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Annual plants complete their entire life cycle – from germination to growth, flowering and setting seed, then dying – in a single gardening year. After sowing they develop quickly – often producing their first flowers or fruits within just a few weeks. When the seeds have ripened the plant dies away.

More of a nuisance than a real threat. Ants tend to appear in large numbers alongside aphids, as they love the sugary honeydew the aphids excrete.

With anvil secateurs, a cutting blade meets a flat metal surface known as the anvil. This type of secateurs is generally more robust and transmits force more effectively than its counterpart, the bypass secateurs, making it more comfortable to use.

Aphids are widespread plant pests that feed on plant sap. Using their piercing mouthparts, they mainly attack young leaves, shoots and buds, while some species also live on the roots. By sucking sap, they weaken the plant, stunt its growth and can also transmit plant viruses.

Aquatic plants (hydrophytes) are all plants that can live wholly or partly underwater. Among the many species there are different groups that have made their home in salt water, fresh water or brackish water.

Archaeophytes are plant species that reached an area where they were not originally native before the year 1492, with direct or indirect human help.

Short definition: Asian greens is a collective name for a group of fast-growing leafy vegetables from East Asia. The leaves often have a spicy, mustardy flavour.

Short definition: Asparagus salad is grown mainly for its thick, fleshy stems which are reminiscent of asparagus. Also known as celtuce.

Cutting back perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs in late autumn (October-November) to remove dead plant material. Traditionally this keeps the border tidy and helps prevent disease. Today, however, many gardeners recommend leaving the pruning until spring instead, for reasons of wildlife conservation and to support winter hardiness.