Conifers in the country (38 photos): types of trees and shrubs. Features of the Christmas tree, juniper, pine and fir

Recently, a neighbor in the country, having caught me on the street, began to explain with fervor what danger I put myself in by planting Christmas trees on the site.

I have heard the story that one has only to outgrow the house, as the owner immediately dies, I have heard more than once. Fighting superstition is a thankless task, but you should at least think about where this ridiculous prejudice came from.

Even in pre-Christian times, the life of our ancestors was closely connected with the forest. Among the Slavic and especially the Finno-Ugric tribes that once inhabited the territory of our country, spruce was considered an intermediary between the world of the living and the dead. In the view of the ancient peoples, this tree was closely related to the ancestors, so its branches were used in funeral rites. It was in spruce forests that the dead were usually buried: dark forests were associated with the other world. In the same time coniferous trees(including spruce) were a symbol of immortality. Their vitality and unique ability to remain green even in winter served as the best motivator for our distant ancestors, as they say now. People believed that the energy of spruce is favorable and promotes well-being. In some places there was even a custom to throw spruce branches at the hem of young housewives, wishing them family happiness and healthy kids. And much later, already in the Christian tradition, spruce became a symbol of rebirth and eternal life, an indispensable attribute of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. Thus, it is definitely not worth associating this tree only with cemetery stories.

As for the belief about the imminent death of the owner of the house, near which the spruce grows, then the situation is even simpler. This is a tree of the first magnitude, whose height reaches 30–40 m. However, in the first years of life, spruce grows very slowly: its growth rate increases only after 10 years. If a person planted a small Christmas tree under his window, it will take many years for it to outgrow the house. It is likely that during this time the owner will have time to grow old. Unfortunately, no one lives forever.

There is only one very prosaic reason why these trees really should not be planted near the house. Spruce is a windbreak species. It has an extensive crown surface, but shallow root system and during a strong wind (such as, for example, a hurricane that recently swept through Moscow and the region), it can collapse directly on the nearest buildings. But this applies only to species spruce, e. prickly and their tall varieties. Varietal decorative Christmas trees, which are sold in garden centers, as a rule, even as adults, do not exceed 3 m in height and do not pose any danger.

I often hear this question. In the garden, where there are many trees and the area is not so big, I want to have more flowers, and there is often nowhere to plant. Let's think: how can we help these lovers?

Plants in nature are not randomly distributed. They are always combined environmental groups, which are usually centered on big trees. Around the tree, in the shade of its crown, under the layer of its last year's leaves, a community of certain plants, animals, and fungi is formed. In the garden, everything is the same, only with our efforts: around a tree or a bush, we group herbaceous plants, as a rule, choosing according to outward signs, trying to make them form the composition we need. However, each plant has its own requirements for living conditions. Many plants simply do not have enough living space for the formation of crowns and roots. Those that fall "to the yard" grow and develop perfectly, and the "extra" ones can fall out.

Under coniferous plants lighting conditions practically do not change throughout the year. The most difficult conditions will be under the fir trees. Under them is always deep shade and dry soil. The crown of fir trees is usually so dense that the rain rolls down the fir paws like a roof. And if we take into account the dense layer of small needles and the acidic reaction of the soil, it becomes clear how difficult the conditions are. Pick up beautiful plants often it turns out to be so difficult that it has to be abandoned. You can try to create compositions from beautiful stones and snags.

An openwork shadow is created under the pine crown, more transparent to light and rain. This is the perfect place for heather, rhododendrons. In addition, sand mixed with pine litter forms a light loose soil, which is just right for growing these plants. Pine actively drains the soil, in summer this is not always desirable, but during autumn rains or after spring floods, this feature is very useful.

In addition to the named plants, they will grow well here. red elderberry, irga, wild rose ( park roses) . All these shrubs are demanding on breathable soil. In the penumbra of a pine, the peony Maryin root feels comfortable.

