Spruce forest - description, features, nature and interesting facts. coniferous forests

It can be confidently called the “lungs of the Earth”, because the state of the air, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide depend on them. Rich stocks of timber, mineral deposits are concentrated here, many of which are being discovered to this day.

Location in Russia

The taiga is spreading in a wide strip in our country. Coniferous forests occupy most of Siberia (Eastern, Western), the Urals, the Baikal region, Far East and mountain Altai. The zone originates on the western border of Russia, it stretches to the coast of the Pacific Ocean - the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.

The coniferous forests of the taiga border on other climatic zones. In the north, they are adjacent to the tundra, in the west - with. In some cities of the country, there is an intersection of taiga with forest-steppe and mixed forests.

Location in Europe

The coniferous forests of the taiga cover not only Russia, but also some foreign countries. Among them are the countries of Canada. Throughout the world, taiga massifs occupy a vast territory and are considered the largest zone on the planet.

The extreme boundary of the biome on the south side is located on the island of Hokkaido (Japan). The northern side is bounded by Taimyr. This location explains the leading position of the taiga in terms of length among other natural zones.

Climate

A large biome is located in two climatic zones at once - temperate and subarctic. This explains the diversity of weather conditions in the taiga. The temperate climate ensures warm summers. The average temperature of the natural zone in the summer is 20 degrees above zero. The cold arctic air affects the sharp temperature changes and affects the taiga winters, the air here can be cooled to 45 degrees below zero. In addition, piercing winds are observed at all times of the year.

The coniferous forests of the taiga are characterized by high humidity due to their location in swampy areas and low evaporation. In summer, most of the precipitation falls in the form of light and heavy rains. In winter there is a lot of snow - the thickness of its layer is 50-80 centimeters, it does not melt for 6-7 months. Permafrost is observed in Siberia.

Peculiarities

The largest, longest and richest natural zone is the taiga. Coniferous forests occupy fifteen million square kilometers of the land area of the Earth! The width of the zone in the European part is 800 kilometers, in Siberia - more than 2 thousand kilometers.

The formation of taiga forests began in the past era, before the onset of and However, the zone received a detailed analysis and characteristics only in 1898 thanks to P. N. Krylov, who defined the concept of "taiga" and formulated its main characteristics.

The biome is especially rich in water bodies. This is where the famous Russian rivers- Volga, Lena, Kama, Northern Dvina and others. They cross the taiga of the Yenisei and the Ob. In coniferous forests there are the largest Russian reservoirs - Bratskoye, Rybinsk, Kamskoye. In addition, there is a lot of groundwater in the taiga, which explains the predominance of swamps (especially in Northern Siberia and Canada). Due to the temperate climate and sufficient moisture, there is a rapid development of the plant world.

Taiga subzones

The natural zone is divided into three subzones, which differ in climatic features, flora and fauna.

Northern. Characterized by a cold climate. It has harsh winters and cool summers. Huge areas of land are occupied by swampy terrain. Forests in most cases are stunted, medium-sized spruces and pines are observed.
Average. Differs in moderation. The climate is temperate - warm summers, cold but not frosty winters. Many swamps of various types. High humidity. Trees of normal height, mainly blueberry spruce forests sprout.
South. Here you can see the most diverse animal and vegetable world, coniferous forests. The taiga has an admixture of broad-leaved and small-leaved tree species. The climate is warm, characterized by hot summers, which last for almost four months. Reduced soreness.

Forest types

Depending on the vegetation, several types of taiga are distinguished. The main ones are light coniferous and dark coniferous forests. Along with trees, there are meadows that arose on the site of deforestation.

Light coniferous type. It is mainly distributed in Siberia. Also found in other areas (Urals, Canada). It is located in a sharply continental climate zone, characterized by abundant rainfall and moderate weather conditions. One of the most common types of trees is pine - a photophilous representative of the taiga. Such forests are spacious and bright. Larch is another common species. Forests are even lighter than pine forests. The crowns of trees are rare, so in such "thickets" a feeling of open area is created.
dark coniferous type- most common in Northern Europe and mountain ranges (Alps, Altai mountains, Karpaty). Its territory is located in a temperate and mountainous climate, characterized by high humidity. Fir and spruce predominate here, juniper and dark coniferous pine are less common.

Vegetable world

Back in the early 19th century no one shared natural areas, and their differences and features were not known. Fortunately, today geography has been studied in more detail, and the necessary information is available to everyone. The coniferous forest of the taiga - trees, plants, shrubs ... What is the characteristic and interesting flora of this zone?

In the forests - weakly expressed or absent undergrowth, which is explained by insufficient amount of light, especially in dark coniferous thickets. There is a monotony of moss - as a rule, only a green species can be found here. Shrubs grow - currants, junipers, and shrubs - lingonberries, blueberries.

The type of forest depends on climatic conditions. The western side of the taiga is characterized by the dominance of European and Siberian spruce. Spruce-fir forests grow in mountainous regions. Clusters of larches stretch to the east. The Okhotsk coast is rich in a variety of tree species. In addition to coniferous representatives, the taiga is also fraught with deciduous trees. consist of aspen, alder, birch.

Animal world of the taiga

Animal world coniferous forests of the taiga is diverse and unique. A wide variety of insects live here. Nowhere is there such a number of fur-bearing animals, including ermine, sable, hare, weasel. Climatic conditions are favorable for sedentary animals, but unacceptable for cold-blooded creatures. Only a few species of amphibians and reptiles live in the taiga. Their low numbers are associated with severe winters. The rest of the inhabitants have adapted to the cold seasons. Some of them fall into hibernation or anabiosis, while their vital activity slows down.

What animals live in coniferous forests? The taiga, where there are so many shelters for animals and an abundance of food, is characterized by the presence of such predators as lynx, Brown bear, wolf, fox. Ungulates live here - roe deer, bison, elk, deer. On the branches of trees and under them live rodents - beavers, squirrels, mice, chipmunks.

Birds

More than 300 species of birds nest in the forest thickets. Particular diversity is observed in the eastern taiga - capercaillie, hazel grouse, some varieties of owls and woodpeckers live here. Forests are characterized by high humidity and numerous water bodies, therefore they are especially widespread here. Some representatives of coniferous expanses have to migrate to winter period to the south, where the conditions of existence are more favorable. Among them are the Siberian thrush and the forest warbler.

man in taiga

Human activities do not always favorably affect the state of nature. Numerous fires caused by the negligence and thoughtlessness of people, deforestation and mining lead to a decrease in the number of forest wildlife.

Picking berries, mushrooms, nuts are typical activities popular with the local population for which the autumn taiga is known. Coniferous forests are the main supplier of timber resources. Here are also largest deposits minerals (oil, gas, coal). With hydrated and fertile soil agriculture is developed in the southern regions. Breeding of animals and hunting for wild animals is widespread.

