Q: DO ALL CONIFERS GROW AS BIG AS LEYLANDII?
A: No there are lots of conifers that will only grow to 2m. Others that are even smaller - there are thousands to choose from.

Q: DO CONIFERS NEED A LOT OF WATER TO GROW?
A: Once conifers get over the early planting stage they will normally find enough water. When planting it is best to give the pot a thorough soak the day before.

Q: ARE CONIFERS THE SAME ALL YEAR ROUND?
A: There are conifers that look their best in every season. The best way to use them in the garden is to plant ones that differ and keep interest at different times.

Q: WHAT CONIFERS WILL GROW IN POTS?
A: There are a vast number of conifers that will grow well in pots. You can even grow some of the bigger varieties in pots for a few seasons then plant them in the garden.

Q: CAN YOU TRIM CONIFERS WITH A HEDGE TRIMMER?
A: Yes you can use a hedge trimmer on some conifers, doing so will make the plant grow tighter and to a shape you want. Others need to be selectively pruned to remove strong growths to maintain a shape.

Q: CAN YOU SUGGEST A TYPE OF CONIFER FOR A HEDGE THAT IS NOT 'LEYLANDII'?
A: For a hedge in a larger garden Thuya plicata atrovirens makes a dark green hedge. For a slower growing hedge that is again green try Thuya occidentalis “Smaragd”. If you want a yellow hedge you can grow some of the Chamaecyparis lawsoniana varieties.

Q: CAN YOU SUGGEST A CONIFER THAT YOU COULD USE AS A BONSAI SUBJECT?
A: Chamaecyparis obtusa Nana gracilis can be used for bonsai, it is also known as the temple tree. There are also a number of Pines that are suitable.

Q: DO I NEED TO PLANT CONIFERS IN A BED ON THEIR OWN OR CAN I MIX THEM WITH OTHER PLANTS?
A: Conifers are especially good mixed with other plants as they can form a perfect foil. Thuya occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ makes a good back drop for Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’. Conifers can also give a bed of plants such as heathers a contrast in height.

Q: WHY HAS MY CONIFER TREE DIED IN THE MIDDLE?
A: Conifers shed the oldest needles or fronds, these are the ones closet to the trunk. To avoid seeing a bare centre, encourage new growth by trimming, this will make the outside thicker and this will hide the middle of the tree.

Q: CAN I PUT CONIFER TRIMMINGS IN A COMPOST HEAP?
A: Conifers are full of resin (sap). If you put too many trimmings in a compost heap it will have an adverse effect, but small quantities of young growths should break down well.