Trough of the Week: Willis

Three plants and pea stone
in 10"x 14" trough

Meet Willis ~ So different than Lilly -- That's what I love about troughs! So much diverse and dynamic growing life that comes together and creates the big show, like botanical fireworks on a hypertufa stage.

He stands strong, but unassuming and the trough shopper might easily pass him by. But he bids you,  Look Again! The roundish greenery is a cypress tree! More specifically the Chamaeciparis obtusa 'Nana', (Miniature Hinoke Cypress) ~ a sturdy slow grower (about 1 inch a year) with dark green foliage in a tight miniature bun. This miniature conifer has stood the test of time and does not disappoint.

His trough companion, adding a flourish is whimsy, is the beloved Sedum sieboldii (lower left).  On the other side of the rock divide (lower right) is another sedum: Sedum niveum, a small slow growing specimen, perfect for trough gardens. Close up you can see  tiny orange tinged foliage. In July it blooms starry white.

Willis is special for another reason. Because of the ballast of the plants choices that compose his respective parts, I have chosen Willis for a seasonal experiment. Most alpine and succulent troughs are hardy and ought to be wintered outdoors (with a little added protection such as salt marsh hay). This winter season I am wintering Willis indoors, in my landing, to see if a hardy trough can take the heat, literally. Placed in the landing will keep Willis exposed to lower-than-normal inside temperatures, being positioned next to the front door, which opens several times a day. So he won't be coddled. But he won't be buried in snow, either. Check out below to compare Willis in mid-summer and Willis, in my landing, late fall.

Willis in the summer, newly planted and outdoors

Willis in late fall when sedums really come to life (indoors).