Conifers are mostly evergreens, woody or shrubby, with needle-like leaves. The needles are needle-shaped, scaly or linear leaves. Conifers belong to the class of gymnosperms. In total, coniferous plants number about 600 species. List the names of all coniferous trees difficult, but it is possible to provide a list of coniferous trees, the most famous and common in our strip.

Pine is an evergreen coniferous tree that grows everywhere throughout Russia, is distinguished by long needles and unpretentiousness to natural conditions. Sunny pine groves are a real natural sanatorium.

- coniferous decorative tree from the cypress family, many varieties of thuja are widely cultivated for landscaping parks and private farms.

- in the wild it grows in the tropical zone, it is also successfully bred as an ornamental tree or shrub, the foliage differs from all previous conifers, the leaves on upward shoots are arranged spirally, on horizontal shoots - linear. Yew is very poisonous, only pitted berries are edible.

- coniferous shrub of the cypress family, used for ornamental gardening.

- a mighty tree of the North Ocean coast of America of the cypress family. Trees - centenarians from this genus live for several thousand years.

- a beautiful coniferous tree that grows wild in the mountains of China.

The above list of conifers describes plants, each of which has many species - these are just the most common conifers.

In addition to those listed, conifers include: cypress, hemlock, ginkgo, araucaria, libocedrus, pseudo-hemlock, cunningamia, cryptomeria, sciadopitis, sequoiadendron and many others.

Initially, they were noticed and arose from the definitions given by the people, and the practical, scientifically developed division of the forest into types was the founder of the doctrine of the forest, G.F. Morozov and other forestry scientists.

The division of the forest into varieties - scientifically developed by the founder of the doctrine of the forest G. F. Morozov and other forestry scientists

The division of forests

long time ago forests middle lane European part of Russia divide on the red forest(conifers), black forest(deciduous) and mixed consisting of coniferous and deciduous trees.

From the rocks inhabiting the various soils of the north, the old Russian names of the varieties of these forests originated: boron, subor, ramen, sogra, red ramen etc.

Bor - a pine forest on a sandy, usually elevated or hilly area;
ramen - mostly spruce forest on clay or loamy soils;
sogra - a dampish pine forest with an admixture of , and other trees.

Pine forests, in turn, also have different subdivisions. Peasants have long observed:

The best drill (condo) with strong, slightly reddish wood grows in a pine forest, that is, in a pine forest where there are a lot of berry bushes below, especially blueberries.
In warm pine has a tapered trunk, that is, rapidly thinning towards the top, and therefore of little use for buildings. This pine is a large-layer, with insufficiently strong wood.
The most resinous pine grows in the white moss forest, where under the trees there is a lot of deer lichen, which has a light gray color.

Forest types

Now such forest types, as:

pine forest (or lichen forest),
pine lingonberry (pine with lingonberries below),
boron blueberry (pine with blueberries),
spruce-sour spruce (spruce with sour grass),
maple-snotty oak forest (oak with an admixture of maple in the undergrowth, and below - a herbaceous plant from the umbrella family - snotty)

and others, gained general fame.

blueberry bush

Often any natural phenomena(fire, mass development of pests, etc.) destroy the forest and contribute to the change of one forest community by another forest or non-forest community - a swamp, a meadow.

Meadow as a result of the replacement of one forest community by another forest or non-forest community

Blueberry boron can gradually turn into lingonberry boron. This change in the composition of the plants of the lower tier - the replacement of blueberries by lingonberries - indicates a change in the living conditions of the forest and, above all, a change in the moisture content of the soil layer.

The appearance of green mosses, cuckoo flax, and then white moss - sphagnum - indicates further waterlogging of the forest. This is the first indicator of forest change. Changes at the bottom are followed by changes at the top, but they occur much more slowly.

Only for a long time, as a result of swamping, a high-stemmed forest can turn into a pine forest in a swamp. With the death of a pine in this forest, instead of a forest community, a qualitatively new community arises - a moss swamp. The same pine (short, marsh) often lives here, but it is no longer the main, leading plant, like the pine in the forest.

A person who is familiar with the laws of the change of one type of forest by another, if he has knowledge and observation, in a number of cases can, without much difficulty, establish how the varieties of the forest change, that is, at what stage of its existence the forest is, what it was like in the past, what can expect it in the future and, therefore, how can its development be directed.

The strict outlines of conifers are always appropriate in any landscape design. In summer, they are perfectly combined with the lawn and other flowering crops, shading them favorably, and in winter they save the backyard with their bright branching from dullness and lifelessness. In addition, they endlessly give clean air enriched with healing essential oils. The unjustified superstitions about the prohibitions of growing such crops in private courtyards have sunk into oblivion. Modern gardeners can no longer imagine their garden without evergreen ornaments. And there is plenty to choose from. Take a closer look at which of the coniferous trees is right for you.

Did you know? Coniferous trees lead the list of long-lived plants. The oldest spruce found in Sweden today is considered to be Old Tikko, which, according to various estimates, is more than 9.5 thousand years old. Another "old-timer" - the Methuselah intermountain pine, has been growing in the USA for 4846 years. In general, for conifers, the normal age is measured in millennia. Only 20 ancient trees are known on the globe, of which only one is deciduous - this is a sacred ficus from Sri Lanka, which is 2217 years old.

Tall slender coniferous fir trees in the garden very effective both in single and in composite plantings. Some craftsmen build unique hedges from them. Today's spruce is not only a tall large culture familiar to us since childhood with a cone-shaped narrow crown and dry lower branches. The assortment of prickly beauties is regularly renewed with decorative varieties. For planting in personal plots in demand:

"Acrocona" (when mature reaches a height of 3 m and a width of 4 m);
"Inversa" (spruce trees of this variety up to 7 m high and up to 2 m wide);
"Maxwellii" (is a compact tree up to 2 m high and wide);
"Nidiformis" (such a spruce no more than a meter high and about 1.5 m wide);
"Ohlendorfii" (the trunk of an adult tree stretches up to 6 m, the crown is up to 3 m in diameter);
"Glauca" (spruce with blue needles, this beautiful garden decoration is often used in compositions with deciduous trees).

Fir is a magnificent tree from the Pine family (Pinaceae). Among the others coniferous plants stands out with purple cones growing upwards and flat needles. The needles are shiny and soft, they are dark green above, and each is marked with a white stripe below. Young seedlings grow for a very long time, and from the age of 10, development accelerates and lasts until the roots die. Despite the prevalence of fir, many find it difficult to answer whether it is coniferous or deciduous tree. Among gardeners, varieties of decorative balsam fir are in demand:

"Columnaris" (columnar);
"Prostrate" (branches grow horizontally, their length is up to 2.5 m);
"Nana" (tree up to 50 cm high and 1 m wide, rounded flattened crown);
"Argenta" (silver needles, each needle has a white tip);
"Glauca" (blue needles with a wax coating);
"Variegata" (distinguished by yellow spotting on needles).

Juniper is the leader in the list of coniferous trees in terms of bactericidal properties. The plant appeared more than 50 million years ago. Today, scientists classify it to the Cypress family and distinguish about 70 species, of which only nine are cultivated in Ukraine.

