Conifer Collection

Opened in the spring of 2006, the Conifer Collection is located around the Gazebo and extends from the paved footpath to the fountain in the upper pond. There are over 200 species in the collection.

Our collection includes pines, spruces, firs, larches, yews, junipers, cedars, cypresses, and sequoias as well as some deciduous trees (plants that lose their leaves in the winter) and shrubs such as the Bald Cypress, Medicicoia and Gingko biloba. The conifers in our collection

Maidenhair Tree Gingko biloboa 'Jade Butterflies"

show off the wide range of colors, shapes and structure available in the conifer family. Coinifers are the largest trees on the plant. Providing year round interest with their colors and textures, conifers can make a great impact in Southern landscaping. Double click on the examples to the right to compare colors and textures, even within species.

Conifer refers to any gymnosperm ("naked seed") tree or shrub of the phylum Coniferophyta. Conifers were one of the first plants to emerge and populate the earth. Fossils of the Gingko specimens dating back to the dinosaur era have been found. Typically having seed bearing cones (the word conifer comes from combining the Greek word "cone" with the Latin word "bearer"),

conifers tend to have hard needle-type leaves that stay green throughout the year and can survive freezing temperatures. This evergreen property has made them a favorite at winter holidays. Some members of the conifer family are deciduous and included in our collection.

Why don't most conifers lose their leaves in the autumn? Most conifers have hard leaves that can withstand freezing temperatures. Deciduous trees have soft leaves which are flexible to gather sunlight but cannot survive a hard freeze. The shorter days of autumn signal the trees to cut the supply of nutrients to the leaves in preparation for winter. Deprived of chlorophyll and nutrients, the leaves lose their green color and eventually fall off the tree. Conifers don't need to drop their leaves and can gather sunlight all year.