There are several pine trees growing on my property. Under one of them, I have long arranged a flower garden. Some varieties thrive there. juniper, dwarf spruce, bergenia and, oddly enough, ostrich. We are used to the fact that ferns need a lot of moisture, and they prefer loam, but now it grows and feels great. In addition, the pine trunk twines parthenocissus, which has risen almost to the very top and greatly adorns the entire composition in the fall, coloring it with bright leaves.

When setting up a flower garden under a pine tree, you need to remember that those who love organic-rich soil should not be planted close to the trunk. In too "fat" land root collar may rot. They are best placed on the periphery of the crown. For the same reason, coniferous litter is used for mulch, adding organic matter along the periphery. By the way, pine will respond to such top dressing with active growth, lush branching and bright coloring of young needles.

Under coniferous trees, you can also plant plants of the orchid family - lyubku, orchis, slippers. Heathers will also feel good here - heather, erica, wild rosemary, podbel other.

In the near-stem circle of broad-leaved trees, spring ephemeroids can be successfully grown. In autumn it will be adorned with a carpet of fallen leaves that will serve as our spring plants reliable protection in winter and additional food next season. True, the leaves of not all trees can serve this purpose. Oak leaves, for example, contain a lot of tannin, which is why they do not rot for a very long time. This can prevent tender plants from growing. And the carpet of fallen aspen leaves is so tightly packed during the winter that it can prevent air from entering the soil.

Can be planted under deciduous trees daffodils, corydalis, pushkinia, hionodox, galanthus, scylla.

fruit trees, especially modern varieties on dwarf rootstocks, have a well-developed superficial root system. Therefore, under them it is better to plant plants that do not require deep digging of the earth and frequent transplantation. It can be spring bulbous: daffodils, kandyks, blueberries, muscari, spring anemones. In summer, ground cover plants can grow here, which, covering the near-stem circle with a continuous carpet, will also retain soil moisture. In autumn, under these trees, it is imperative to remove leaves and fallen fruits in order to avoid various infectious diseases. It is better not to plant shrubs under apple trees at all, since their root system can compete with the root system of apple trees.

Under such broad-leaved trees as linden, maple, elm, which have a deep root system, spring ephemeroids can also be placed. In addition, here you can dig the earth and replant plants, so you can plant decorative blooming in summer perennials that can grow in the shade - aconites, bells, buzulniki, aquilegia, kupena, rogersia. Under dense crowns, maximum moisture is maintained, especially if the soil is mulched with fallen leaves. From shrubs here you can plant Manchurian hazel, honeysuckle. These shrubs are demanding on soil fertility, and under the crown of broad-leaved trees, where fallen leaves accumulate for years, the soil is excellent.

It is more difficult to pick up perennials for a flower garden around a birch. Birch, having a very developed root system, takes moisture from the soil quite strongly at a great distance from the trunk. But it is easier to tolerate soil compaction, depletion of its oxygen. Pampered garden plants will not be able to compete with birch. However, there are also plants that can "compete" with it. Feel great under a birch Goryanka, lungwort, bergenia, dicentra, lilies of the valley, perennial carnations, drought-resistant cereals, legumes. Of the shrubs, barberries, euonymus, broom, mock orange, park roses, ornamental raspberries are compatible with birch, Japanese spirea. They are relatively drought tolerant.

Under any trees, spring flowering flowers grow well: May lily of the valley, common and spring primrose, swimsuit, liverwort. From summer flowering flowers: aconite, aquilegia, buzulnik notched and Przhevalsky, astilba, broadleaf bell. From ferns: ostrich, male shield, female kochedyzhnik. From ground covers: yellow Zelenchuk, European hoof, Lesser periwinkle, creeping tenacious.

Be that as it may, plants in any near-stem circle will have to be watered more often than in an ordinary flower garden, and you need to feed more, not forgetting about the tree.

Trunk circles before planting need to be processed, dug, weeded and fertile land added. Under plants with a superficial root system, it is impossible to dig up the soil. Especially carefully you need to do even loosening under conifers. It is impossible to disturb the roots of conifers.

Sometimes a dense crown gives such a dense shadow that it is best not to suffer with planting perennials. You can then simply pave the area under the tree, however, stepping back from the trunk to allow the roots to breathe.

