Abies is a large genus of plants native to the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They prefer a rich, moisture retentive soil -- yet well drained -- where the summers don't get too hot. For that reason they are popular In the Northeast & Pacific Northwest. Slow growing in cultivation, generally conical in shape, with flat needles and a white band below. Best planted in a sunny location with the possibility of a little afternoon shade if possible.

Companion Plants These plants will complement this month's featured plant very nicely and make excellent companions in the mixed border or landscape.

Betula nigra 'Heritage' Heritage River Birch Extraordinary for its tan, shaggy bark. Excellent for planting in damp ground. Resistant to bronze birch borer. Grows to 50' or more with the exfoliating bark becoming more pronounced and richer with age. Zone 4

Juniperus horizontals 'Mother Lode' Golden Wiltoni Juniper An exciting new plant, found as a sport on 'Wiltoni' juniper, with bright golden yellow needles all summer. In fall it turns deep yellow-orange, then tinged with plum in winter. A wonderful new addition to any landscape. Zone 3

Leucothoe fontaneslana 'Compacta' Compact Drooping Leucothoe A compact growing broadleaf evergreen, with gorgeous scarlet winter foliage, and it's deer-proof to boot! Grows best 1n shade, reaching 3 feet by 5 feet in ten years. What more could you want in a plant! Zone 5

Picea pungens 'R. H. Montgomery' Montgomery Spruce A slow growing dwarf blue spruce that begins as a dense globe, slowly becoming a broad pyramid. Can be a beautiful specimen In the conifer garden or a wonderful blue accent in the mixed border. Zone 3