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Abies alba ‘Green Spiral’ has dark green, glossy needles, on twisting stems that spiral outward and down. Its rich color, stylish habit and moderate size make this unique tree an excellent focal point. Mature size: 25’H x 15’W Zone 4

Pinus sylvestris ‘Albyn Prostrata’ is a vigorous spreader and an excellent groundcover that spills over banks and rambles through garden beds. With maturity, layered branches mound in the center and taper down to the edges. A blue cast adds interest to the thick, green needles of this seedling selection from Albyn Nursery, Newark, Ohio. Mature size: 2’H x 10’W Zone 3

This versatile, vase-shaped Juniperus chinensis ‘Shimpaku’ develops upright, fountain-like branches that are covered in robust, green, awl-shaped foliage. Appreciated by bonsai enthusiasts for an irregular form and exposed, peeling bark, it also makes an interesting addition to container arrangements and garden beds. Mature size: 3’H x 6’W Zone 4

A dense, rounded plant, this slow-growing selection boasts vertical sprays of tight, green, lacy foliage with bronze tones in winter. Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’ stays small enough and grows slowly enough to be useful even in little gardens. From a seedling raised by Frank R. Hetz around 1930; introduced in 1942. Hardy, durable and adaptable to many conditions. Mature size: 3’H x 3’W Zone 3

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Mother Lode’ has bright, golden yellow foliage in spring and summer which transitions to rich, burgundy plum undertones during the winter giving this extremely flat, ground-hugging juniper long-term garden interest. Discovered at Iseli Nursery in 1982 as a sport on J. h. ‘Wiltoni’, it performs admirably in full or partial sun. Let it cascade over a bank, define a mound, or cover ground planted in masses. Use with other colorful plants for an exciting statement in the garden. Mature size: 6″H x 4’W Zone 3

Bright green, spring growth of the densely textured, ground covering Juniperus communis ‘Green Carpet’ foliage darkens as it matures, spreading and filling in space. The tidy, compact plant is extremely hardy and adaptable to a wide range of soil and climate conditions. It covers ground slowly. Mature size: 6″H x 6’W Zone 3

Not your typical juniper!  Limeglow™ displays feathery foliage in electric chartreuse, a color that makes a striking contrast to other greens in the garden. Its spreading, vase form and juvenile foliage lend a cheery presence in almost any garden, including one with hot, dry conditions. The yellow sport from ‘Youngstown’ is reported to hold its bright color and to resist sunburn. Selected by Larry Hatch with North Carolina State University. Mature size: 2’H x 4’W Zone 3

The two-toned needles of Abies koreana ‘Silver Show’ are so tightly curled that the shoots are almost cylindrical, exposing the extremely white undersides completely. The result is a silver-white element in the garden. The contrasting dark purple cones stand out against the foliage. Showy color and special texture abound. Enjoys full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Mature size: 12’H x 8’W Zone 4

Resembling an elegant, tapered candle with silvery, blue-green foliage, Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’ makes a superior, vertical accent, especially in containers, the rock garden and other small spaces. Its dense, vertical branches grow very slowly and stay in perfect scale with other choice rockery plants. Mature size: 3’H x 1’W Zone 4

An outstanding, underutilized hemlock, Tsuga canadensis ‘Cole’s Prostrate’ is a spreading cultivar with stiff main branches that knuckle under and bend downwards to create a truly prostrate form. Gnarly interior branches show off the plant’s silver bark, which adds dimension to the exceptional, low plant. Use the garden gem to drape over or around stones or walls in a site with partial shade. Alternatively, stake the plant for some height to create all kinds of interest. Mature Size: 6″H x 4’W Zone 4