During the Second World War "gardening" was the RAF term given to the dropping of mines from bomber aircraft into the sea. The mines were "sown" near ports and harbours, inland waterways, estuaries (as in the Gironde in western France) and in busy shipping lanes. Throughout Europe the coastline was split into various targets and also given distinct code names; the majority (but not all) were given names of trees and plants.
The regular mining of the coastline forced the Germans to deploy upwards of 20,000 military personnel to deal with the mines. The German navy - the Kriegsmarine - were responsible for mine-sweeping duties, but there was also the placement of searchlight and anti-aircraft batteries to engage bombers attempting to drop mines.
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