The leaves are falling in New England, sadly, this year with little show. I am not sure what environmental factors make for a dull leaf season, but they must be something like the ones we had this year. I have yet to be stopped in my tracks at the fire orange-red show of a sugar maple or other deciduous tree – as is typical this time of year. Subsequently, I’ve been thinking of how to add a bit more interest in my landscape by leaning into evergreens and by cultivating a conifer garden.
I am increasingly interested in growing a conifer garden; these are my current resources and inspiration.
The Mary May Binney Wakefield Arboretum
A visit to the Mary May Binney Wakefield Arboretum in Milton, MA gave me an excellent local reference for a successful conifer garden in New England.
The main hours – also known as the Davenport Estate (as listed on the National Register) is on Brush Hill Road in Milton. You can
Iseli Nursery
Iseli Nursery is nationally renowned for its stunning collection of coniferous trees and shrubs and evergreen plants. It is THE nursery for conifers – even if you live on the opposite side of the country (as I do) from their Oregon location. Their extensive catalog (over 175 pages) is entire of ideas and plants.
I have never ordered from them directly (and they are a wholesale-only nursery); however, their products can be found in a few of my local nurseries. Perusing their catalog is wildly inspiring, and finding just the right rare thing always sets me on plant-hunting adventures that lead to something more than just a new plant in the garden.
I thought I would share with you my favorites – these will all work in my own zone 5, there are however other fantastic options for warmer climates.
All my top choices have great color (namely bright yellows and chartreuse or blue — or in the case of a few – bright red new growth), touch-ability (I love soft conifers), and plant interesting shape (I can find good use for blobs as well as cones, columns and balls. And sometimes it is a very special trait – like the natural swirl of the Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Spiralis’ – it is very pretty!.
The American Conifer Society
If you cannot find Iseli plants at a nearby nursery – you might consider joining The American Conifer Society. Through membership, you’ll be able to purchase rare plants and access other enthusiasts who share seeds and resources.
Adrian Bloom and his Foggy Bottom Conifer Garden
I’ve had Arian Bloom’s Gardening with Conifers book for years, but recently, I was able to buy a copy of his latest book Foggy Bottom at Wakefield arboretum. It is about his own UK-based conifer garden. The book is not released in the USA; if you want a copy you will have to order it from a UK retailer.
What do you like in evergreens and conifers? Do you have a favorite unique variety?
wet spring dry fall makes for the best fall color – so i’ve been told
i think it’s also been too warm
great pics! I enjoyed these.