Conifers & Heathers

Conifers
We both have a liking for conifers but had decided to go for dwarf varieties as some of the others can grow far too big! Dwarf varieties will obviously still grow but much more slowly and, providing, the tips of the branches are clipped they can be kept under control.

We've still to identify a number of the conifers – they were bought before we started labelling everything properly and so the names have been lost. If anyone is able to identify any of the missing ones please contact me - liz@lizandmikesgarden.co.uk

In addition to the actual 'Conifers & Heathers' bed you may have already read elsewhere on this website about the four conifers at the back of the garden which were originally planted by Mike's grandfather. The photos below show when they were planted circa 1970s and what they were like in June 2012!

Picea pungens
'Globosa'

Daisy Nook Garden Centre
5th June, 2013 – £29.99

Photo taken 12 June, 2013

Juniper squamata 'Blue Star'

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Boulevard'

Cryptomeira 'Golden Promise'

Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget'

Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Silver Thread'

Unknown - awaiting identification

Unknown - awaiting identification

Unknown - awaiting identification

Unknown - awaiting identification

Unknown - awaiting identification

Heathers
The autumn colours of heathers (Calluna vulgaris) complement conifers so we filled all the gaps with them. However, as all this was done before the major changes to the garden had started and before our real interest had taken hold, the heathers soon got out of control and looked unsightly. We have therefore replaced the heathers (May 2012) with the intention of now keeping on top of them. As the flowers appear I will take the relevant photos.

Calluna vulgaris 'Arran Gold'
Ashton Park Garden Centre
May 2012

This compact plant has attractive foliage, gold in Summer turning lime green flecked with red in Winter. It bears lavender flowers in early Summer. Height 15cm x 30cm.

Calluna vulgaris 'Kerstin'
Ashton Park Garden Centre
May 2012

This plant produces mauve flowers in Autumn, on lilac grey foliage, which is colourfully tipped yellow and red in the Spring. Height 30cm x 45cm.

Calluna vulgaris 'Kirby White'
Ashton Park Garden Centre
May 2012

A plant with striking yellow tipped Spring growth to mid green foliage followed by white flowers in late Summer. Height 35cm x 60cm.

Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Knight'
Ashton Park Garden Centre
May 2012

An erect growing plant with lavender flowers in late Summer displayed on silver grey foliage which deepens purple grey in Winter. Height 40cm x 50cm.

Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Torch'
Ashton Park Garden Centre
May 2012

An outstanding plant with foliage tipped pink and red in Winter and Spring, cream and pink in early Summer. It has mauve flowers in late Summer. Height 45cm x 60cm.

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