Final answer:
Horticulture is the art or practice of cultivating and managing gardens, and those who work in this field are known as horticulturists or landscape designers. They integrate knowledge of plant biology with artistic design to create aesthetic and functional garden spaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The art or practice of cultivating and managing gardens is known as horticulture. This field encompasses the care of plants, with professionals in the industry known as horticulturists. These experts understand how to respond to environmental factors to optimize plant growth, often using knowledge gained from biology, botany, and environmental science to cultivate crops, fruits, vegetables, and flowers throughout the year.
A landscape designer also plays a crucial role in this process by planning the layout of gardens, from small backyard spaces to larger public parks and city layouts, such as New York City's Central Park or Pierre L'Enfant's design for Washington, D.C. Landscape designers need to be well-versed in both the artistic aspects of design and the biological nuances of the plants they select.
Throughout history, cultivating has been essential to human society, whether for food production or aesthetic enjoyment. Notable figures like Thomas Jefferson have contributed to this field by merging their interests in botany with their passion for design, as seen in the layout of Jefferson's personal estate, Monticello.