Among the juniper variety there are 30-meter giants and 15-centimeter elfins. Each of them has its own characteristics, not only in the form of a crown and hairpins, but also in the requirements for conditions and care. In the garden, such a culture will look in rockeries, rock gardens, and as a hedge. Most often on personal plots there are varieties of ordinary juniper:

"Gold Cone" (the height reaches 4 m, and the width is 1 m, the branches form a dense narrow-conical shape);
"Hibernika" (trunk of a mature tree up to 3.5 m high, crown narrow, columnar, 1 m in diameter);
"Green Carpet" (dwarf variety up to 50 cm tall and 1.5 m in volume, ground cover crown);
"Suecica" (the shrub stretches up to 4 m and grows in breadth up to 1 m, the crown is columnar).

Important! In the garden, junipers are recommended to be planted away from fruit trees, as they are conductors of a disease such as rust. From a preventive point of view, fruit crops are separated by a protective strip of tall plants, regularly inspected for damage to the branch, pruned as necessary. The affected areas are treated with fungicides.

Do you know which conifers are more common in aristocratic English gardens? Of course, cedars. They kind of frame the entire garden landscape. Such trees have become an integral part of the decoration of the front door or the vast lawn in front of the house. Cedars simultaneously create an atmosphere of home comfort and solemnity. In addition, dwarf forms are widely used for bonsai.

In their natural form, these trees rise majestically in mountain ranges at an altitude of up to 3 thousand meters above sea level and seem like real giants. Wild breeds grow up to 50 m in height. And although mankind has known about this plant for more than 250 years, scientists still cannot come to a single number of cedar species.

Some argue that all mature trees are identical and suggest the existence of only the Lebanese species, while others additionally distinguish the Himalayan, Atlas and short coniferous species. The database of the international project "Catalogue of Life", which is engaged in the inventory of all species of flora and fauna known on the planet, contains information about the above species, with the exception of the short-coniferous.

Taking into account the experience of the experts - participants of the project, who managed to collect information about 85% of all life on the globe, we will adhere to their classification of all conifers.

Did you know? Purchased pine nuts, which are loved by many, actually have nothing to do with cedar. The grains of genuine cedars are inedible, unlike the seed of the cedar pine. It is she who in narrow circles is called the Siberian cedar.

Cedar has many decorative forms, differing in the length of the needles, the color of the needles, and in size:

"Glauca" (with blue needles);
"Breviramulosa" (with sparse long skeletal branches);
"Stricta" (columnar crown is formed due to dense, short branches, slightly raised upwards);
"Pendula" (branches fall down easily);
"Tortuosa" (distinguished by sinuous main branches);
"Nana" (dwarf variety);
"Nana Pyramidata" (short tree with upward branches).

These evergreens from the genus Cypress in their native environment grow up to 70 meters in height and are very reminiscent of cypress trees. Through the efforts of breeders, the culture of such coniferous trees is actively replenished with the names of new varieties that will satisfy every taste.

In landscape design undersized varieties often used to create hedges, medium trees are planted singly or in compositions, dwarfs are settled in rock gardens and mixborders. The plant easily fits into all design ensembles of garden design, it is distinguished by fluffy and soft needles. When you hit the needles, you will feel a pleasant touch, not a bristly tingle.

Dwarf varieties that do not exceed 360 cm in height are very popular with gardeners. Such popularity is due to the versatility and decorativeness of coniferous bushes. Today the most popular varieties are:

"Ericoides" (thuja-shaped cypress up to 1.5 m high, shock-shaped);
"Nana Gracilis" (by the age of 10 it grows up to half a meter, the crown is round or conical);
"Ellwoodii" (a tree with a columnar crown, transforms into a pyramidal crown with age, grows up to 1.5 m by the age of ten);
"Minima Aurea" (the plant is dwarf, its crown resembles a rounded pyramid);
"Compacta" (distinguished by dense branches, neat crown up to 1 m high);

Important! Dwarf varieties "Gnom", "Minima", "Minima glauca", "Minima aurea" winter very badly. Under the snow cover, they will not freeze, but they can sweat. It is recommended to monitor the density of snow.

In the natural environment, these plants are evergreen trees or shrubs with a crown in the shape of a cone or pyramid, a slender trunk covered with thick bark, foliage pressed to the branches and cones ripening in the second year. Scientists know about 25 species of cypress, of which about ten are used in horticulture. Moreover, each of them has its own requirements and whims for growing conditions and care. Common varieties of cypress:

"Benthamii" (graceful crown, bluish-green needles);
"Lindleyi" (distinguished by bright green needles and large cones);
"Tristis" (columnar crown, branches grow down);
"Aschersoniana" (undersized form);
"Сompacta" (cypress develops in the form of a shrub, has a rounded crown and bluish needles);
"Сonica" (pin-shaped crown and blue needles with a smoky shade, does not tolerate frost);
"Fastigiata" (stocky form with smoky blue needles);
"Glauca" (crown tends to be more columnar, silver needles, not hardy).

Based on the name, many do not consider this tree to be coniferous and are deeply mistaken. In fact, larch belongs to the Pine family and is the most common species of coniferous crops. Outwardly, this tall, slender tree looks like a Christmas tree, but every autumn it sheds its needles.

The larch trunk in favorable conditions can reach a diameter of 1 m and 50 m in height. The bark is thick, covered with deep furrows Brown. The branches grow chaotically upwards at an angle, forming an aura cone-shaped crown. Needles 4 cm long, soft, flattened, bright green. Botanists distinguish 14 types of larch. The following varieties are popular in horticulture:

"Viminalis" (weeping);
"Corley" (cushion);
"Repens" (with creeping branches);
"Cervicornis" (twisted branches);
"Kornik" (spherical, used as a scion on a stem);
"Blue Dwarf" (characterized by short stature and bluish needles);
"Diana" (slowly stretches up to 2 m, the crown resembles a ball, the branches are slightly spiral, the needles are smoky green);
"Stiff Weeper" (distinguished by long sprouts creeping along the soil, needles with a bluish tint, often grafted onto a trunk);
"Wolterdinger" (the crown is dense, similar to a dome, it develops slowly).

About 115 species of pines (Pinus) are known in the world, but seventeen species are common in Ukraine, and only eleven of them are cultivated. From other conifers, pines differ in fragrant needles located on branches in bunches of 2 to 5 pieces. Depending on their number, the breed of pine is determined.

Important! In the open air, pine roots dry out after 15 minutes. Pine planting is best planned for April-May or mid-September.

