There are miniatures among all types of trees and shrubs—deciduous and evergreen, broad-leaved and needle-leaved. Those described in this chapter are almost all three feet tall or less at maturity, or are so extremely slow-growing they seldom top that height in twenty years. In just a few cases, slightly taller varieties are included, which can be kept to three feet or less with a little pruning. Some low types are omitted because they spread too rambunctiously to be called miniatures or to be suitable for small gardens.
These limitations automatically exclude the small, flowering trees and shrubs, and dwarf fruit trees, that are part of the over-all landscape plan for small grounds. They’re not really miniature garden items, but background features around which miniature gardens are planned.
We’ve thought of a dozen different ways to use the really midget trees and shrubs, and I imagine there must be dozens more. We have a colony of tiny rhododendrons blooming at the base of a boulder, and another near an old stump at the edge of the woods. Several sprawly evergreens and some precious ericaceous gems adorn the rock garden and spots near the front terrace.
There are plenty of miniature shrubs of varying heights, foliage, colors and textures, and flowering times to compose a small shrubbery border, with tiny bulbs to plant along the edge. Small trees and shrubs can be used as background for mixed borders of small annuals and perennials; evergreens can make a setting for miniature rose gardens. Almost any small pool, wall, raised bed, or set of steps provides a place to plant the right tree or shrub. And, of course, these are perfect plants for sink and trough gardens, bonsai work, or even for indoor forcing in the greenhouse.
If you can’t find the varieties you want at your local nursery, you can order them by mail from reliable suppliers. Either way, plants that have been transplanted regularly by the grower develop a compact system of fibrous roots rather than a few long straggly tap-like roots, will take hold faster and transplant easier, will fit into your garden quicker. All that will make you a happier gardener.
Don’t be surprised if miniature trees and shrubs cost more than the regular varieties of the same name. The little fellows take much longer to reach that size, and require more costly care. Many of them are difficult to propagate, some even have to be grown from seed.
Your first thought in selecting a miniature tree or shrub, of course, is the decorative effect it is planned to achieve—whether it should be formally upright and symmetrical, or irregularly shaped and naturalistic; whether it is to act as an accent or specimen, or as a background or blender. Consider the texture of the foliage, the time and manner of flowering, whether the colors will fight with others in the garden. Plant deciduous types where they won’t be an eyesore in winter, or select one with an attractive winter habit and appearance. Make sure the plant and all its parts are in scale with the setting and with other plants.
Once you decide that a variety will look right in your garden, make sure it will also grow right. A plant that needs full sun will not flower in a shady spot. Acid-loving plants will not flourish in alkaline soil. Those that like their roots kept cool and moist will wither where it is hot and dry. Watch for unfavorable factors such as high walls, drip from overhanging eaves, low, muggy spots where there is little circulation of fresh air. If the plant requires a lot of pruning, training, and spraying, make sure you have the time to take care of its well-being. A healthy, easy-to-care-for barberry is infinitely more ornamental than a glamorous shrub struggling to stay alive.
HARDINESS
The main factor that determines whether a plant will live through the winter in your garden (and it is a factor you can’t control) is minimum winter temperature. This is the basis for the newest (1960) Plant Hardiness Zone Map issued by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Other uncontrollable factors include: How long the low temperature will last; how early and suddenly a freak freeze occurs; whether or not winter provides a beneficial blanket of continuous snow; whether there are punishing gales with driving sleet and encrusting ice.