‘Carolina Sapphire’ Arizona Cypress
I am partial to evergreen foliage. At the southwest corner of the garden stand a couple of two-story tall ‘Carolina Sapphire’ Arizona Cypresses planted more than a decade ago. These large evergreen trees are nicely fragrant and give some boundary and privacy to the property. They have the bonus effect of offering a protective home or perch to a variety of birds.
The softly textured leaves of this conical-shaped tree are interesting and the one-inch round seed pods are striking. In fall the color of the foliage tends toward blue-green; the seed pods change from silvery to reddish mahogany.
Seed pods-‘Carolina Sapphire’ Arizona Cypress
Seed pods-‘Carolina Sapphire’ Arizona Cypress
These two trees used to have a large sister ‘Carolina Sapphire’ on the opposite corner of the western border. In 2009 it anchored the garden and showed off a rare snowfall, but sadly began to die in 2011 and had to be removed. I think a badly-timed pruning was the problem. Normally these trees are carefree.
Arizona Cypress-January 2009
Northwest corner, dying ‘Carolina Sapphire’-September 2011
Today at the northwest corner is a young replacement, trying hard to fill the large void left by its now deceased predecessor. This little one has nearly doubled in size in eleven months, but it will be some time before the balance returns to the border. Last year I filled the space with zinnias.
‘Carolina Sapphire’ Arizona Cypress planted March 2013
Moss
In the meditation circle I have become enamored of the tiny bits of moss showing up between the stepping stones.
Moss In Meditation Circle
I dream of winning the lottery so I could bring in Moss & Stone Gardens, whose owners I heard speak last year at a garden club meeting. I would love to cover all the planting areas in the labyrinth with this soft greenness. Mosses are drought tolerant once they become established, which can take a year I think. Although I have enjoyed planting colorful flowers here, I would like to eliminate seeing any mulch. The soft texture of moss seems like an appropriate and appealing choice for this meditative aspect of the garden.
Moss In Meditation Circle
Moss In Meditation Circle
Moss In Meditation Circle
Thanks to Christine at Creating my own garden of the Hesperides for hosting GBFD each month.
pbmGarden 
I love the idea of the cushions of moss in your meditation area. Seems perfect somehow.
Thanks Ann. I can just picture it. Take care, Susie
I can imagine lots of birds sheltering in your cypress trees, they must have been very cosy out of the wind and cold weather. I have learnt something from this, I thought moss only grew in the shade, it looks lovely between your stepping stones.
I thought it was only for shade as well Pauline. Since my childhood days I’ve always loved the softness of moss.
Another informative and well written post on this wonderful blog. The photographs that support the information are always excellent. Thanks again.
Stepheny,
Thanks for your generous praise and thanks for reading!
Susie
I really like moss ever since I saw a moss garden at a temple in Japan. So I think it looks very effective and fitting in the meditation circle. 😀
I would love to see that moss garden and temple Cathy. It’s exactly the kind of image I have in mind for using moss in my garden.
I found a photo via google: http://blog.red-sand.com/2010/09/10/silver-temple-ginkaku-ji-kyoto/
There was a pathway under the trees where only moss covered the ground. Magical!
That was so nice of you to find it for me! Peaceful and calm–must have been wonderful to visit. Thanks, Susie
Moss is fascinating and amazing when looked at in close up.
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thank you for joing in GBFD again this month. You described two very different foliage plants, both very useful additions to the garden. The tree is beautiful, I like the new addition, its foliage seems very soft and tactile. I love the idea of moss in the meditation circle, it is the perfect plant. Christina
Thanks for hosting–GBFD is a good reminder for me to check out the foliage in my garden and around town. Hope the little tree grows up quickly and strong.
Pity I don’t live closer, I have plenty of moss you could grab and use in your meditation circle, which is a lovely idea. Its always hard to lose a large architectural plant, it changes the space so dramatically.
Janet, you are lucky to have the moss. Wish I could take you up on the offer! Susie
I really love evergreens but do not have enough…I must change that….moss is one of my favorites and with my wet garden it loves to grow…I love the idea of moss as a mulch…so much prettier and natural.
How lucky you have moss! Moss is intriguing to me lately. Will have to see if I can encourage it more. Glad you stopped by Donna!