If I had unlimited space, I would plant a group of Cedrus deodara, Deodar cedar and let them grow as tall and wide as they pleased. (They can easily grow to 80 feet or taller and at least 40 feet across). While this graceful evergreen may be too large to consider for your garden, there are many selections of conifers that are dwarf when compared to the species.

In this case, I am talking about cultivars that generally mature at 10 feet to 20 feet or less. Many conifers are well suited for incorporating into your perennial garden, growing as specimens in pots or combining in a mixed border with other trees and shrubs. Truly four-season plants, they provide texture, evergreen color and interesting forms. Some are dark green while others have blue or variegated foliage. And, many appear to be drought tolerant once they are established for a growing season.

If you like the look of Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino' but don't have the space or need for a tree that grows 40 feet to 50 feet tall and 10 feet across, there are a number of selections to consider that act more like shrubs and take up a lot less space. These include Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana' which forms a tidy globe and grows 6 feet to 8 feet tall by 4 feet to 8 feet wide; and Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis 'Black Dragon,' which has irregular pyramidal growth that causes it to mature at 10 feet to 12 feet tall but only 3 feet to 4 feet wide.

A true dwarf form that needs light shade so the white tipped foliage won't burn, Cryptomeria japonica 'Knaptonensis' grows 6 feet tall by 7 feet wide in 20 years. With dark green foliage Cryptomeria japonica 'Gyokruyu' starts out as a mound but eventually forms a central leader and matures at about 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. I have seen it paired with the ornamental grass Nassella tenuissima and Chrysanthemum pacificum.

Another conifer that appeals to me for its flat sprays of elegant fan-like foliage is Chameacyparis obtusa, Hinoki cypress. There are numerous cultivars for gardens that are "space challenged" including 'Nana Gracilis' which has an irregular globose habit growing 3 feet to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide in 10 years. For sunshine year around, 'Nana Lutea' has lemon-gold foliage provided you plant it in full sun. In part shade, it turns more of a green gold. C. obtusa 'Meroke Twin' has more of a narrow upright habit with new growth that starts out lemon yellow before fading to green. A dwarf selection that grows very slowly with beautiful cupped fans of foliage is Chameacyparis obtusa 'Kosteri.' Hinoki cypress are well suited for growing in pots on their own or in the garden with other conifers or Japanese maples like the Coral bark maple, Acer palmatum 'Sangu Kaku' with brilliant red winter stems and yellow foliage in autumn.

Picea pungens 'Compacta,' dwarf blue spruce, has a broad upright habit and grows 5 feet to 6 feet tall in 10years. Its striking blue-gray foliage provides welcome color in the winter landscape especially when it is combined with other conifers with dark green foliage.

Conifers, and in particular dwarf conifers, should be included when you design your garden or add to it. They provide effective evergreen anchors, accents or focal points. For the best effect don't isolate them, instead combine them with ornamental grasses, broadleaf evergreens or spring blooming shrubs and bulbs for a landscape that offers four seasons of beauty.

ERICA'S PICK

Thunderhead Dwarf Japanese

Black Pine

Botanical name: Pinus thunbergii 'Thunderhead'

About the plant: For dramatic texture, this pine is hard to beat. Large buds and brilliant white candles stand out in the winter landscape. This dwarf has a compact habit, growing 5 feet to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide in 10 years.

Use in the garden: For a contrast, combine it with shrubs like Knockout rose and glossy abelia. It also makes a good companion for trees like Paperbark maple, Acer griseum.

Planting and care: Plant this pine in full sun in a well-drained soil. It also tolerates salt spray making it a candidate for seaside gardens.

Source: Scottsdale Farms, 15639 Birmingham Highway, Alpharetta, 770-777-5875

Erica Glasener is an Atlanta horticulturist and host of HGTV's "A Gardener's Diary." Check HGTV.com for current schedule. Her column on landscape design appears biweekly. Write to her in care of AJC, P.O. Box 4689, Atlanta, GA 30302.

LEARN MORE

Garden Design Seminar and Workshop: Gardener's Guide to Conifers

When: Feb. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $40-$45

Where: State Botanical Gardens, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens

Register: www.uga.edu/~botgarden/educational events.html