Big Tree - Small Space

I’m not really sure what this evergreen is. When I bought it around 1998, I was told it was a Golden Thread Cypress and that it might get 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. I bought 3 at a great price from a wonderful, old landscape supplier. It is a beautiful gold evergreen, delicate and airy.

But if you plant it in the wrong place, you will have to trim it to keep it a manageable size.

Then you will be stuck with a large green lump.

.

(Lehigh County is offering a drop-off hazardous materials collection Saturday, September 25, 2010 between the hours of 8 am and 2 pm. - appointment required. More information here.).

‘Silberlocke’

(Photo from Muhlenberg College Graver Arboretum Conifer Display Garden in Bushkill Township.)

Korean Fir Abies koreana ‘Silberlocke’

I was introduced to this good-looking evergreen a few years ago.

It is a conical shaped slow grower. The blue tinted tree adds 2 to 3 inches a year and can grow to 15 feet tall and 5 feet wide.

It’s most spectacular feature - the needles on the new growth curve upright exposing a silvery sheen. The tree shimmers in sunlight.

It was love at first sight. Maybe someday I’ll find a spot for this fir in my garden.

More information from Washington State University.

.

A Garden Visit

.

I love visiting gardens – what gardener doesn’t? This week I visited Sharon & Ron’s amazing home and garden.

Rocks from around the world as well as local stones, brick and slate are meticulously set by Ron. Paths, borders and patios create a continental feeling. Hundreds of evergreens propagated by Ron fill the property and form the more formal front garden.

The perennial garden, designed and cared for by Sharon, creates a romantic spot. I didn’t get to spend nearly enough time in this garden. I’ll have to wangle an invitation to spend more time there.

With so much to see, I couldn’t absorb it all in my several trips around the garden.

The details in this garden are surprising and extraordinary – from fountains and sculptures expertly placed to a sedum garden in a sunny spot.

Years of time, labor and love have created an inspiring garden. Sharon and Ron are so enthusiastic about their gardens that the tour became more exciting with each plant and stone.

What a boost for my gardening enthusiasm! In fact, I came home and immediately hoed my entire front garden. (I have blisters to prove it.)

.