The options for creating winter interest and color in our garden is ever increasing.
And this option is not limited to just your garden; containers are perfect for dwarf conifers
and grasses.
Dwarf Conifers
A conifer is a plant which bears its seeds in cones. Some common examples would be
the pines, spruces and hemlocks. Although most conifers have needles and are evergreen, a
few are deciduous (Larix, Metasequioa); and one has modified needles in the shape
of leaves (Ginkgo).
So what makes a conifer a dwarf? Basically, a dwarf is simply a slower growing version
of the species. Given enough time, you concievably could have a dwarf 18 to 20 feet tall.
An example of this is the White Pine. Pinus strobus will mature around 100 feet tall; while
the dwarf White Pine, Pinus strobus 'Nana' will reach about 18 feet high after many,
many years. Even though it may reach this 18 feet, it is still considered a dwarf because
it is so much smaller than the species.
When choosing a plant for your landscape, you need to take into consideration its mature size, meaning
how tall and how wide will this plant be upon maturation. Many evergreens are lovely when
small but end up dwarfing small yards and hiding architectural features of homes as they
mature and severe pruning is required to keep the plants in bounds. This often leaves a
rather artificial looking specimen instead of a plant that blends with the rest
of the landscape.
In some dwarf conifers, the needles are stunted in addition to the growth of the stem,
supplying yet another dimension to their character. The slow growth rate of dwarf conifers
adds the distinct and practical advantage that very little, if any, pruning is required.
Dwarf conifers prefer a sunny but somewhat protected location with slightly acidic soil that
is well drained. You should avoid placing a dwarf conifer in a highly fertile soil if you
wish to take advantage of its dwarf characteristics because highly fertile soil will generally
stimulate growth.
The best time to transplant a dwarf conifer is between October to March, anytime the ground
is not frozen but the plant is in a semi-dormant to dormant state. Dwarf conifers require
a rootball when transplanted.
To learn more about conifers and their uses follow these links:
Resources
The Conifer Society - Offers a new conifer database complete with photos plus much, much more.
Cloud Mountain Farm - A Washington state based nursery with a wonderful on-line catalog that offers
complete descriptions and many photos.
Rich's Fox Willow Pines Nursery
- A nursery excited about conifers located in Illinois.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are becoming more and more prevalent in our landscape, and with
good reason. The fall color of the many ornamental grasses that gardeners see at work now in our fall landscape
will actually endure throughout the winter. Orange, yellow, bronze and blue are just some of the colors
grasses can offer.
Grasses are quite utilitarian and trouble-free. While they don't require much maintenance, you do need
to know a few basics. Early spring, you will want to prune the old foliage; that's basically
it. How easy is that! Most grasses are pest and disease free and do not require much
fertilizer. In fact, if you over-fertilize it may result in excess growth and weak stems
causing your grass to be floppy and unsightly.
Grasses can be planted at any time during the growing season if they have been container
grown. But it is better to plant in the spring and do any transplanting and dividing early
in the spring before new growth begins. While grasses are tolerant of a wide variety of
soils and pH levels, the better the soil the better the performace. Well composted organic matter
mixed with the soil is more important than fertilizer. After planting, mulch with up to
3 inches of mulch.
Resources
Reilly's Country Gardens - A specialty nursery
located in Ottawa offering great information and photos on ornamental grasses and their uses.