Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/nurseryplants.html

Plants Grown for Exhibition
June 2002
Jeremy Johnson, Johnson's Nursery Buyer, Kansas Certified Nurseryman

    While looking at my back yard the other day, I decided there was
something missing. The landscape is beginning to fill in beautifully,
but it just seems like it needs a little tweaking. What I need is a
specimen plant or two. My beds are all filling in with a wonderful mix
of perennials and woody ornamentals, but I need something to give a
little stronger vertical presence. Something that will break up the
lines in the garden but tie it all together at the same time.

    A specimen plant is just what the name implies. It is a plant that
is grown for exhibition to display its full development; it is selected
to be looked at and admired for its beauty. Looking through the nursery,
I found several very qualified candidates to fill my voids.

    One of my favorite specimen plants is the Blue Atlas Cedar. We have
these available in the traditional weeping forms as well as the really
cool uprights. The blue and green needles are held tightly to the
branches on these trees, giving a really open look, almost as if the
branches are made of blue needles. The upright forms, though slightly
less popular, are my favorite, as they simply have a look that is not
found in any other plants.

    Another great choice would be the Vanderwolf's Pyramid Pine. These
trees are similar in color to the aforementioned cedars, but have a
completely different look. Vanderwolf is a plant that holds an
incredible blue color on very finely textured needles. If kept
candle-pruned (pruning new growth as it emerges), this tree will
maintain an incredible dense shape in the landscape. These trees also
work well as a sort of "specimen backdrop" by mass planting three or
more together and then planting other plant varieties in front.

    This next tree has to be one of my favorite new plants that we are
carrying this spring. I have been familiar with Leucodermis (Bosnian)
Pine for many years, but discovered a few new selections of this
wonderful little tree while in Oregon last summer. 'Mint Truffle'
Leucodermis Pine is a brand new selection that is just an awesome little
pine tree. It was selected for its even, pyramidal growth habit, as well
as its awesome green color that holds well all year long. If you are
looking for a cool tree that will hold its "Christmas Tree" shape and
that will not get out of control when planted up next to the house, this
is the tree for you.

    When searching for a specimen plant, keep in mind that you and your
guests will be looking closely at your selection, as this is the whole
point of specimen planting. For this reason, you want to pick healthy
plants that have a shape that you like. This does not mean, however,
that you should look for perfectly shaped specimens. I am generally
drawn to something that may be misshapen just a bit, with a little more
character.