Growing Conifers

John J. Albers is an educator for the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association, an ecoPRO-certified sustainable landscape professional, and a former Washington State University/Kitsap County Master Gardener. He created the 4-acre Albers Vista Gardens in Kitsap County, Washington. This garden contains about 1,200 different species and cultivars, including about 500 different conifers. For the past twelve years, he has given presentations and tours at his garden to garden clubs, master gardeners, nursery and landscape professionals, and the general public. David E. Perry, photographer, has been photographing assignments for books, magazines, Fortune 500 corporate annual reports, and national ad campaigns for more than 35 years. His work has been featured in Fine Gardening many times, including a half-dozen cover features. He has contributed to Sunset magazine and has been featured in This Old House, American Rose, and Better Homes & Gardens. He lectures and teaches photography workshops around the country. The author and photographer worked together on John Albers previous books, Gardening for Sustainability and The Northwest Garden Manifesto. This book is a comprehensive and authoritative guide for cultivation and use of conifers in urban gardens. Beautifully illustrated with over 100 professional photographs and illustrations Helps urban gardeners realize the ecological benefits of conifers and their contribution to sustainable landscapes Contains basic information on conifers' key identifying features, taxonomy and classification, geographic distribution Clear step-by-step science-based instructions on placement, planting, and care Details the special characteristics trees, shrubs, and groundcovers Differs from other books on conifers: it highlights conifers' ecological versatility and many key services to the urban environment, including sequestering carbon, intercepting rainfall, and removing air and water pollutants year-round, and serving as a haven for wildlife Emphasizes ecological benefits and role in combating climate change. Inspires readers to plant conifers and follow sustainable landscaping best practices

Audience: Novice to seasoned urban gardeners, landscape professionals, municipalities, botanical gardens, students of horticulture, climate change advocates

Regional: Southern Illinois, born and went to university there; Seattle, lives and worked for 48 years; greater Portland area – active gardening community with interest in conifers

International: Conifers are found on all continents where they provide important natural habitats and ecological benefits. UK, Europe countries

Academic: horticulture, programs

Canada: Conifers are the most common trees in Canada, encompassing approximately 80% of its environment; Greater Vancouver and Victoria are ideal conifer-growing environments.