Absolutely any plants can be placed under any trees if they grow in containers.

It is believed that planting a spruce - Bad sign. This can be heard from residents of villages and private sectors, who believe that there is no place for a Christmas tree in the yard and near the house. Whether this is so and what this sign is connected with, we will tell below.

In the article:

Why planting a spruce is a bad omen - answers from ancient legends

Signs were collected by our ancestors, noticing what was happening around the events that led to one or another result. Most of these beliefs have come down to us in their original form and are still working. There are signs about almost everything that surrounds us: about animals, about plants, about the weather, about the house, about love, money, and so on.

And if the logic of some of them is obvious - if you spilled salt, then you will cry soon, then some of the signs are frankly surprising.

The bad omen about the Christmas tree on the site was no exception. It is worth noting that it is common in those regions where spruce is a rare guest. In areas with spruce forests, there is no such belief.

Almost everyone knows that planting a spruce is a bad omen for death, loneliness, childlessness, or the birth of only daughters. If this tree, planted near the house, dies, gets sick or is struck by lightning, one of the owners of the house can soon die. During a thunderstorm in the old days they never looked for shelter under a spruce, they chose a birch, however, there are also a lot of bad signs about it.

Similar superstitions were found not only among the Slavs, but also in Europe. So, one of the most famous examples of folklore associated with spruce is the legend of a tree planted by the first colonists near Lake Keitele in Finland. This spruce was considered a symbol of good luck, the first fruits of the harvest were brought to it, and only after that they were served on the table.

According to legend, every time one branch withered on a tree, one of the first colonists died. And then the tree fell, and after that the last surviving old woman died, who was one of the first to come to develop new territories. After the fall of the spruce, only the descendants of the colonists survived. The latter went to the world of the dead along with the tree, which symbolized their luck, harvest and vitality.

Bad omen - Christmas tree on the site

So, why is spruce on the site a bad omen? There is a belief in the villages that spruce should not be planted in the yard, next to the house. It is believed that as soon as the spruce becomes higher than the roof, death will happen in the family. According to another variation, when the spruce grew taller than the person who planted it, he was dying.

There is another interpretation of the relatively bad omen of a Christmas tree on the site. There is a belief that a spruce planted near the house will not allow the owners of the site to successfully marry or marry, and married couples will divorce. According to this superstition, spruce is considered the tree of loneliness.

Another variation of this interpretation suggests that spruce drives men out of the house.
And at the house of a young family, they were not advised to plant Christmas trees, as this could deprive them of their heirs.

Another meaning suggests that the spruce brings the dead, since earlier the bodies of the dead were wrapped around with spruce branches.

In addition, there is a belief that spruce is a kind of energy vampire.
However, esotericists say that this tree actively absorbs energy in summer, and in winter, on the contrary, shares it. Therefore, more often walking in a spruce forest is advised to people who do not tolerate winter time of the year.

The following proverb can also be called a reflection of signs:

In a pine forest - to pray, in a birch forest - to have fun, and in a spruce forest - to hang.

Christmas tree in the yard is a bad omen: explanations of scientists

When asked why it is impossible to plant Christmas trees on the site - the omen is bad, historians give other arguments. The fact is that houses in Russia were built of wood, and the spruce, which was planted next to the house, could quickly catch fire at the slightest spark. In this case, the fire quickly passed to the house. The tree could have set the entire village on fire.

In addition, do not forget that a single tree often attracts lightning, which can also cause a fire.

And the third reason for dislike for firs in Russia was that this evergreen plant very dense crown. Consequently, when the spruce outgrew a low peasant house with a chimney, strong wind in the hut it was possible to burn.

From this point of view, the sign is quite logical. However, now houses, firstly, are not built of wood, and secondly, most of the private ones are two or three floors high. Therefore, the sign cannot be called "working".

