Placing Dwarf Conifers for Planting

Dwarf conifers can provide a visual backbone and consistency to a rock garden. At high elevations, lean mineral-rich soil, abundant light, and grazing animals such as mountain goats all serve to naturally "bonsai" a few trees. At lower elevations care must be taken to see that the trees do not outgrow their space and become too dominent. Pruning and/or eventual removal may be necessary if selections grow too vigorously in our kind and gentle Western Oregon climate.