CONIFERS 



Conifers with the exception of larch, bald cypress and ginkgo retain 

 their leaves throughout the year and are commonly known as evergreens. It 

 is their evergreen habit and foliage of gray to dark green shades that gives 

 them their chief ornamental value. During the early period of their lives they 

 are conical in form with branches extending to the_bases of the trees. In later 

 life they develop spreading crowns which surmount straight, cylindrical 

 trunks, and in old age they become rugged and picturesque in appearance. 



On account of their shape and mode of growth, conifers are not as good 

 for streets as broad-leaved trees. Their best use is as specimens or groups to 

 accentuate an elevation, or define a boundary. When planted in masses they 

 serve to bring out the sky line more effectively than do broad-leaved trees. 

 They fit into country places when carefully selected and placed. On account 

 of their somber shades they should not be placed near houses, but rather 

 against a lively background such as would be provided by bright-foliaged 

 trees. 



The large growing conifers should be planted where they can be seen at 

 some little distance and not be crowded in order to show them to their best 

 advantage in their entire form and outline. The smaller conifers can be 

 used to advantage to accentuate mass plantings and in formal gardens. 



The value of conifers for decorative effect has been only recently recognized 

 in this country. Quick growing, short-lived material has been used with little 

 thought of the future. People are now waking up to the fact that nothing else 

 can give the solidity, strength and virility so noticeable in European gardens 

 where the use of conifers has predominated for centuries. 



ARAUCARIAS 



The Araucarias are magnificent trees with whorled branches and stiff 

 pointed leaves, which grow naturally in Brazil, Chile, Polynesia and Australia. 

 The name of the genus is derived from Arauco, the name of the district in 

 southern Chile where the tree was first discovered. Altogether there are about 

 a dozen species. Several species are widely planted in California and do well 



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