And here is what cultural experts write:

For the peoples of the Finno-Ugric language group, a tree is an intermediary between the world of people and the world of the dead, the lower world of ancestors. The Karelians had a custom of confession to a tree. At the Upper Vychegodsk Komi, a fir tree was brought to a dying sorcerer, before which he confessed and died without torment.
Coniferous trees - spruce, pine, juniper, fir, cedar, etc. were endowed with special sacredness. They symbolized eternal life, immortality, were the receptacle of divine life force, had a cult significance
Dronova T.I. Earthly existence - as preparation for the afterlife

So, we see how our ancestors collected signs, on the basis of which they believed in certain properties of spruce.

Meanwhile, in our time, spruce is symbol of the new year, and many plant Christmas trees in the yard, so that later in winter they can dance around it. And how to imagine a plot in a country house or a private house without trees?

It is interesting that not only ordinary spruce, but also fir, which is also considered tree of the dead helping souls find their way after death. Canadian spruces are also popular, about which our ancestors have no signs at all.

Whether to follow the sign or not is a personal matter for everyone. Trusting this or that sign, it is important to remember the psychological aspect.

With the help of signs, a person shifts responsibility for what is happening to a tree growing in the yard, a croaking crow, and spilled salt.

For some, this is a variant of working with grief, in this way a person tries to survive the tragedy that has occurred, the death of a loved one. In more "light" cases, the psyche conveniently shifts responsibility for what is happening to signs so as not to face an unpleasant reality that requires an even more unpleasant decision.

It's no secret that thoughts materialize. And if, for example, when you see black tulips and remember that they are unfortunate, you constantly think about it, you will easily attract this misfortune.

This does not mean that our ancestors were superstitious and possessed absolutely cave thinking. No, they

Trees at the dacha or personal plot- not only an element of landscape design, but your own piece of nature within walking distance. However, not all trees have been privileged to be planted on a person's land. For example, many people, especially those living in rural areas, are afraid to plant a spruce near their home, believing that green or blue spruce on the site - a bad omen . Why did the spruce get such a bad reputation, where did this popular superstition grow legs from - read in the presented article.

Bad omen - spruce on the site: interpretation options

Spruce, plain green or blue, is a plant with good decorative qualities. Beautiful colour needles that do not change throughout the year, and fluffy fragrant branches of this tree can decorate with themselves even the most unprepossessing land ownership, and on gloomy, gray and dull winter days, bring a little bright colors to the decoration of any site.

But sometimes prejudices in people are stronger than any arguments and common sense. The same thing happened with the tree. For some reason, the people imagined that the spruce on the site was a bad omen, not promising anything good. Consider at least options for interpreting this superstition:

1. If a plant a tree near the house, within your own yard- it will turndeath of someone in the household, once the tree will grow higher than the roofdwellings. A sign popular in small villages and villages.
2. Christmas tree planted next to the house will lead to the death of the person who planted it when it becomes above this man.
3. Spruce - tree of loneliness. If you plant it on a plot near the house, thenlonely households will never find a mate(or the marriage will fail), and in married couples there will be a divorce.
4. Spruce is a man-tree.She drives men out of the house, and in young families does not allow her son-heir to appear.
5. Spruce on the site is a bad omen, becauseleads the dead. Superstition is connected with the fact that there used to be a ritual ceremony when dead people were wrapped around with fir branches.
6. Spruce is a vampire tree.Planted on the site, she sucks the life energy from the household.

From the above interpretations, it becomes clear why some especially superstitious individuals disliked spruce - after all, her popular reputation is unenviable. People who are reasonable and free from any prejudices do not pay any attention to this sign and are happy to grow this tree on their site, rejoicing in its beauty and decorativeness.

What other trees can not be planted near the house - look at the video:

Scientific substantiation of superstition

Almost all superstitions can be explained with scientific point vision. The sign associated with the spruce on the site, various scientists give their logical explanation.

What do historians say?

From the point of view of historians, a bad omen - spruce on the site - is associated with living conditions inhabitants of Russia. In the old days, most of the houses in the villages were built of wood. And spruce, as you know, has the ability to quickly ignite even from a small spark of fire. It is quite logical to assume that the flame from a tall burning tree could immediately spread to the house, to the adjoining buildings and even spread throughout the village, which, in the end, would lead to a major fire and disastrous consequences (and it is possible that tragic deaths too).

