What's Special in the Gardens this Season
Conifers – Beauty in the Winter Landscape
The Arboretum recommends a host of plants for winter interest. Winterberry hollies (Ilex verticillata) have bright red berries that color the holidays and provide much needed late winter food for wildlife. The yellow, red, or orange blooms of witchhazel (Hamamelis) burst forth like mid-winter fireworks. Other trees and shrubs have exfoliating bark or reveal an unusual sculptural shape when defoliated. But my favorite plants for winter interest are the ones that have been sitting there quietly through all the seasons - the conifers.
As you take a walk through the Arboretum this winter, let me suggest two conifer groupings for your consideration. If you pause at Seven Arches to admire the view, you will see a collection of conifers across English Park. On your far left, tall and wide, is a needle fir (Abies holophylla - picture on left) that was accessioned into the collection in 1937. Scanning toward the right, you’ll next encounter the rounded crown of the Morris Blue Korean Pine (Pinus koraiensis ‘Morris Blue’). This tree has been propagated because of its domed crown and excellent blue foliage, and is now commercially available. The two thinner trees are pyramidal Norway spruces (Picea abies ‘Pyramidata’), which date to the original Morris estate. Rounding out this grouping are another needle fir (Abies holophylla) and a striking Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergiana).
Many trees can be appreciated while strolling the main Arboretum path as their size and stature makes them visible from many vantage points. But this winter you should get off the beaten path and have a closer, personal encounter with the real winter beauties – the conifers.
For more information on our garden features,click here.
For more information on our major trees, click here.
For more information on sculpture in the garden, click here.
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