GARDENER'S READING ROOM
The Art of Gardening

Conifer Container Gardening & Companion Planting

Did you know that some of nature’s most beautiful plants are actually happy mistakes? Well, maybe not mistakes but truly spontaneous mutations that add color, variety and life to an ever expanding pattern of genetic diversity.

Conifers, it seems are very good at mutating. Don’t know why, just know they’re good at it.

In combination with other plants, dwarf conifers- many of them mutants provide superb color and form for containers for deck, patio and garden planting.

A few of the exciting selection of conifers that are great for container planting for 2003 are Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Treasure', a very narrow upright growing dwarf with outstanding gold and cream variegation on fine foliage. This beauty was found in Vancouver B.C. not long ago. Another is Chamaecyparis l. 'Treasure Island'. In a strange twist, ’Treasure Island’ was found as a mutation of 'Treasure', and it is a wonderful gold bun of feathery foliage. (A mutant-mutant!)

In combination with sedums, sempervivums, rock cress, and heathers, conifers can be the focus or the backbone of a container planting that will last years with minimal maintenance and maximum enjoyment.

Starting is easy. Choose a weather proof container with good draining holes (VERY IMPORTANT), use a good outdoor potting soil, and select compatible plants...(you may want help with the selection process, the choices are dizzying!) Top it off with an attractive groundcover mulch (I like pea gravel or crushed granite) and there you have it - a planting that will last a long time, giving years of color, life and variety.

By Chuck Pavlich, W.C.N.
Skylights Spring/Summer 2003 Vol. 17, No. 2

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