March 2012

To my fellow Conifer Enthusiasts:

Welcome to the Porterhowse Farms Website.

Another spring approaches, and I notice that the buds are expanding and turning green on the Larix varieties, and other early growing plants in my collection. Also, the early spring bulbs are beginning to bloom. These are always welcome sights. The turning of the clock and calendar remind me that I too am aging, and another spring is always welcome.

The arboretum and display gardens here at Porterhowse Farms are also advancing in age, and becoming mature. I have been collecting conifers and other companion plants for the past 31 years. The collection is in superb condition, with thanks to my wholesale partners, Rita and Randy Oster, of R&R Nursery. I am continually amazed to witness the subtle changes here, as the plants grow and the gardens mature. Because of natural occurances, like winter storms, some plants have been removed, while other new selections have been added. It is always a joy for me to show the collection to visitors. Also I enjoy being able to offer plants for sale that have been propagated and grown from the collection. I have a significant selection of plants to offer this year.

The website reflects my 30+ years of collecting plants for the gardens and arboretum here at Porterhowse Farms. We use the collection of conifers here at Porterhowse Farms to propagate and grow plants for sale. Porterhowse Farms has more than 2000 conifer species and cultivars in the collection, plus numerous companion plants. To view a descriptive page and possible photo of any of the conifers in my collection click on the tab above: “Database”. Each plant in this list has a separate descriptive page with information that I have assembled about the item. This section is dynamic and always under construction, as I add information to the individual pages, and possibly even upload a photo. I am making the best effort to be accurate and factual about the plants in the collection, and true to botanical nomenclature. It is my intention that this list be an informational resource. The data pages for the individual conifers in the “Database” can be accessed by clicking on the appropriate genus and species, and then from the list of varieties you can enter the individual pages

To view the list of available conifer plants click on the tab above: “Conifers Available”. The list consists of plants we have propagated and grown, and are currently suitable for sales and shipment. They are available in two sizes: GP (Grafting Pot) for plants propagated this past year, and #1 Pot (also known as 1 Gal. pot) for 2 year and older plants. I do not ship any plants larger than the #1 pot size. However I do sell plants in larger sized containers here on site.

You are always welcome to come and visit me here at Porterhowse Farms and tour the Arboretum and Gardens. My only request is that you call ahead so I can arrange my schedule to welcome you and show you Porterhowse Farms, and the collection.

Best regards,
Don Howse