Choosing the Right Type
How to Select Evergreens
Almost all of the coniferous evergreens are valued for their distinct shape and symmetry There are, however, various picturesque types, irregular in habit of growth, which are interesting to use as specimens in a wall of greenery. In selecting and grouping evergreens, it is a good idea to consider their shape if a pleasing result is to be attained in your outdoor living room.
Coniferous evergreens can be divided according to shape into six general groups. A classification such as this makes it easy to select the right evergreen for the right place. It must be remembered that the members in each group are alike only in shape or outline. Each has its own characteristics and may be a dwarf grower or tall grower according to its class.
Group 1. This broadly pyramidal group of the Christmas tree type embraces quite a few of the common evergreens including some of the Firs, Hemlocks, Spruces and Pines. As a rule, they make large trees at maturity and make most perfect specimens when growing without interference. This class is good for lawn groups, shelter planting, avenues or specimens.
Group 2. The evergreens in this group are usually medium height growers suitable for backgrounds and foundation plantings for your outdoor living room. They are useful in adding height at corners and accent at each side of a doorway, gateway or garden entrance. Varieties of Arborvitaes, Junipers, Yews, and Retinosporas are included in this group.
Group 3. These are the upright, columnar varieties that introduce an exclamatory note in the landscape in an outdoor living room. Wherever an accent plant is needed or where formal effects are desired, these plants fit nicely. The Junipers, Arborvitaes and Cedars offer such narrow types.
Group 4. In the family of evergreens, there are many fine dwarf varieties that grow more or less globular. These are very useful for specimen or for foundation planting, either alone or in combination, with taller growing varieties planted in back. The Mugho Pine and Globe Arborvitae belong to this group.
Group 5. The evergreens in this group constitute an intermediate stage between creeping Juniper and upright growers. All are dwarf and consequently make desirable plants for foreground planting on terraces or around pools in outdoor living rooms. Two of the most commonly known of this group are Pfitzer's Juniper and Savin Juniper.
Group 6. The creeping varieties are at home on slopes where they can spread out at will or wherever a low carpet of evergreen foliage is desirable.