The Gardens

Juniperus communis / Columnar Juniper

Planted spring 2011. I got an upright, small Juniperus communis 'Gold Cone' from Farmington Valley Nursery and put it in along the front walk.

This juniper stays narrow, and adds a contrast of light colored dense foliage against the brick wall of the garage.  It is most golden in spring with the new growth, then turns more green in summer and over the winter.
8/16/13

It continues to add wispy branches around the top more than the bottom, but I really like the tall presence it is starting to add at this corner.
11/1/13

In 2014 it really started to bulk up, without getting wider. It fits beautifully in this small space.
5/26/14

It's an anchor at the entrance, a dramatic point tying the house and walk together.
7/25/14

Growth is funny, all at the top, and all wild.

Here is what Louis the Plant Geek says about keeping 'Gold Cone' from splaying out from heavy snow loads. He leaves twine wound around the column of foliage all year and it disappears into the branches and can't be seen, but keeps the interior from opening out.

I didn't do that, and so far the snow has not splayed the vertical stems yet.
2/10/15

What a great accent at the corner of the house. It stays very narrow, perfect for this spot. 
7/3/15

It's such a tall vertical shape. The back side is a little flatter,because it doesn't get direct sun on that side.
6/1/16