For garden collections, breeders have bred many miniature forms with slow growth. In large-scale forest park areas, giant natural species of pines are more common. In small adjoining areas and in the backyard, low-growing varieties of pines will look spectacular. Such evergreen bushes can be identified in a rock garden, on a lawn or in a mixborder. Mountain pine varieties are popular, which in the wild is found on Western European slopes and reaches a height of 1.5 to 12 m:

"Gnom" (characterized by a crown height and diameter of 2 m, needles up to 4 cm long);
"Columnaris" (shrub up to 2.5 m high and up to 3 m wide, long and dense needles);
"Mops" (trunk up to 1.5 m high, branches form a spherical shape);
"Mini Mops" (shrub reaches up to 60 cm, grows up to 1 m in diameter, cushion-shaped crown);
"Globosa Viridis" (pine shrub height and width about 1 m, ovoid shape, needles up to 10 cm long).

Compact columnar arborvitae of ornamental varieties are found in almost every botanical garden and park. R Asthenia from the Cypress family is cultivated in Ukraine exclusively as an evergreen decoration. Gardeners in the reviews note the culture's resistance to decay, severe frosts and drought.

Thuja has a powerful superficial rhizome, branches growing upwards, forming the shape of a column or pyramid, scaly dark leaves, small cones that ripen in the first year. Weeping, creeping and dwarf varieties are also bred. Of these, varieties of the western thuja (occidentalis) are in the lead, which is distinguished by a fast-growing powerful trunk, reaching a height of 7 m, and branching up to 2 m in diameter. The needles of such a shrub always have green color, regardless of the season. The variety "Cloth of Gold" is distinguished by a rich orange tint of needles, in winter the branches acquire a copper tint. Such specimens are best cultivated in shady areas with neutral soil.

Did you know? Thuja spread in Europe thanks to the king of France, Francis the first, who was a fan of the unique cultures that appeared in his garden in Fontainebleau. He called the plant the "tree of life" and ordered that large areas around the palace be planted with it. After 200 years, thuja was already cultivated in the east of Europe. At the same time, inexperienced gardeners were often disappointed, because they grew a marvelous tree from seeds, and instead of the expected "Columna" they got a giant 30-meter monster with rare branches. It is this thuja that grows in its natural environment.

A dense crown in the form of a narrow 7-meter column is created by branches of the medium-sized variety "Columna". It can be seen from afar by dark green needles with a brilliant sheen, which does not change either in winter or in summer. Such a tree is frost-resistant, not demanding in care. For small gardens, compact arborvitae of the "Holmstrup" variety are suitable, which grow up to 3 meters in height and branch out in a volume of up to 1 m, forming a lush conical shape of rich green color.

The variety is characterized by increased frost resistance, tolerates pruning well, is used mainly for creating hedges. Gardeners consider "Smaragd" to be one of the best varieties of thuja with a conical crown. An adult tree reaches 4 m in height and 1.5 m in width. In young specimens, the branches form a narrow cone, and as they age, it expands. The needles are juicy, green with a glossy sheen. In care requires moist soil.

It is a very decorative evergreen columnar tree, reaching a height of 20 meters in adulthood. The shoots grow intensively, annually adding up to 1 m. The branches are covered with scaly leaves, develop in the same plane. The fruits are small. For many, such a wonderful name is a discovery, so in Ukraine you can only meet cupressocyparis in the areas of advanced collectors and ardent landscapers. In its native UK, where the hybrid is cultivated, it is used to create a hedge, especially since the culture is easily adapted after pruning. In Ukraine, the most common varieties of cupressocypress Leyland:

Castlewellan Gold. It is characterized by resistance to winds and frosts, not demanding in care. It has a bright golden crown. Young branches purple.
Robinson's Gold. Dense green branches form a pin-shaped wide crown of a bronze-yellow color.
Leithon Green. It is a tree with an openwork crown of yellowish-green color. The branches are arranged asymmetrically, the trunk is clearly visible.
Green Spire. A hybrid with bright yellowish leaves and a slightly columnar form.
"Haggerston Grey". Differs in loose gray-green branches.

Important! Cupressocyparis grows best on fresh, sufficiently moist and mineral-rich substrates, regardless of pH. It is not recommended to plant a plant on waterlogged or dry carbonate lands.

In Japan, this majestic coniferous giant is considered the national tree. It can be found not only in wild forests and on mountain slopes, but also in the design of park alleys. Evergreen cryptomeria grows by the age of 150 to a height of 60 m, in favorable conditions its trunk cannot be hugged - in girth it can reach 2 m.

Branches with a light or dark shade of needles create a narrow dense crown. In some trees, the needles are filled with a reddish or yellowish tone for the winter. To the touch they are not prickly, in appearance they are short, subulate. Cones are round, small, brown, ripen throughout the year. Botanists classify cryptomeria to the Cypress family and distinguish it into a single species. The eastern origin of the culture explains its parallel names.

The people often call the tree "Japanese cedar", which causes indignation among scientists, since cryptomeria has nothing to do with cedar. The adverbs "shan" (Chinese) and "sugi" (Japanese) are also used. Contemplating a majestic tree in the wild, it is hard to even imagine that it can be grown in a home garden or in an apartment. But breeders took care of this by creating many decorative dwarf forms, reaching a height of no more than 2 m. spherical "Compressa", "Globosa".

These are evergreen trees or shrubs belonging to the Yew family, with purple-smoky bark of a smooth or lamellar structure and soft long needles. Scientists distinguish 8 species of the genus, which are common in Europe, North America, Africa and East Asia. In Ukraine, only berry yew (European) grows in its natural environment.

The view is a big tree up to 20 m tall with reddish-brown bark, lanceolate leaves with a narrowed base on short legs. The needles are glossy dark green above and light matte below. In care, these representatives of coniferous trees replenish the list of undemanding crops. Yew needles are dangerous for animals, can provoke severe poisoning and even death. Garden varieties of yew amaze with a wide range. Due to the good adaptation of the plant to pruning, it is used to create borders and various green figures. Each species has its own characteristics. The most common varieties:

"Aurea". Dwarf yew up to 1 m high, with dense small yellow needles.
"Pyramidalis". Low pyramidal shape, becomes loose with age. The needles are longer at the base of the branches and shorter at the top. Bush height 1 m, width 1.5 m.
"Capitata". The crown is in the form of a skittle, grows rapidly, has one or more trunks.
"Columnaris". The crown is wide columnar. With age, the apex becomes wider than the base.
Densa. Slow growing, female plant, crown wide, flattened.
"expansa". Vase-shaped crown, stemless, with an open center.
Farmen. Low-growing yew with a wide crown and dark needles.

Did you know? Pharmaceutical companies have been using yew raw materials for the manufacture of drugs for malignant tumors for more than 20 years. The berry yew, common in our country, is known healing properties with cancers of the mammary glands, ovaries, intestines, stomach, failure hormonal background. In Europe, after trimming hedges, gardeners take yew branches to specialized points for further processing. You can recommend the article to your friends!

When choosing species and varieties of conifers, one must take into account how they will look, what sizes they will reach at the time of maturity, not forgetting, of course, about growth rates, color, and habitat requirements. It is important to compare all these characteristics with specific conditions, including the size of the garden area. Only in this way will we be able to compose compositions that are interesting in color, contour and spatial terms from coniferous plants.

