WITH National Conifer Week upon us, it's worth considering planting a variety of picea - and not necessarily the Christmas tree variety. There are many types which are suitable for smaller spaces, including the rockery spruce P. glauca Albertiana Conica, which forms a neat cone around 90cm (3ft) high after 10 years.

Many gardeners also plant containers with slow-growing conifers for year-round interest. Try planting Picea glauca J.W. Daisy's White. Its pale greenish white foliage in spring contrasts well with the deep mint green of the Juniperus x media Mint Julep. Or, P. abies Little Gem, with its flattish dome of light green leaves, looks good grown in troughs or old sinks and takes 10 years to reach 30cm (12in) in height, while the dwarf P. glauca Arnesson's Blue Variegate provides blue hues, growing to around 75cm (2.5 ft). Picea thrive in any reasonable garden soil in full sun.