The Last Word

by Mary Free and Christa Watters, Extension Master Gardeners

At the end of each month in 2023, we will post The Last Word. This will introduce the new word(s) added to our Illustrated Glossary. You may recognize some words as common gardening or botanical terms—although commonly used words are not necessarily commonly understood or their usage commonly agreed to. Other words may be more obscure, found mostly in flora guides and research papers. In any case we hope you find them interesting and even helpful in your gardening endeavors.

Five evergreen species provide winter interest in the landscape of the Fairlington Community Center in January, but of those pictured only two are conifers. — Five evergreen species provide winter interest on the grounds of the Fairlington Community Center in January. Only two of the pictured plants are conifers: a *Cedrus deodara* (deodar cedar) tree (left) and a row of *Cephalotaxus harringtonia* ‘Prostrata’ (spreading plum yew) on either side of the entrance walk (in front). The broadleaf evergreens are clumps of *Yucca filamentosa* ‘Color Guard’ in front of the yews and two rows of *Prunus* *laurocerasus* (cherry laurel) behind as well as *Ilex opaca* (American holly) trees (far right). Photo © Mary Free

January’s last words are in this adage: Although most conifers are evergreens, not all evergreens are conifers. (Click on the links to go to the individual Illustrated Glossary pages and also learn How to Identify a Conifer Species.)