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A universal favorite among the conifers Kosters Blue Spruce (Kosteriana) has such superb color and fine form that few other trees can match its exceptional beauty. A slow growing pyramidal evergreen tree it is unlikely to reach more than 2-3 m in ten years and 6-10 m tall with spread of 3-6 m when mature. Needle-like foliage is frosty blue all year, but particularly pronounced in spring when new shoots appear. Climate influences color to a certain extent, in cool areas the blue is more intense than in warmer places. When young, branches reach ground level, later the tree becomes higher branched and open with slightly drooping branch tips.

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The sweeping view of Sydney from the end of this long room inspired the sea and sky blue used by designer Patricia with walls and glazed ceiling in white. The whole room is a serene, cool setting for a fine collection of oriental. In a corner of these rooms, Chinese porcelain arranged on an antiques Black-wood altar tables. On a rustic log table in living room, planter by potter has a maidenhair hat; floor cushions in old velvets. Only strong color that used is in the bathroom, with slate floor and pine fixtures. Small dining table set in window of the guest suite. Recycled lead-light window’s in attic bedrooms. Beautiful arch between hall and kitchen was uncovered during restoration. New stairs lead down 10 cellar guest suite, and up to a quaint bedroom in the attic.

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The widely known traditional English Holy (Ilex aquifolium) increases in beauty in age. A slow-growing, long-lived evergreen with pyramidal growth habit, it generally takes about 20 years to reach 5 m tall and 2-3 m wide in the southern hemisphere although it is capable to obtaining a height of 15 m under ideal conditions. Lustrous, dark green leaves have spiny, wavy margin; as the tree increase in height spines are largely absent. Holly plants are either male or female; to obtain berries, both sexes must be planted – or purchase a female plant with grafted male branch. A very sturdy cold-climate plant capable of withstanding extreme cold it also does well in temperate districts but does not berry as lavishly or color as well.

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