Most of the coniferous trees and shrubs are photophilous plants. This means that for healthy growth and development, they need enough light, space and a place where they will not suffer from lack of air.

Yew trees are highly adaptable and develop well in partial shade and even full shade. Shading is tolerated by young fir, pseudo-hemlock, spruce, hemlock, cryptomeria, tissolist or Douglas fir, and from pine - Pinus flexilis, P. koraiensis and R. flight. For cypress trees, the optimal conditions are partial shade or a place not on the sunny side. Tui adapt relatively well. The rest of the species of conifers bred in our country prefer a place in the sun, and junipers do not tolerate shading at all.

As for soil conditions, the requirements for them in conifers are very different. The most unpretentious in this regard are larch, juniper, pine (with the exception of species with five needles in a bundle) and cypress. These species grow well on sandy-clay soils, and pines - even on stony ones. Cypress, juniper, larch, spruce and yew trees love lime. Juniper also tolerates drying soils well. But cypress trees, on the contrary, require an abundance of soil moisture. Spruces grow best on moist clay-sandy lands. Fir trees are more demanding on soil quality than spruce trees. They thrive in deep clay-sandy, moderately moist, nutrient-rich soils and generally cannot tolerate high groundwater levels. The remaining coniferous trees and shrubs need more powerful soils, in which there are enough nutrients and a moderate soil moisture content. In swampy areas, even in shallow stagnant water, only swamp cypress trees grow well.

If we talk about hardening, then most conifers are resistant to cold. Fir, cedar, cryptomeria, spruce and more delicate species of certain species should not, however, be planted in cold hollows where they can freeze.

Of the firs, the most hardy and not afraid of frost are Abies balsamea, A. concolor, A. grandis and A. homolepis; from cypress trees - Chamaecyparis nootkatensis and Ch. lawsoniana; from spruces - Picea abies, P. alba, P. asperata, P. omorika and P. pungens; from Pinus banksiana, P. cembra and P. reyse pines.

Fir trees need a place more protected from the winds, and cedars develop well only in such places. Due to the fact that variegated conifers, and from thuja - Thuja orientalis, can suffer from solar radiation in winter, a place for them must be chosen taking this moment into account.

Coniferous trees also tolerate polluted air in different ways. Some species generally grow quite well in industrial areas. However, smoky, polluted air does not tolerate most firs at all. Among them, Abies concolor, A. grandis, A. koreana, A. nordmanniana, A. procera, A. veitchii are relatively hardened in this respect. Nor can most spruces, pines, and cryptomerias tolerate such pollution. Although in the same conditions some types of cedars and cypresses, yews, thujas take root quite well, and from pines - pine dwarf, black pine, common pine, etc.

Those species that have soft needles, as well as cypress trees, mainly young ones, some junipers (also at a young age), for example, Chinese juniper, virginian juniper, and in spring, when the needles are blooming, common juniper. Animals also bite the bark of young larch, and from pines they choose those with soft needles. Neither the berry yew nor the western thuja will be protected from them. The remaining conifers do not suffer from animals.

Forest nursery workers are often faced with the fact that many gardeners seek to acquire high-growth species of coniferous trees for their small plots and front gardens, without, however, attaching due importance to this moment. At the same time, in most cases they are simply attracted by the beauty of young plants and tempted by the size of the specimens sold. Such buyers naively hope that if they plant such plants in the garden, they will immediately become a decoration of the site. They forget that over time, arborvitae, cypresses, spruces, firs, pines and other large breeds will create an almost impenetrable wall, interfere with admiring the surrounding landscape, or even completely immerse the garden in constant shade.

Tall coniferous tree species

Vetkhova fir ( Abies veitchii) is a slender tree, reaching 15-20 or even 25 m in height and 4 m in crown diameter. She has thick shiny dark green needles with a silvery sheen on the underside. Every year this tree grows about 70 cm high and 20 cm wide. It is planted mainly singly in large gardens.

European spruce, or common ( Picea abies) - a well-known tree 20-25 m high (it can reach 30-35 m), with a narrow pyramidal crown and symmetrical branches located in a horizontal plane. It grows violently, annually increasing by about 80 cm in height and 30 cm in width. It is used more often in large gardens and parks singly or in group plantings as trimmed hedges.

Spruce Serbian, or Balkan ( Picea omorika) is a beautiful, surprisingly slender tree, the crown of which begins to branch strongly from below. It is one of the most hardy conifers, it is not at all afraid of frost and withstands city air well. This spruce reaches 25-35 m in height, but at the ground its width is only 2-3 m. Its annual growth is approximately 50 cm in height and 15-20 cm in crown diameter. Serbian or Balkan spruce is a plant of exceptional merit, suitable for both large and medium-sized gardens.

Pine black, Austrian ( Pinus nigra austriaca - P.n. ssp. Nigra) first has a cone-shaped, and later - an ovoid crown shape, reaching 4-8 m in diameter. In height, this tree can reach 20 m, and in exceptional cases 25 m. The annual growth averages 70 cm in height and 35 cm in crown diameter. Black pine is an excellent tree for large gardens; she loves dry, well-permeable soil, which also contains lime.

Falling larch, or Western European ( Larix decidua), also a very tall tree, rising up to 35 m. Its crown is wide, 4-6 m in diameter, the needles are light green, sometimes even gray-green. This larch grows faster than all other coniferous trees, adding about 80 cm in height and 50 cm in crown diameter per year. Such a tree needs a place in the sun, a lot of free space around and deep, but not too light soil with sufficient water permeability.

One of the varieties of Lawson's cypress ( Chamaecyparis lawsoniana "Alumii") of a bluish-steel color is a very slender coniferous tree with a cone-shaped dense crown. It reaches a height of about 10 m and a diameter of 2-3 m. Its annual growth is approximately 30 cm in height and 10 cm in width. This variety is unassuming, loves a sunny location and is said to tolerate frost well. It is planted mainly singly or used to create hedges of an unusual shape.

Yew berry, or ordinary, European ( taxus baccata) can tolerate deep shade, although it thrives well in full sun. This tree is 10-20 m tall with a rounded crown 10-15 m in diameter. It is often bushy and reaches a very respectable age. He also likes calcareous soil, which passes water well; it is planted singly or in group compositions, like undergrowth next to more tall trees. Berry yew is suitable for creating hedges, both free-growing and trimmed. Its annual growth in height, as well as in diameter, is approximately 30 cm.

Thuja western ( Thuja occidentalis) - a cone-shaped coniferous tree with short horizontally arranged branches, reaches 10-15 m in height and 3-4 m in diameter. Its annual growth is about 20-30 cm in height and the same in width. The tree loves a sunny location, is remarkably hardy, and is particularly well suited for planting as natural free-growing or trimmed hedges.

