"The Litynski”

I bought this Icebreaker Korean Fir (Abies koreana 'Ice Breaker') last week, a very unusual dwarf evergreen.

It has two-toned needles that curve up and around their stems to expose a bright white, waxy underside of the needle.

I had never seen a plant like it and it immediately caught my attention (as did it’s steep price). I liked that it is a slow grower and will keep a found shape until it becomes a mature cone shape. However, that will take at least 10 or more years, and I will probably be long dead and composted into the garden by the time it reaches that point.

It likes a sun-shade mix, so it's being placed on the sunny side of the Zen Garden. Hopefully the light it receives in the morning and late afternoon will suffice. It will only grow 2-4 inches a year and reach a height of 3' H x 3’ W, but that will take many years.

To make room for the Fir, I moved the Coral Bells (Heuchera Hybrid 'Fire Alarm') I recently planted. It didn't look quite right where I planted it, so I moved it close to the Yukimi Lantern at the other end of the garden. Originally I had a Hosta next to the lantern, but the damage from rabbits this year was substantial, so it was time for something new in this location.

Once transplanted, the Coral Bells looked more upright and added some new color to this area of the garden. So far, I am happy with the change.

In the meantime, the Icebreaker Korean Fir looks fantastic in the spot where the Coral Bells had once been and will add some new interest to the garden.

The tree was so special, I decided it needed a name. I decided to name it after a friend and colleague from work. Needless to say, it was a difficult school year, and having someone who could make those difficulties easier to manage helped immensely. An invite was sent and accepted to help plant the tree and with my friend's approval, I named the tree in her honor. We now call it “The Litynski.” 

Being a garden nerd, I figured naming the tree after my friend was a good way to show my appreciation and gratitude. I also thought it would be therapeutic for both of us to welcome a new spring and summer season by bringing a bit more beauty into our lives.

Planting it together was a wonderful experience. When we finished, “The Litynski” looked fantastic.

The late afternoon light really accentuated the appearance and brought out the bright color of the needles.

It is without a doubt one of the most interesting plants in the garden.

I am so glad I made the purchase, and that I had the opportunity to welcome a friend into my garden world and show my thanks.

The garden, and I, will never be the same again.