North, South, East or West no matter where you live steep slope gardening is
always a possibility and there are evergreens for every garden. The luxuriance
of their foliage, the different shades of green, their variety of forms,
textures, and heights contribute lavishly to the planting design. Indeed, like
old friends, they can always be depended on to give us real enjoyment through
the years. Their easy upkeep, permanence, and the all-year-round green they
provide make them all-important in garden-making. For practical purposes,
evergreens may be roughly divided into two main groups: the cone-bearing or
conifers, such as Hemlock, Arborvitae, Juniper, and Fir, and the broad-leaved
types examples of which are Rhododendron, Camellia, Holly, Laurel, and Japanese
Aucuba. Some species of evergreens, such as Abelia, Daphne cneorum, and Lonicera
pileata are truly evergreen only in mild climates, and become semi evergreen in
regions where the winters are severe.
In making a planting plan for your steep slope gardening needs it is very
important to select the right evergreen for the allotted space. This can hardly
be overemphasized. For instance, avoid using tall-growing trees or shrubs
directly in front of a window. All too often one sees houses literally smothered
with towering evergreens placed in just such a location, shutting out the vista,
the air, and the light. Furthermore, a planting of this kind spoils the
architectural lines of the house, whereas actually one of the purposes of the
planting is to set off these lines to best advantage. Another factor about your
steep slope gardening that should be considered is whether the planting is to be
made in the sun or in the shade. There are evergreens that thrive in every
location, and it is an easy matter to find the right plant for the available
situation. Some of those that are shade-tolerant include such favorites as
Laurel, Oregon Holly-grape, Holly Olive, Cherry-laurel, and the evergreen
species of Privet. In mild climates Viburnum tinus will be an addition wherever
a height of 8 or 10 feet is required, and it too will grow in semi shade, though
a sunny exposure is preferable. Its variety lucidum is superior to the type,
since it is a stronger grower and is much more resistant to pests.
There is no problem in finding plants that will flourish in the sun: Pine,
Yew, Hemlock, Spruce, Cedar, Juniper, False-Cypress, Arbor-vitae, and Fir are
just a few of these. Still another factor to consider is whether a given plant
will do well in your particular locality, and in this connection it is always
wise to consult a local nurseryman.
