Inspired by rugged nature

Living somewhat near the Pacific Ocean, I love making the drive to the coast several times every year. It seems just about anywhere I go along the coast in the Pacific Northwest, I’ll find naturally sculpted pine. Sculpted by the strong coastal winds and the salt air, our native Shore Pines (Pinus contorta) surely have inspired many a garden tree artist and bonsai enthusiast.

I have a friend that wanted to recreate the coastal wind-blown look in his back garden so he planted several shore pines along with some other native coastal plants. He was terribly disappointed that the trees grew straighter and taller and much faster than those he had seen for years on the coast. By the time I met him, his pines were shading a large portion of his garden and he was ready to convert them to firewood.

I would have loved to tell him those many years ago about a fascinating cultivar of the Shore Pine named ‘Spaan’s Dwarf.’ This dwarf form grows naturally with curving, “wind-blown” branches and stunted growth as if it had been growing in the harsh coastal conditions. With just a little annual pruning, this small tree can become a garden tree of great distinction.

If container gardening is your passion, Pinus contorta ‘Spaan’s Dwarf’ is a prime choice there too. Imagine having your own miniature shore pine on your patio or deck to amaze your friends. This slow grower adapts very well to life in a container.

Its slow growth, small size and interesting branch structure inspire me to do a little pruning every spring. It’s more like having a living toy to play with than a high maintenance large garden tree that may require hours and hours of work to keep it looking good.

Thanks again to my good friends at Iseli Nursery for the photo.

Ed-
Conifer Lover

A ray of sunshine

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we often describe the color of our sky in shades of gray. This time of year, we see more of the darker shades than the lighter. Sometimes our gray sky drops to ground level and we have fog. It was one of those foggy days that I was surprised by a wonderful ray of sunshine in my garden.

I had almost forgotten about my Pinus contorta ‘Chief Joseph.’ Most of the growing season when I am delighted by so many other colorful conifers and companion plants, the good “Chief” stands quietly waiting for his chance to shout, “Here I am!”

And shout he does! Even in our dark gray and foggy garden, ‘Chief Joseph’ had already turned his bright golden “winter” color like a ray of sunshine. During spring and summer, ‘Chief Joseph’ appears to be an ordinary and very unassuming Shore Pine. As the autumn weather begins to cool and winter’s cold snap arrives, the chief will become brighter and brighter golden yellow. He makes a great winter specimen in the garden and a pleasant autumn surprise.

Ed-
Conifer Lover