pansies (top centre) are large-flowered hybridised violas that grow to 10–25cm tall. Their flat, multicoloured blooms are a feature of winter gardens. Petunias (top right) can be distinguished from violas and pansies by their flowers, which are also colourful, but shaped like a funnel, with five petals that are sometimes partially fused. They belong to the same family as the tomato – Solanaceae.

2 COMPOST VS HUMUS

Compost is decomposed organic matter, including leaves, twigs, grass and kitchen scraps. When compost is ready, it’s dark and soil-like, with none of its original ingredients distinguishable. Although it’s broken down, it could still decompose further for years. Humus is dark organic matter that is the product of decomposed plant or animal material, which won’t break down further. Hummus, on the other hand, is a delicious Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon and olive oil. Probably best not to mix them up!

3 STANDARD GARDEN FORKS VS SPECIALISED GARDEN FORKS

The standard garden fork (left) has four long, pointed tines. It’s robust and useful for loosening heavy soil and coaxing out rocks or weeds. It’s versatile, but there are a variety of forks that can make specific jobs much easier. Mulch forks (right) are scooped and have more than four tines, making moving mulch or leaves a breeze! Border forks are smaller, lighter versions of the standard fork. They’re useful for small areas, raised beds, mixing in compost, and preparing bed edges for the next round of annuals. Potato forks have blunter tines to avoid damaging potatoes and other root crops. Broad forks have two handles and are designed for tilling large areas.