Trees that make January less dreary in the garden are always worth considering. I’ve never been a huge fan of conifers, but as I potter about in my garden this month, I find myself wondering why I haven’t planted more of them. As garden plants, they have been long out of favour and under-appreciated. Just now, when most gardens tend to be comparatively bare and lacking in colour, some strategically placed, evergreen conifers can make a valuable contribution of colour, texture and structural interest.