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An irregular, dwarfed alpine shape makes Picea abies ‘Gregoryana Parsonsii’ the perfect rock garden specimen. It sports relatively thick, green needles, tan stems and bright brown buds. Longer, flatter needles and a slightly more open habit distinguish P.a. ‘Gregoryana Parsonsii’ from P.a. ‘Gregoryana’. Mature size: 10’H x 8’W Zone 3

Picea abies ‘Fat Cat’ has very short, stiff needles and short shoots that give it the appearance of a rotund, green cat, curled up in a ball for a snooze. Iseli Nursery acquired the plant, a witch’s broom from Picea abies ‘Graciosa’, in 1994 and officially named it for a tubby, slumbering feline. Extremely hardy, reliable and slow-growing, this kitty creates a presence in the landscape, but don’t try to pet its “fur”. Mature size: 4’H x 4’W Zone 3

For longer needles, a more natural, open look and a consistent habit, the versatile Pinus mugo ‘Palouse’ is perfect for a casual landscape where a larger Mugo Pine is warranted. The robust green selection grows into a bushy, rounded mound, or with annual candle pruning, it can be kept smaller and more refined. A reliable and hardy addition to the sunny mixed border, it also works well as a divider or to fill a corner. Mature size: 6’H x 6’W Zone 2

Tsuga canadensis ‘Jeddeloh’ is a dwarf, spreading mound, sometimes referred to as Bird’s Nest Hemlock, this seedling cultivar has a unique, depressed, funnel shape at its center. The slow-growing plant has bright green foliage with feathery, arching tips. Discovered by Jeddeloh Nursery in 1950, growing in a German cemetery. Mature size: 2’H x 4’W Zone 4