Conifers are a versatile and beautiful group of plants that can be used in many different ways in the garden. They are evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves year-round, which can provide much-needed winter interest. Conifers also come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, so there is sure to be a perfect one for your garden. Here are seven uses for conifers in your garden so that you can begin enjoying this versatile and rugged tree today.
Add Architectural Interest
Conifers have a wide range of shapes and sizes, from tall and slender to dwarf and spherical. This makes them ideal for adding architectural interest to your garden. It’s quite common to plant a tall conifer, such as a spruce or fir, as a focal point in a border or bed. Or, you could plant a dwarf conifer, such as a Japanese yew or boxwood, to create a topiary or hedge.
Create a Privacy Screen
Conifers are also great for creating privacy screens. They can be planted close together to form a dense hedge that will block out unwanted views and noise. One classic garden design idea is to plant a row of arborvitae or junipers along the edge of your property to create a privacy screen between your yard and your neighbour’s yard.
Provide Winter Interest
Evergreen conifers provide much-needed winter interest to the garden. When many other plants have lost their leaves, conifers stand out with their lush green foliage. You may choose to plant a pine tree or yew shrub in a central location in your garden so that it can be enjoyed all year round. There are endless possibilities that make conifers the perfect addition to your garden.
Add Texture and Colour
Conifers come in a variety of colours, including green, blue, gold, and silver. This makes them ideal for adding texture and colour to your garden. For example, you could plant a blue spruce next to a yellow forsythia shrub to create a striking contrast. Or, you could plant a silver conifer, such as a fir or juniper, next to a green conifer to add depth and interest to a border.
Attract Wildlife
Conifers provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and rabbits. Pine trees produce cones that are a favourite food of many birds, whilst juniper shrubs provide dense cover for birds to nest in.
Grow in Containers
Conifers can also be grown in containers, which makes them ideal for patios, balconies, and other small spaces. For example, you could plant a dwarf conifer in a pot on your patio to add some greenery and interest. Or, you could plant a row of conifers in containers along a fence to create a privacy screen.
Use in Holiday Decorations
Conifers are often used in holiday decorations, such as Christmas trees and wreaths. For example, you could cut a branch from a pine tree to use as a centrepiece for your holiday table. Or, you could make a wreath out of juniper branches to hang on your front door.
No matter how you choose to use them, conifers are a valuable addition to any garden. They are versatile, beautiful, and easy to care for.
Buy Beautiful Plants for Your Garden Today
Once you have chosen your conifers, be sure to plant them in well-drained soil. Conifers also need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Fertilise your conifers in the spring with a balanced fertiliser.
Looking to invest in plants for your garden? Hasset Plant Centre has a wealth of plants, shrubs and trees to choose from, many of which will provide beauty and interest to your garden throughout the winter period. We also stock a wide range of conifers that are the perfect investment as we enter the winter period.
Contact Hasset Plant Centre today to find out more.