Junipers are a versatile and generally hardy genus of conifers. Conifers are a primitive form of plant which produces a seed though no flower. As a result of this, they are predominantly grown in the garden for their form. The form Junipers take is extremely varied with varieties ranging in height from 20cm up to 15m tall. A great advantage for anybody who doesn’t want to spend too much time maintaining their garden is that Junipers are slow growing and live for a very long time. Once established, most varieties will not need to be touched again and in fact heavy pruning will deform and possibly kill the plant. Any pruning, if required, should be of the new growth only, avoiding the older wood. The woody branches when cut will usually not grow back. Of course if you happen to be growing the Juniper for a Bonsai then this characteristic is quite desirable.

The small male cones open up in spring to and pollinate the female cones with the help of the wind or gravity, though not all varieties have male and female flowers on the one plant. The seed develops in a fleshy cone which looks similar to a berry.

The fruit from some varieties are used in a number of ways by humans. A sauce made from the berries provides a great flavour in to roasted meats and is especially popular with game. Traditional medicine has used it for treating diabetes and urinary tract disease and many of its properties are now being studied for use in western medicine. The most widely know use for Juniper berries is in the distillation of gin.

Juniper is distant relative of our local Bunya pine and like most conifers has a wonderful pine oil smell when rubbed or cut.

Most Junipers prefer acid soils and while they enjoy regular water can endure long periods without additional watering. The plant in the photograph grows on the edge of a rock wall and has never had more than rain water in its 20 years of life.

If you would like to include Junipers as a part of your garden landscape, visit a local nursery to see what varieties grow best in the region. I highly recommend Junipers as a feature plant that can be enjoyed for generations to come.