The evergreen foliage of Conifers in their many different forms, colours and shape offer year round interest. There are varieties to suit almost every garden situation.

A few conifers lose their leaves and have good displays of Autumn colour but these must be given room to grow as all are large garden trees.

Ultimate heights and spreads should be taken into consideration as some conifers can grow very large so always seek and take advice.

Soil preparation for all types is important and a hole not less than 1m (3ft) across and 23cm (9in) deep should be dug. Add suitable organic material such as garden compost, well-rotted farm manure or spent mushroom compost and mix in before filling around the plant's roots.

Growing conifers in containers for patios is a good idea for year round colour and many of the slow-growing or dwarf types and some of the spreading varieties respond well. Always use potting compost for best results and take special care to ensure they never dry out.

Always provide the largest container possible which will normally be in excess of 50cm (18in) across the top.

Conifers make very good hedges and the upright forms of Chamaecyparis (Lawson Cypress), Cupressus (Cypress), Cuppressocyparis (Leylandii), Taxus (Yew) and Thuja (Western Red Cedar) are all useful for this purpose.

However, upright types of Chamaecyparis and Thuja will respond well, once established to a very light trim in April with a sharp knife.

Also shortening the leading shoots by 25% , using secateurs, on bushy or spreading types in mid Spring will lead to a more compact or bushy plant. This is particularly important on hedging types.