Fir single color ( Abies concolor) - a tree 20-30 m in height with a straight trunk and a beautiful cone-shaped crown with a diameter of up to 3-4 m starting near the ground. This fir has peculiar, crescent-shaped, gray-green needles. The annual growth of the plant is 50 cm in height and about 15 cm in crown diameter. It loves the sun, is very frost-resistant and tolerates a smoky polluted atmosphere. Single-colored fir needs nutritious soil with sufficient water permeability and a place with good sunlight. It is considered an excellent single tree in a big city.

Coniferous trees of medium size

Coniferous trees of medium size and even very squat ones play a significant role in decorating gardens and parks. Smaller species are usually planted near access roads or footpaths, near houses and summer cottages, as well as in rock gardens and in those places where for some reason it is not possible to plant trees that reach large sizes.

In recent years, Korean fir (Abies koreana) has been especially popular with gardeners. This slowly growing tree is distinguished by a dense pyramidal crown, and in adulthood it is usually not so much tall as wide, reaching 2-4 m in height and 2-3 m in diameter, although it can be larger - up to 8 m height and 4 m in diameter. Every year the tree rises up by about 30cm and spreads 15-20cm wide. Korean fir is very prolific. And young tree produces beautiful, purple-violet buds up to 7 cm long.

Attractive in appearance is the gently pubescent variety of Lawson's cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana "Ellwoodiif"), which has gray-blue scaly needles and a narrow, pyramidal crown. An adult tree reaches 2-3 m in height and about 1 m in crown diameter. This cypress variety grows slowly (annual growth is about 20 cm in height and 5-10 cm in diameter), is very unpretentious and is considered by gardeners to be an excellent single plant that can be planted in small gardens.

The slender pea cypress variety Chamaecyparis pisifera "Plumosa Aurea" is distinguished by catchy yellowish-golden needles and a wide cone-shaped shape. It reaches 6-8 and even 10 m in height and 2-3 or even 4 m in crown diameter. The annual growth of the tree averages 25 cm in height and 15 cm in width. This is a very modest, undemanding plant, but it loves wet places and sandy, well-permeable soil. It should be borne in mind that the needles acquire a juicy color only when the tree grows in the sun. This variety of tree can be placed singly and in group plantings, in the form of hedges.

In recent years, another interesting variety of pea cypress, Ch.p., has gained great popularity. Boulevard. It grows slowly and forms a cone-shaped, densely branched crown, reaching 2 m in height and 1 m in crown diameter. This is also an undemanding plant that loves well-permeable soil and a sunny place. In horticultural practice, the tree is placed singly. With a luscious steel blue color and soft needles, this cypress tree looks especially good in the middle of a lawn.

Attractive is the common juniper variety Juniperus communis "Hibernica", which is distinguished by a slender columnar shape and is one of the coniferous trees suitable for planting in large gardens and parks, as well as in small areas. As a rule, it reaches 3-4 m in height and about 1 m in crown diameter. Its not too sharp and dense needles have a silvery bluish-green color. This variety of common juniper loves the sun, sandy, well-permeable soil and looks great in untouched corners of the garden, in large rock gardens and near them, as well as in heather thickets. It is planted both individually and in small groups.

Picea glauca 'Conica' is a slow growing crop of white spruce. In adulthood, the plant can reach 3-4 m in height. It is planted both singly and in a group, and, of course, also placed in rock gardens

Juniperus chinensis "Pfitzeriana" is an unpretentious, well-growing and decorative juniper with spreading, slightly arched branches. It is placed mostly alone. Juniper reaches 2 m in height and about 4 m in crown diameter. One of his J.oh. 'Pfitzeriana Aurea' has broadly spreading branches and grey-green, golden yellow when blooming, and bronze needles in winter. It reaches about 2-2.5 m in height and has a crown diameter of 6-8 and sometimes 10 m. During the year, the plant gains a height of only about 20 cm, while its width is up to 40 cm. This frost-resistant variety belongs to the most beautiful junipers with a spreading crown, loves soils that pass water well and are sunny, in extreme cases. , slightly shaded places. It is planted as a single plant, as well as in groups with other conifers.

The well-known variety of white spruce Picea glauca "Conica" is distinguished by a symmetrical cone-shaped shape and reaches a height of 3 m with a diameter of 1 m by the age of thirty. The plant grows very slowly (annual growths are 15 cm in height and 5 cm in crown diameter). It is characterized by a dense compact crown and delicate grassy green needles. The plant is great for small gardens, where the best place for it is in the middle of a grassy area or in rock gardens. However, the tree needs light partial shade. In the sun, it suffers from burns.

A quiet corner formed by trees, herbs and perennials is dominated by three pyramidal junipers Juniperus communis "Hibernica"

Pine dwarf mountain ( Pinus mugo var. pumilio) is one of the most beloved small-sized pines by gardeners. It has a rather wide than high semicircular crown (the plant reaches a height of 1-1.5 m and 3 m in width). Annual growth within 5 cm in height and up to 10 cm in crown diameter. This undersized pine prefers a place well lit by the sun; it can be planted singly, as well as in group plantings.

Coniferous trees with colored needles

The blue-silver cultivar of prickly spruce (Picea pungens "Glauca") is commonly referred to as silver spruce. The stores sell young plants grown from seedlings, which over the years in our conditions reach 10-20 m in height. Along with them, several varieties propagated by grafting are bred, for example, Picea pungens "Koster", which has juicy silver-blue needles, P.p. "Moerheimi", characterized by a slender conical shape and the same silver-blue needles. The annual growth of these varieties is 15-25 cm in height and 10-15 cm in crown diameter.

To decorate the entrance to the house, two pyramidal junipers Juniperus communis "Hibernica" are planted, immediately attracting attention

Growers, especially beginners, should not be distressed by the asymmetrical shape of young grafts. Such a plant, as it develops, itself levels out for three or more years, becomes slender. But often it is the singularity, quirkiness of form, which is typical for creeping varieties, that is highly valued. p.p. "Glauca Pendula" is an example of this.

Among the firs, distinguished by juicy blue color their needles, gardeners choose mainly silver fir, or the noble Abies procera "Glauca"; This is a powerful plant, reaching 20-30 m in height. In adult scions, long, up to 25 cm cones appear annually. The annual growth of this tree is usually 30 cm in height and 15 cm in crown diameter.

Chamaecyparis obtusa "Nana Gracilis" in adulthood reaches 2 m in height. Grows slowly. Often used in rock gardens and for planting in large vegetative vessels.

The color of the bluish needles of the juniper genus is rich and varied. Large, sprawling, but not too tall bushes form, for example, juniper varieties of the middle Juniperus chinensis "Pfitzeriana", J.ch. 'Hetzii', J. squamata 'Meyeri', with its compact shape and clear grey-blue corners, grows much more slowly and needs to be clipped regularly: only then does it look beautiful.

An interesting tree with needles of a bluish-steel color is the "Glauca" variety of horizontal juniper (J. horizontalis). Due to its short stature, it is well suited for green cover of the soil surface. This plant also successfully develops in semi-shaded areas, rising above ground level by only 20-30 cm; an adult plant is able to cover an area of 2-3 m 2 with its branches. With fleshy round cones, a beautiful columnar shape and delicate needles from bluish-green to silver-gray, the J. virginiana "Glauca" juniper variety attracts attention.