Another trend of spruce, especially standing alone, is to attract a lightning strike (it’s not for nothing that it’s not recommended to hide under the tree from the rain during a thunderstorm). If lightning strikes a tree, it can also result in a fire.

Another feature of spruce is a dense and massive crown. And now remember what the houses of the peasants were like in the time of Russia: low, with a chimney. If a spruce tree grew next to such a house and after a few years it became taller than this building, then the risk of getting burned in this dwelling increased, since the dense crown could obscure the pipe and cut off the access of oxygen.

That is why the inhabitants of the countryside in ancient times were afraid to plant spruce near their homes. Over time, these fears developed into a bad omen that spruce on the site - to death and trouble.

Cultural point of view

Cultural scientists associate the appearance of the sign of spruce with the beliefs of some peoples of the Finno-Ugric language group, which considered this tree a link between two worlds - the world of the living and the world of the dead. For example:

• among the Karelians, the rite of confession spruce was widespread;
• Komi brought spruce branches to the sorcerer who was near death - he also confessed in front of this tree and calmly left this world.

The Finno-Ugrians attached sacramental significance to almost all coniferous trees. Evergreen trees acted as a symbol of immortality and eternal life, divine power was attributed to them.

Opinion of bioenergy scientists

The version of bioenergetics and esotericists is associated with the belief that spruce is a vampire tree. They argue that the tree draws someone else's life energy and generates negative energy, which has a bad effect on people, only in the summer season. In winter, the spruce behaves exactly the opposite: the tree shares the accumulated favorable energy with others - therefore, those who find it hard to get cold season are recommended to take walks through the spruce forest more often during this period.

Is it worth listening to the sign?

Perhaps, in the time of our ancestors, the superstition about the Christmas tree justified itself. With the help of signs, ancient people tried to explain the incomprehensible phenomena taking place around them, which allowed them to live in harmony with nature, with the world around them.

Popular superstitions are undoubtedly a storehouse of wisdom and natural ingenuity of our ancestors. But in the 21st century, most of them have lost their relevance. The same applies to bad omens about spruce on the site. The vast majority modern houses built of stone, and the number of floors in them often exceeds one.

Spruce is also now regarded as christmas tree. Therefore, many people plant a Christmas tree in their summer cottage or personal plot. After all, you must admit that it is much more pleasant, more fun and interesting to dance around your own living symbol of the New Year than to contemplate the dead beauty of an artificial Christmas tree. Blue spruce is especially suitable for celebrating the New Year - its fluffy branches will harmoniously fit into the solemn atmosphere of the event.

listen to bad luck about eating on the site or not is the subjective matter of each person. faith in various folk superstitions has more of a psychological aspect. Often, trusting bad beliefs, weak-willed people defend themselves from events. cruel reality: it is easier for them to shift the responsibility for the negative to some natural object and survive, thus, the trouble or grief that happened.

Fortune telling today with the help of the Tarot "Card of the Day" layout!

For correct divination: focus on the subconscious and do not think about anything for at least 1-2 minutes.

When you're ready, draw a card:

Evergreen spruce looks impressive at any time of the year. Decorative, fairly simple care, a variety of shades, crown shapes and varieties, attractiveness in both single and group plantings - all this attracts designers. And, of course, what new year holidays without fluffy beauty- a glauca planted near the house will perfectly cope with the role Christmas tree, you can often find photos where street tree becomes the center of New Year's celebrations.

There is a prejudice that ate is not a place near the house, some even call it a "graveyard" tree. In addition, it is generally accepted that spruce is a female tree, and if it is planted near the house, then it “survives” men. In fact, the spruce symbol is immortality and eternal life. Among the Slavs, spruces were protected from evil spirits, and that is why they were planted in the cemetery - it was believed that low, spreading branches “seal” evil spirit in the ground. So, spruces planted in a row near the house can be considered a reliable protection from evil forces.

Norway spruce and its varieties

Norway spruce is a “native” inhabitant of our forests, it is a slender tree with a dense pyramidal crown that can grow up to 50 m. It prefers fertile, loamy sandy loamy, slightly moist (but without stagnant water) soils. It does not tolerate smoke and gas pollution, therefore, common spruce is rarely planted in the city, suburban areas are more suitable for it.

