A love for conifers is what formed Lynn and Steve’s property into a private haven. A graduate of CWI’s Horticulture Technology program infused her with love for the four season color that evergreens provide.

Their backyard was a treeless area of weeds when they moved to their one acre site, and adding the conifers gave their property a sense of seclusion and privacy.

Now, years later, they can sit on their patio and enjoy the mature trees and quiet retreat. Their view from the patio is of their flowering trees in spring, a dogwood, Prairie Fire Crabapple, Summerwine ninebark and apple, pear and plum trees. Gurgling, and bubbling water features provide a sound buffer to neighborhood noises.

Their property also includes several types of berries, fruit trees, chickens and a large vegetable garden. As Lynn says, they “can live off their property”. As a busy landscaper, Lynn says she has no time to baby her plants, and so it is survival of the fittest and the plants that need tender loving care are gone!

Lynn and Steve have built their dream garden, they have a sanctuary, a secluded hideaway and a store house of bountiful fruits, vegetables and eggs.

Lynn's garden tips:

1. Buy from local nurseries, they know what does best here in our climate.
2. Buy the smallest trees you can, you will be surprised at how fast they grow. Small plants adapt faster to transplanting. Many of her trees were started as small whips, were planted in her vegetable garden for a year or two and then moved into their permanent location.
3. Don't overwater. Once a plant is established, it needs less water.
4. Buy plants and trees that are suitable for our weather and alkaline soils, so you won't be obligated to "baby" your landscape. Enjoy your yard, make it work for you!

Below is a list of the trees and shrubs Lynn and Steve have planted and grown successfully in the SW Idaho climate:

Evergreens

Cedar

Weeping Redwood

Serbian spruce (Picea omorika)

Alaskan weeping cedar

Blue False cypress van pelt

Chaste Tree - vitex agnus-castus

Gold Thread cypress Chamaecyparis ‘Aureaʼ

Arbor vitae

Golden cypress

White pine

Weeping spruce

Weeping blue atlas cedar

Cedar of Lebanon (weeping variety)

Japanese white pine

Austrian pine

Blue arrow juniper

Mugo pine

Deciduous Trees and shrubs

Buckthorn

Weeping Redbud

Ivory Halo dogwood (Cornus Florida)

Rose of Sharon

Silver maple

Lilacs

Bridal Wreath Spirea

Leather leaf Viburnum

Pink Dawn Viburnum

Copppertina Ninebark

Diablo nine bark

Summer Wine nine bark

Snowberry

Siberian pea shrub

Euonymus “Moon Glow”

Mock orange Syringa

Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) “Royal Purple”