Nurture and Grow

I picked up this Verdon Hinoke Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'verdoni') in a discarded on-sale pile. The nursery thought it was a doomed plant. I on the other hand, saw a plant that I could nurture and shape. It already had the characteristics of a bonsai-like plant. I'm thinking with some care and attention, I can turn it into an interesting visual addition to the garden.

As a compact evergreen conifer, it will grow upright, with a wide conical and somewhat contorted habit. This should help to add interest. It likes full sun to part shade and could grow to 3-8' tall 2-3' wide if left unchecked. However, I plan to cut it back and shape it over time, assuming it survives. I have had trouble with this spot in the past, mostly from animals eating the plants I place here. I am hoping that they will not be interested in this Cypress (deer are unlikely to get into this area of the garden.

In time, I think it will look good just behind the lantern.