Colorful conifers at Portland Nursery

I guess it’s time I confessed. In fact most of you have probably already figured it out, maybe even ahead of me...I’m starting to “get” the appeal of the conifer. Now let’s not get crazy, I’m not going to be planting any Douglas Fir trees and I still carry the scars of my Spokane youth spent raking pine needles and picking up cones by the bagful (thanks Mom). But how could you come face to face with this…in January...

And not find it beautiful? Exactly. When at Portland Nursery for the houseplant sale I went out to see if by chance I could score another Blue Pacific Shore Juniper (no luck), but I quickly became enthralled with their conifer display. Such amazing color and texture!

Cedrus deodara 'Twisted Growth'

Cupressus arizonica var. glabra 'Blue Ice'

Araucaria araucana has been a favorite for awhile.

Just to be sure there wasn't a Blue Pacific hiding from me I walked to the back of the nursery to check things out. That’s when I noticed this cram-scaped little island. I guess when the nursery is full of plants and people it’s easier to overlook.

And let’s be honest, this is actually what first caught my eye.

Poor thing's not looking too good though, I wonder if it was the ever-present threat of water?

That ground cover in front of it is quite interesting.

Anyone know what it is? I wonder if I would like it as much if it were green?

Here’s another unexpected addition, Corokia cotoneaster.

The golden hebe also called out to me…

Hebe ochracea I believe.

While it’s a beauty on the outside I do not care for the ugly insides.

It feels good to have finally come out of the conifer closet.

All material © 2009-2014 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.