A few plants from the garden that could use some identification: 1. This dwarf spruce appears to be a Picea abies. However, it can be very difficult to distinguish between the many different cultivars derived from witches brooms. Any guesses? 2. These pine trees were here when the garden was first started. They appear to be either Pinus contorta or Pinus banksiana in my opinion: 3. This juniper has new growth that emerges a goldish color in the early spring. Juniperus chinensis 'Plumosa Aurea'? 4. This yew came up volunteer. Seems to be growing VERY slowly. Any guesses on the species? 5. This Cryptomeria does not have a cultivar label. 6. This Japanese Umbrella Pine is growing in a very narrow shape, quite uncommon for the species. There is a suspicion that it was left in its container too long. Is this what is happening or is it some unknown cultivar? 7. This Mountain Hemlock was purchased under the name Tsuga mertensiana 'Sherwood Dust'. Is this supposed to be 'Sherwood Compact'? It seems to be developing a definite leader... 8. These two dwarf Abies cultivars were purchased under different names, but they both look like Abies nordmanniana to me. One was purchased as Abies nordmanniana 'Broom' (probably should be 'Hunnewell Broom) and the other was purchased as Abies balsamea 'Verkade's Prostrate'. Are they even different plants? "Abies balsamea 'Verkade's Prostrate'"? "Abies nordmanniana 'Broom'"? Thanks so much for all the help! -Sam

"if this accurately represents tree hardiness, a number of trees deserve colder ratingscolor>" Let's look at which trees those might be.... From experience (three winters) I would say Picea breweriana is quite happy in my zone -- versus the Z6 designation above. Especially this year, the new shoots are extra long ! By contrast, I would probably move Pinus thunbergii from Z6 to Z7 -- no end of grief with this one (yet). My Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Aurea' is doing a lot better, despite being rated the same Z6. That Z8 rating for Sciadopitys verticillata seems totally out of whack with what I've been told recently on this forum, although I have no experience with it myself. Z7 for Picea sitchensis seems a bit overblown too.... and probably likewise for Cephalotaxus harringtonia. And Pinus contorta rated Z7?! ....give me a break ! Not easy to find a reliable list, that's for sure.

Torreya and Raven, glad to see you are both members. Raven - the society is still in its early stages of development and has only existed for four years, there are probably around 150 current members, both species and cultivar interests. The society produces two very informative colour journals per year, also arranges at least four visits per year to other Arboreta, gardens, and private collections, plus at least one international trip every year, of which this years was an eight day visit to see the wonderful conifers in Ireland. The tour included about a dozen members of the Dutch Conifer Society (NCV). However it's my view that the society needs to increase its membership base to at least 200+ for its long term viability, and encourage more members to get actively involved in running the society which has proved to be very problematic from the start. I also have to say I'm very disappointed that Resin is not a member - I can't understand how someone with his expert knowledge, experience and passion for conifers does not feel able to at least support the society. Bluespruce

Hi Dax, 1991 seed - depends on how it has been stored. If refrigerated, it might still be OK; if it hasn't, it won't. Treatment - as for any other warm temperate pine. I'd try giving it two months stratification Whether it is worth bothering is another matter - Pinus yunnanensis is only zone (?8)-9 hardy. I'm afraid it won't have a chance in zone 5. Unless you're growing it for someone else in a warmer location. Resin