Among conifers of yellowish color, you can choose extremely picturesque species and varieties for the garden. Among them, for example, is an interesting cypress with hanging branches and golden yellow needles, known as Chamaecyparis lawso-niana "Golden King". In winter, its needles acquire a brownish-yellow tone.

On a hill among alpine plants planted undersized conifers - Pinus mugo var. mughus and Juniperus communis "Depressa"

The most beautiful cypress trees, painted in yellow tones, include Ch. lawsoniana "Lane", which reaches a height of 5 meters or more, as well as varieties of Chinese juniper, for example J. chinensis Tfitzeriana Aurea", J. ch. "Old Gold", J. ch. "Plumosa Aurea", whose needles have many shades - from yellowish to juicy golden yellow.

Among the yew and thuja there are also several representatives with interesting yellow-colored needles, for example, varieties of yew berry and western arborvitae (Taxus baccata "Fastigiata Aurea". Thuja occidentalis "Rheingold").

Conifers for rock gardens and garden vases

Rock gardens and the space around them cannot be imagined without coniferous plants. For small rocky gardens and mini rock gardens, which are planted in tubs and garden vases, for dry walls or ground cover, primarily dwarf, undersized and creeping varieties of the most different types. They are distinguished by bizarre shapes and outlines, variegation of needles. Dwarf plants are characterized by slow growth. There are many such cultures. In large, monumental rock gardens, taller species and varieties should be placed.

From the rich assortment of conifers suitable for such plantings, we will name a few that are most familiar to gardeners.

Abies balsamea "Nana", or "Hudsonia" is a dwarf variety of Canadian balsam fir, characterized by a squat nest-like shape. This fir grows slowly, reaching a height of 50-100 cm. Its needles are dark green, short, glossy and thick.

A. concolor "Glauca Compacta" is a very rare dwarf variety, which is characterized by a dense asymmetrical crown shape and catchy blue-gray needles. (This culture is suitable for larger rock gardens, it can be planted in the neighborhood, as well as placed in the middle of the lawn and in small gardens.

A. koreana - Korean fir in adulthood seems too bulky for a small garden, but nevertheless it is quite suitable for such use. It will take many years before this plant reaches 2-4 m in height. It grows slowly; it often happens that in an old Korean fir, the diameter of the crown is greater than the height of the entire plant. This tree has beautiful, dense, juicy green needles above and white below, and, most importantly, attractive purple cones that appear even on young fir.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana "Fletcheri" is a cypress variety with a columnar or conical shape. The needles of young trees are lighter gray-green in color. This culture is recommended for rock gardens. It reaches a height of 5 meters or more, which should be taken into account in a timely manner.

Ch. I. "Minima Glauca" - a beautiful dwarf form of cypress with branches that resemble shells in their outlines. This variety reaches a height of about one meter and is distinguished by short matte, bluish-green needles with a waxy coating. At first, "Minima Glauca" has a spherical shape, but over the years, changing, it acquires the contours of a cone.

Ch. obtusa "Crippsii" is a catchy-looking cypress tree with a slowly growing wide cone-shaped crown and light yellow, with a hint of sulfur needles, which sometimes acquire a golden yellow color. It takes many years before the plant reaches a three-meter height. This is one of the most beautiful crops among the undersized, the so-called. golden conifers.

Ch. about. "Filicoides" - a slow-growing variety of cypress, characterized by a straight and even shape; sometimes there are also asymmetric individuals, similar to bushes. The branches of this plant resemble fern leaves, its needles are dark green. Already a young tree looks spectacular, catchy. For a quarter of a century, it reaches 2 m in height.

Ch. about. "Lycopodioides" - a plant of compact size with juicy green needles, thick, resembling club moss, very decorative branches. It often looks like a pyramid. In height, this cypress tree reaches 1.5-2 m, in diameter - 2 m.

Picea glauca "Alberta Globe" reaches a height of three meters. This tree is placed in rock gardens, in groups of smaller conifers, or in the foreground of the forested part of the site.

Ch. about. "Nana Gracilis" grows many years after planting to only 80-100 cm in height; the plant is notable for its fresh green needles and branches like small shells.

Ch. about. "Pygmaea" is a sprawling spherical and dwarf-sized plant with small branches arranged in a ladder and almost horizontally. Its needles are reddish brown at first and later brownish green and glossy. In winter, the needles acquire a reddish-bronze hue. The plant slowly increases in size, reaching 1-2 m in height.

Ch. pisifera "Aurea Nana" - also a dwarf and very slow growing cypress tree with a cone-shaped crown and juicy yellow needles. It is suitable for small rock gardens and garden vases. Ch. p. "Boulevard" is one of the new varieties; notable for its dense, straight upward pyramidal crown and juicy color of needles, cast in the color of blue steel. This tree grows slowly. The oldest specimens barely reach 2.5 m in height. The plant is very hardy, it develops well in adverse atmospheric conditions of industrial cities. Its soft-touch needles take on a beautiful purple hue in winter. In 1934, the variety Squarrosa was bred. However, only in recent years it has become popular among gardeners. "Boulevard" is also suitable for small gardens. Ch. p. "Nana Aureovariegata" reaches a height of barely one meter. This variety has short and delicate, placed by a ladder and bent down branches, the ends of which seem to be curled. The needles are very small, dull yellow. The plant is also suitable for small rock gardens. Ch.p. Tilifera Nana "is distinguished by thread-like branches that hang from all sides, and the fresh green color of the needles. It reaches a maximum height of one meter. Ch.p. "Plumosa Compressa" is one of the smallest conifers intended for rock gardens. In height it rises only about 30 cm and is beautifully shaped, its needles are light green, sometimes blue.

Yews are very valuable conifers. It is the only tree that can withstand full shade and can act as a dust barrier. It is easier than other conifers to cut, forming a crown. In the picture - Taxus baccata "Repandens"

Cotoneaster multiflorus is planted both as a single plant and in a group: it is undemanding, grows well in direct sunlight and in partial shade.

Thoughtfully using decorative tree species, you can create an impressive composition in a small garden, where architecture and greenery will form a single whole.

Cryptomeria japonica, a hardy Japanese cryptomeria, is a slow growing, asymmetrical shrubby form with fleshy, bluish-green needles that turn reddish-brown in winter. The plant reaches a height of about one meter and is of interest mainly to those who like to collect various interesting cultures. Cryptomeria japonica requires a sheltered location or at least light cover for the winter.

Juniperus chinensis "Old Gold" is similar to J.ch. "Pfitzeriana Aurea", from which it differs in a more compact crown and a constant bronze-golden color of the needles, which does not change even in winter. Over the years, the diameter and height of this plant become approximately the same - within one meter.

