Why Do Conifers Make Great Mini Garden Trees?

by | May 13, 2010 | Garden Basics, The Fairy's Garden, The Plants | 4 comments

Created in April of 2007, the Jervis Canada Hemlock looked like a huge tree in the garden, in miniature!
Created in April of 2007, the Jervis Canada Hemlock looked like a huge tree in the garden, in miniature!

The Jervis Canada Hemlock looks like a huge tree in the garden, in miniature. That’s supposed to be a clubhouse, not an outhouse, but I think I miss the mark on this one. Lol!

Why Do Conifers Make Great Mini Garden Trees?

~ Why do our true miniature and dwarf trees and shrubs make such great miniature garden trees? Well, let me count the ways!

  • Our miniature garden conifers get better and better with age. The trunks thicken, the branches reach out and a they become “big” mini garden trees.
  • There is something for every spot. Some are super hardy. Some are really tolerant of dry conditions and others are happiest in shade.
  • They are evergreen! A lot of them will change color in the winter for year-round interest.
  • They are low maintenance. Water in the dry months to maintain wrung-sponge-damp soil.
  • They grow into bonsai specimens on their own.
  • They grow slowly and can stay in scale in your miniature garden for years.

Enjoy this photo blog of some before and after shots. All the trees you see in here are still in our miniature gardens today and there is a reason for it. I don’t like fussy plants. In fact, I kill fussy plants quite easily!

All the plants in our inventory have to pass through my busy schedule in order to get into our online store. If a plant dies suddenly because I looked away for a moment, it doesn’t pass the test. :o)

Over 4 years later, with his fresh spring growth, the same Jervis Canada Hemlock is more majestic - in miniature - than ever.

This hemlock was about 6 inches tall when I first got it. Over 4 years later, with the fresh spring growth, the same Jervis Canada Hemlock is more majestic – in miniature – than ever.

2014-nwfgs-16 - 1

Another 4 years later now in a display at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. You can see how the trunk has lifted the start of the branching system up off the ground naturally.

See the Jervis Canada Hemlock here.

See all our dwarf and miniature Hemlocks and other plants for shade here.

This was entirely by accident: Red Thyme, White Bud Mugo in a blue pot – so I added the windsock and gazing balls for even more whimsy.

This was entirely by accident: Planting the RED Thyme, WHITE Bud Mugo in a BLUE pot – so I added the windsock and gazing balls for even more whimsy. The Mugo Pine can stay in this 12″ diameter pot for years.

See all our miniature garden plants for sun here.

Your Miniature Garden Center

Like a piece taken out of a larger garden, the Dwarf Pagoda Japanese Holly lends a completely different texture to this design. The spring growth of the Cole’s Prostrate Canada Hemlock is refreshing.

Like a piece taken out of a larger garden, the Dwarf Pagoda Japanese Holly lends a completely different texture to this design. The spring growth of the Cole’s Prostrate Canada Hemlock is refreshing.

See what Japanese Hollys we have in stock here.

Same garden as above. The pot is about 16″ across.

https://www.TwoGreenThumbs.com

This Bud’s for You

The spring flush of new growth on the conifers are really a joy to behold. The colors of the new buds are usually lighter than the mature growth so you get to really enjoy it each and every spring.

Jamy Balsam Fir buds. A true miniature garden conifer that grows less than 1

Jamy Balsam Fir buds in spring. A true miniature garden conifer that grows less than 1″ per year. Flat leaves are just charming. Good for part shade with evenly damp soil.

Jean's Dilly Dwarf Spruce buds, a favorite mini garden tree.

Jean’s Dilly Dwarf Spruce buds, a favorite mini garden tree. It’s a miniature Christmas tree as well as a perfect anchor tree for any miniature garden. Full sun, hardy to -20F.

Tiny buds on the tiny Blue Planet Miniature Spruce.

Tiny buds on the tiny Blue Planet Miniature Spruce.

Betty Rose Canada Hemlock buds in a creamy white.

Betty Rose Canada Hemlock buds in a creamy white.

Jean’s Dilly Dwarf Spruce anchors the back, right corner, and Mother Lode Juniper creates the second layer in this mini garden. Elfin Thyme and small Hens and Chicks create the under-story while the bench and trellis cinch the scale. This garden is over 4 years old.

Jean’s Dilly Dwarf Spruce anchors the back, right corner, and Mother Lode Juniper creates the second layer in this mini garden. Elfin Thyme and small Hens and Chicks create the under-story while the bench and trellis cinch the scale. This garden is over 4 years old.

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Miniature Gardening with Janit Calvo

Gardening in Miniature

The Primer for the Hobby.

4 Comments

  1. ed remsrola
    ed remsrola on 21/06/2010 at 2:50 pm

    Wonderful examples of miniature gardens! I am so happy to see others enthusiastic about conifers (large or small). I’ve been thinking quite a bit about Fairy Gardens of late and just ran across your blog. Enjoyed the Werewolf Garden idea too!

    Ed-
    Conifer Lover

    Reply
  2. Jan H Powell
    Jan H Powell on 01/09/2018 at 9:01 am

    I have recently moved into an apartment and don’t the patio space dedicated to mini-gardens like I used to. I had to give away all my wonderful potted gardens and saw they all went to good homes and gardens. I, eventually, would like to create some inside table top gardens and would love to be directed to the kind of plants and mini-trees that will flourish indoors. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Janit Calvo
      Janit Calvo on 04/09/2018 at 10:52 am

      Hi Jan! Try Meehan’s Miniatures: https://www.meehansminiatures.com/ and/or https://www.VioletBarn.com – they both have miniature plants for indoors. I’ve dealt with both companies but I’ve only ordered online from Violet Barn, I saw Meehan’s Miniatures at the Philly Show and got a bunch of their plants to take home with me. Both have great plant material. – J.

      Reply
      • Jan H Powell
        Jan H Powell on 04/09/2018 at 11:31 am

        Thank you so much. Very helpful.

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