Rich has definite ideas on how conifers should be used in the landscape. A garden should look like a garden even in bleak winter. In fact, evergreens are four season plants. In spring, their new growth displays extra richness. During summer they become a background for splashy flowers, while in fall their colors contrast with red and yellow autumnal leaves.
Winter brings a change to darker or golden colors that are etched by snow.
What our plants do is increase possibilities of how you can landscape your yard. Site plants where you can enjoy them when looking out from your home. Plant in groupings and paint the landscape with an expanded palette of color, form, pattern and texture, says Rich. Use fastigate plants that add height but leave a narrow footprint in the landscape. Conifers with slow growth and restrained size are in perfect scale to suburban homes and lots.