Creative, colourful and convenient – not necessarily the first three words that would spring to mind if asked to describe a conifer. Yet the modern day British conifer is all of those things as will be demonstrated during National Conifer Week 2009 which runs from 3 – 11 October. During National Conifer Week, a campaign driven by the Association of British Conifer Growers (ABCG) and supported by Plant forLife, many garden centres will be highlighting conifers as their ‘plant of the month’ with eye catching displays, demonstrating the variety of conifers available.
With several hundred varieties of conifers available in the UK, existing in all shapes and sizes there is a conifer on hand to suit every type of garden. Choose from tiny dwarfs to magnificent trees – the modern day conifer can add structure and drama to any space, large or small. British conifers are incredibly versatile and can fulfil a number of roles in the garden. Some are perfect for growing on balconies and patios, others great for giving height to borders. Alternatively, try using a pair of conifers around a door to create a striking, formal look. As long as they are planted in the right spot and there are many positions in the garden that would be suitable, providing there is good drainage. Conifers are easy to look after. Soil preparation for all types of conifers is important. The size of the planting
Conifers will need watering to get them established, but once growing will need little attention and will provide year-round interest. They are pretty disease resistant, virtually maintenance free, needing just a little loving care during really cold spells and will perform for years to come.
During National Conifer Week, expert and celebrity gardener Chris Collins joined Sky TV Channel Shine on the 5th October to tell the benefits and importance of growing conifers in your garden.
What to consider planting, there are many to choose from, take a look at our Modern Day Conifer Look Book to be inspired. For more information on different conifers download the Easy Guide to Growing Conifers. |
Roger Ward from Golden Acres Nursery who is chairman of the ABCG explains, “Conifers are a wonderful way of adding colour and shape to your outdoor space. Whilst being practical and useful they are also visually stunning and can transform a garden into something quite magnificent. Many conifers change colour throughout the year, so you can achieve fabulous splashes of orange, blue or purple in autumn or winter when other plants are dormant.” 
hole should be larger than the pot that the conifer has been growing in. Add suitable organic material such as garden compost, well-rotted farm manure or weathered mushroom compost and mix in with the soil before filling around the plant’s roots.  |
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Last Modified: 23/10/2009 |  BackTop |
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