J. communis "Compressa" is a slow-growing, dwarf-sized variety of common juniper, which adds only 2-5 cm in height per year. It has thick, as if compacted branches and delicate, light bluish-greenish needles. This is remarkable and rare plant, suitable for small rock gardens, the care of which requires special experience. In more severe conditions and in unprotected places, it needs winter shelter with spruce branches. J.c. var. depressa has a flat creeping form and reaches a height of 50-60 cm. This plant has short and wide needles of green color with a yellowish or brownish tinge; in winter they become bronze. This is a natural, uncultivated juniper native to the mountainous regions of North America. It is one of the best carpet conifers suitable for landscaping. large areas in sunlit areas. J.c. "Depressa Aurea" is similar to the previous plant, but it retains juicy golden yellow needles until the beginning of summer and only later acquires a light yellow tint. J.c. "Depressa Aureospicata" is especially suitable for planting in rock gardens. Its young needles are distinguished by a light yellow color. J.c. "Hibernica" is famous and popular with gardeners. This is an evenly growing juniper with bluish-green needles, reaching 4 m in height. At J.c. "Hornibrookii" creeping trunk. Over time, this juniper reaches 2 m in width, but its height, even in an adult specimen, as a rule, is no more than 30-50 cm. Dark brown, glossy branches of different lengths usually lie on the ground, only their tips slightly rise up. Needles, light green, with silvery-white stripes, dense, acquire a brownish tint in winter. The plant has the ability to cover large stones of rock gardens or hillsides with a thick carpet.

J. horizontalis "Douglasii" is a beautiful creeping juniper, only 30 cm high, valued for its slow growth. Only a very old plant reaches 2-3 m in crown diameter. Its needles are the color of blue steel, which in autumn acquires a purple hue and a bluish-green wax coating. This plant is planted in cemeteries.

J. sabina "Cupressifolia" is a short, slow growing, mostly spreading crop with a trailing stem. In height, it rises by about 60 cm. The needles are dark green. It is mainly used to decorate lawns and slopes. Beautiful and tamarisk-leaved variety of creeping juniper with bluish-green needles - J.s. Tamariscifolia". It is also short (up to 60 cm) and is distinguished by widely spaced branches.

J. squamata "Meyeri" is a slow-growing creeping juniper with upcurved branch ends and very showy bright bluish-white needles. It reaches 2 m in height.

J. virginiana 'Globosa', or 'Nana Compacta', is a low shrub growing to a meter high. The plant is distinguished by its spherical shape and dense branching of the crown. Its needles, greenish-gray above and green below, turn a pale purplish green in winter. Variety J.v. "Skyrocket" although not among the undersized (up to 5 m in height), nevertheless deserves attention due to its extremely slender appearance and columnar shape. With a height of 2 m, it has a diameter of only 30 cm. Its branches are closely adjacent to each other. Needles - bluish-gray. This juniper is especially good among heather thickets and where we would like to break the monotonous uniformity of growing conifers and other plants.

Picea abies "Echiniformis" - dwarf spruce with delicate dense branches, light yellow-green needles; it resembles a pillow lying on the ground. A very beautiful variety for rock garden, for planting near it and among the lawn. It reaches a height of approximately 60 cm. R.a. 'Maxwellii' is distinguished by its density, spherical appearance and light green needles. Its height is about a meter. R.a. "Nidiformis" is a cushion-shaped dwarf spruce, with a nest-like depression in the middle. Good for rock climbing. Its height is up to 60-100 cm. R.a. "Pumila Glauca" is a dwarf growing mainly in width with a dark green crown. Height within 80 cm.

P. glauca "Conica" is a dwarf spruce with a lovely cone shape and soft, light green needles. It grows slowly, reaches 2 m in height, is attractive for its spectacular decorative appearance.

P. omorika "Nana" is a dwarf form of the well-known Serbian spruce, characterized by a cone shape with a wide base, dense branches and a compact general view. This plant often has a crown diameter greater than its height. Over the years, it reaches 1.5-3 m in height. The needles on its branches are arranged in a ray-like manner, due to which their bluish color from below is also clearly visible.

P. pungens "Glauca Compacta" - a spectacular dwarf form of "silver spruce" 1-1.5 m high with dense branches and beautiful blue needles. Individuals grown from cuttings grow very slowly and are extremely compact in appearance.

p.p. "Glauca Globosa" - a beautiful dwarf spruce form with luscious blue needles and a spherical crown contour. An adult plant is usually no more than one meter in height.

Pinus cembra - European cedar, one of the most beautiful European pines with a picturesque narrow cone-shaped crown and very dense dark green needles on the front and bluish-white on the reverse side of the needles. Spruce does best when planted in good, moderately moist soil. Suitable for use in harsher natural conditions. She likes to have enough free space around her. The tree reaches a height of 10-20 m, but despite this it is quite often planted in large rock gardens.

P. densiflora "Umbraculifera" grows very slowly, is a low tree, most often with a wide asymmetrical, umbrella-shaped crown and horizontally arranged branches. Its needles are soft, catchy light bluish-green hue. This is a very hardy variety, which in 30 years reaches about 2 m in height.

R. tido is an elfin almost shrubby form with branches often creeping along the ground. This plant looks best in natural groups in the garden or in large rock gardens. Height - up to 3-4 m. P.m. van pumilio grows in width rather than in height and is one of the gardeners' favorite conifers used in rock gardens. Reaches one meter in height.

P. pumila "Glauca" is a low-growing shrub pine similar to dwarf but related to European cedar. It reaches a height of 1-1.5 m, it is distinguished by bluish-green needles. The tree grows slowly, unpretentious in terms of living conditions, but loves moist soils. The plant is suitable for rock gardens and for planting on slopes.

P. sfrobus "Nana" is a dwarf form of the well-known Weymouth pine, characterized by a dense and wide crown. Plant up to 1.5-2 m high, with bluish-green, relatively short needles. It is an undemanding and frost-resistant variety that can be planted alone and in small gardens.

Taxus baccata 'Compacts' is a slow growing yew of compact oval to cone shape with raised branches and dark green needles. Suitable for small rock gardens.

T. cuspidata "Nana" - a dwarf yew with a beautiful dense crown shape and juicy dark green needles. Reaches 1 m in height and 3 m in crown diameter.

T. x media "Hicksii" has a narrow, even crown and light green needles. Grows to a height of 1.5-3 m; suitable for planting both in sunny places and in the shade.

Thuja occidentalis "Rheingold" is a slow growing thuja with a spherical crown and golden orange needles. It reaches a height of approximately 1.5 m. Title Gem "- a dwarf variety with a dense, rather wide than high crown and juicy green needles. Thus, "Recurva Nana" is distinguished by a dense spherical or cone-shaped crown with a wide base and green, and brown needles in winter. Ends the branches are slightly curved.Adult plant reaches 2 m in height.

T. orientalis "Aurea Nana" is a slow growing thuja with a spherical crown and yellow-green needles. Suitable for small rock gardens.