Serbian spruce - or Bulgarian spruce, more attractive than Norway spruce - it has more decorative, bluish-green needles and purple-brown cones. But the main thing is that it perfectly adapts to the polluted city air. Spruce Serbian shade-tolerant, can grow on calcareous and acidic soils. This is one of the fastest growing species, it is distinguished by a narrow cone-shaped (less often - columnar) crown.

Of the other popular types of spruce, we note:

Akron - grows in a bush or in the form of an irregular cone. Growth is average, up to 8 cm in height and 10 cm in width, but at the same time, an adult acrone rarely grows above 3-4 m, a ten-year-old specimen usually does not exceed 1.5 m. Young needles are bright green, but over time very gets very dark. Branches - hanging, arched, raised. Akron acquires a special decorative effect with the appearance of cones that grow at the ends of shoots in in large numbers and having a very spectacular, rich burgundy or bright red (depending on the level of illumination) tint in the spring

inverse - spruce with a weeping crown, if you do not initially fix the trunk on a support, does not grow above 0.5 meters, the branches will spread along the ground, annually adding 25-40 cm in length. 6-7 meters high

nidiformis - refers to dwarf species. Adult nidiformis does not grow above 1 m, while the crown (with densely spaced branches, spherical or nest-shaped) can be up to 2 m in diameter. Shoots - bright green color, annual growth - 3-5 cm. It is actively used for mass plantings in groups or creating borders, and in rock gardens

Karelian - another dwarf species spruce, does not grow above 1 m, the crown is cushion-shaped, up to 1.5 meters in diameter. Photophilous, but tolerates partial shade well. Karel perfectly adapts to the conditions of the city

Blue spruce: queen of conifers

Blue spruce(another name is prickly spruce) and derivative varieties are most often found in landscape gardening. A tree with a cone-shaped crown, can reach a height of up to 40 m. In nature, it grows along the banks of rivers and streams, planting is carried out in well-moistened places, but the water should not stagnate. Limey and dry soils are not suitable. Preferably - well-lit places, it develops well in the shade, but the color of the needles and its density may be partially lost. It adapts well to urban conditions, easily tolerates gas pollution.

But at the same time, young prickly spruce will require attention - care consists, first of all, in regular watering (and even spraying) in the summer. For the winter, it is better to tie the branches to the trunk - the snow accumulating on dense needles can simply break them. In winter, prickly spruce can get burned (especially problematic in the southern direction) due to bright sunlight, so it is better to wrap a young seedling with cotton cloth (non-woven fabric).

Thanks to active breeding, prickly spruce has many varieties, the most popular are:

glauca (Glauca) - or gray-gray, with a cone-shaped, very dense crown, with bluish-blue needles, it is distinguished by more flexible, less prickly and denser growing needles. The older the tree, the richer the color of the needles becomes. Glauka grows faster than prickly spruce, in a year it can “stretch” up to 1.5 meters. Shade-tolerant, well withstands shaping and shearing, therefore it is often used to obtain hedges

globoza (Glauca globosa) - a miniature form of Glauka, belongs to dwarfs, grows slowly (annual growth is not more than 10 cm), not growing above 2 m. The crown is spherical or irregular, may have several trunks at once. Globoza attracts with its needles - very bright, blue in color, easily tolerates pruning

prickly spruce hupsi - has the most brightly colored needles, a festive silver-blue, very saturated shade. Sometimes it may even seem that hupsi is just artificial, her needles are so bright. The variety is fast-growing (can reach a height of 11-15 m), not demanding on the soil, light-loving.

Spruces in landscape design (photo): a variety of options

Choice specific type spruce for planting is largely determined by the size of the site. For big open spaces common spruce, Serbian spruce or prickly spruce are suitable - tall beauties planted in a group (3-4 plants), they will become the dominant of the site, acting as a counterweight to the volume of the house. For small plots medium-sized and dwarf specimens are more suitable.