WINTER always brings to mind the conebearing evergreens, probably because they are native to cold climates and grow well in places where temperatures are low.

However, nearly all of the conifers do well in California and so they merit attention.

Conifers, as the name implies, bear cone-shaped scaly fruit. Although the fruit in some conifers is modified to a berrylike structure, it still shows scaly tips on the outside and exposed seeds when examined closely,

The conifers serve many purposes. Cedars or deodars, of course, make excellent live Christmas trees, as do the Sequoia and firs. The beauty of these trees should not be spoiled by excess pruning. Branches projecting out of the pyramid may be cut. If you want the.trees to become more bushy, nip out the central buds on branch tips. Do not destroy the central bud on the topmost point. It two top leaders are present, trim one off. A side branch tied and braced into an upright position will 'take the place of a leader If the top is injured,

Cypress usually serves as accent points or hedges in landscape planting, and as such are invaluable. Some species grow very tall and others are much lower. Tecate cypress is perhaps the fastest growing of all, is long-lived and not subject to attacks of borers and fungus. For a tall silvery-green hedge, the tecate cannot be beaten.

JUNIPERS are all handsome yet fill many needs. There is a juniper for every need for hedge, background, foreground, ground cover, column, espalier or tree. Adaptable to all extremes, this sturdy vegetation becomes increasingly popular each year. Junipers should be pruned by disjointing fronds at stem points. If the plant appears unbalanced, a whole side branch may be cut off, but do this sparingly. Late spring is preferred for heavy pruning, but evergreens for the indoors may be snipped in the winter.

Pines are valuable for several reasons. Most of them grow quickly and the deep green or silver tracery of their fine-cut needles enhances any home. Pines are rugged and should grow naturally except for an occasional light shaping.

Yews serve admirably for hedges both large and low, wide or tight. They make splendid dwarf shrubs or tall shrubs, spreaders, espaliers, columns or rock garden plants. Seldom turning brown or yellow- green, they give a green glossiness to the winter garden. Although yews are lovely grown loosely, long shoots may be shortened in early spring to prevent plants from becoming too open. They may be roughly shaped at any season but large hedge shears should not be used until growth is active.

One who desires to obtain the beauty of an outdoor Christmas tree for the home will do well to give some thought now to fitting such a tree into the general landscaping layout. A small tree planted haphazardly now may become an unwanted "orphan" in the general landscaping later. Size up your yard area carefully, perhaps consult a neighbor who has an outdoor tree or talk it over with your nurseryman who will be glad to help. Then buy your tree.

Perhaps buying a small tree and keeping it temporarily in a tin container or a tub will help. That way,' the tree may be moved about until its proper place in the landscaping can be determined.