My Cacti Collection

When the weather is cold and uninviting, I love to visit my greenhouse and spend time with plants from warmer climates.

If you like growing plants, but don’t really have the time to care for them properly, perhaps you should consider growing succulents. Succulents, which also include the cactus family, require very little maintenance. These plants are able to survive prolonged drought because they store moisture in their fleshy stems, roots, or leaves, which have very few pores for water to escape through. And in very severe conditions, they can shutdown active growth altogether and become dormant. Some succulents have spikes on the edges and tips of their leaves, which act as a defense against predators. Cacti differ from other succulents because they have pad-like buds, out of which grow sharp spines. These spines detach easily, protecting the plant from harm. But, because most cacti grow primarily in the dessert, the main purpose of the spines is to collect and condense moisture, dripping it onto the ground for the roots to absorb.

Succulents can be found in many climates, and offer a great diversity of exotic forms. Some look like smooth stones and others, perfect rosettes. Some resemble strings of beads, and others are more architectural in nature. Cacti and succulents make excellent potted plants. Just give them plenty of bright light and very little water.

Unit 4

Indoor Gardening

Task 1. Read and memorize the words:

indoor gardening – внутреннее, комнатное садоводство (озеленение)

inclement – ненастный

substitute – заменитель

fall – зд. осень

Task 2. Translate the sentences:

1. He saw many changes in her garden. – The weather changes quickly in this part of the country.

2. He found a place for his bonsai. – He wanted to place his bonsai somewhere.

3. She needs care and attention. – He cared about his garden.

4. The benefits of indoor gardening are numerous. – The garden benefits from this flower-bed.

5. These plants are beautiful – He plants beautiful flowers.

6. Fall came early last year. – Leaves fall in autumn.

Task 3. Translate the word combinations:

Example: the car repaired by my brother –

машина, отремонтированная моим братом

1. air provided by plants

2. oxygen released by trees

3. garden started by my mother

4. room decorated by him

5. work done by me

6. houseplants called indoor plants

Task 4. Complete the sentences with the words from the box:

in order to

after all

while

that

even

1. Why not? … we are old enough!

2. I didn’t know … he was your friend.

3. … a child can do it!

4. He hurried up … be in time for the train.

5. I want to change the money … the bank is still open.

6. This is the garden … I told you about.

Task 5. Read and translate the text:

Plants have a very special place in our homes. They are living ornaments that grow and develop; they undergo subtle changes through the seasons, presenting an ever varying display. They respond to and repay our care and attention. A thriving plant is a source of pride to its owner, and it imparts a feeling of well being to any room. For those who spend a lot of time indoors, houseplants provide a wonderful and all important link with nature and the world outdoors.

One doesn`t need to be a horticultural expert in order to derive pleasure from houseplants, but needs some knowledge of a plant’s preferences for its growing conditions and the requirements for its maintenance .

Houseplants, also called indoor plants, brighten up your home or office. Caring for houseplants makes for a great hobby during the long inclement months of winter, and even throughout the year.

The benefits of indoor gardening are numerous. Remind yourself of the clean air provided by indoor plants that take in carbon dioxide (which you exhale) and in turn release oxygen for you. Indoor plants also brighten the room, providing a cheerful sight for those grey and often dreary winter days.

Indoor plants are an important part of I in homes, offices and other buildings. Plastic indoor plants and shrubbery are no substitute for the real thing. And, another big benefit of indoor gardening is there is nothing more relaxing than gardening.

Many plants in your outdoor garden make for good indoor houseplants too. Start planning early to identify what plants you want to bring indoors when fall arrives. When in doubt, we urge you to experiment and see if you can grow a particular plant indoors. After all, the challenge is half the fun of gardening. Shop for the soil and containers you will need well before the fall season is over and while the selection is still good.

Task 6. Answer the questions:

1. What place do plants have in our homes?

2. A thriving plant is a source of pride to its owner, isn’t it?

3. What link do houseplants provide?

4. Can any person or only specialists derive pleasure from houseplants?

5. What are the benefits of the indoor gardening?

6. Can plastic plants be a substitute for the real plant?

7. In your opinion, can indoor gardening be a good hobby?

8. Do you like indoor plants?

9. Do you have any indoor plants at home?

10. How do you take care of them?

Task 7. Match the two parts together, translate and make up sentences using the following expressions:

to brighten to provide	to our care and attention a cheerful sight
to undergo	pleasure
to impart	a plant
to respond	the room
to derive	oxygen
to release	homes and offices
to decorate	subtle changes
to grow	a feeling of well being

Task 8. Agree or disagree with the following statements.

1. Any plant is a source of pride to its owner

2. Houseplants provide a wonderful link with nature and the world outdoors.

3. Houseplants are also called garden plants.

4. There are few benefits of the indoor gardening.

5. Houseplants take oxygen and release carbon dioxide into the air.

6. One should shop for the soil and containers after the fall season is over and while the selection is still good.

Task 9. Insert prepositions where necessary:

1. These living ornaments undergo subtle changes … the seasons.

2. A thriving plant is a source … pride … its owner.

3. Houseplants provide a wonderful link … nature.

4. Clean air is provided … indoor plants.

5. Many plants in your outdoor garden make … good indoor plants too.

6. Plastic indoor plants are no substitute … real plants.

7. Plants impart a feeling … well-being … any room.

8. When … doubt, ask a professional.

9. Plants take carbon dioxide and … turn release oxygen.

Task 10. Complete the sentences with the words from the box:

decor

selection

indoor

inclement

maintenance

1. Indoor plants are her hobby during long … months of winter.

2. The … of plants in this shop is good.

3. I need some knowledge of the requirements for the … of this shrub.

4. Houseplants are also called … plants.

5. This tree is an important part of … in his house.

Task 11. Translate into English:

1) комнатное растение; 2) важная часть декора; 3) ненастные зимние месяцы; 4) источник гордости; 5) чувство благосостояния; 6) углекислый газ; 7) на протяжении всего года; 8) выдыхать; 9) выбор растений; 10) почва; 11) важная связь с природой; 12) чистый воздух; 13) экспериментировать; 14) осень; 15) осветлять помещение.