Usage options

Many possibilities

Conifers have many uses. We have listed the most common options below; from ground cover to solitary, from grave planting to Christmas green. Get inspired!

Hedges

By far the best-known usability of conifers are the hedges. Because these plants remain green in winter, they give a vivid permanent fence. The best known species are Thuja, Taxus and leylandii’s. Unknown but is also well applicable is Tsuga canadensis. Hedges are also loved by birds. They can in take shelter and make their nests in there.

Rock garden and grave planting

A completely different application relates to the miniature conifers, for example used into a rock garden. Because of the slow growth they are also very suitable for planting on graves. These plants are also good to use in urban gardens where space is limited. Despite the slow growth, the growth habit is often surprising because of the spontaneous axillary buds or candles.

Ground cover plants

Groundcover plants lend themselves well to fill empty spaces in the garden. Especially Juniperus horizontalis types are there for. Beautiful is the effect on heights and walls. The plants hang over like a waterfall over the edge. Some robust species, such as the Microbiota decussata, also have a good weed-inhibiting effect because there is no more light to penetrate to the bottom because of the dense growth.

Solitary plants

For relief in the garden, larger plants cannot be missing. Rising conifers shape the third dimension. Slender upright columns or robust trees make the garden mature. Some conifers are notorious for their size. But when given space, these majestic trees are beautiful eye-catchers. The thick trunks particularly appeal to the imagination and the crown can be seen from afar. But here the adage applies, “tree is big, plant is dead. Not everything gets that big. Be well informed beforehand.

In the border

Because of the many shapes and colors conifers are particularly suitable as border plants. In the summer they provide a peaceful backdrop to the flowering perennials and annuals while they give correct color to the otherwise drab winter garden. Conifers are rightly regarded as the basic planting of the garden

Weeping forms

A special category are the weeping forms. The characteristic drooping branches give a nice effect in the garden. Beautiful on a pond or as a gate on a path, there are to consider a variety of applications. However, it may be necessary to bind the tops upwards because otherwise the plant continues as ground cover.

On the terrace

For example in an ornate pot some species are very nice as a patio plant. Especially in the autumn and winter when no flowering plants are available, they provide a warm decoration of the terrace.

Topiaries

If you like this special tree art, there are plenty of places to go in the conifer family. Yew in particular is used for topiary pruning. However, Chamaecyparis or Juniperus species are also suitable for this purpose. Bekende vormen zijn de ponpon-figuren waarbij bollen of schijven aan uitstekende takken worden gevormd. Many forms of Taxus baccata are made in France. The most diverse forms are imaginable; sleek and modern or classic and round. Let your imagination run wild and enjoy the satisfaction of gardening.

Bonsai

Don’t have a big garden? Conifers lend themselves extremely well to making bonsai trees. Pruning, bending, shaping and a dose of patience eventually produce a beautiful result. Give it a try: well-shaped tree saplings are also worth a lot! Want to know more about bonsai? visit the website https://bonsainederland.nl/

Christmas arrangements

Also inside you will experience a lot of fun to conifers. They provide beautiful foliage for Christmas pieces or just branches for in the vase. Due to the wide variety of needles and shapes you can vary endless. What do you think of the long needles of Pinus or ca ristate form of Cryptomeria. So you pick up the atmosphere at home on dreary winter days. And that comes just from your own garden!