Coniferous Pepper Pots

I remember clearly the first time I saw a conifer tree 'smoke' with pollen blowing on the breeze during spring.  I remain fascinated when I see this happening and it was probably a key moment when my general dislike of conifers started to be chipped away at.  Suddenly the dull green cone-shaped trees that I thought were unchanging through the seasons, had a moment of interest.
Currently in the Courtyard I have a couple of conifers growing in containers: there is a variegated Crytomeria sekkan sugi, which I have had for a few years now.  It is not a tall tree and is slow growing and so perfect to be in a container.  In many ways it is a double-horror to me, conifer and variegated, yet it is a great addition to the Courtyard as it brightens up this shady space. There is also a 'spare' cypress tree (just by the side of the Crytomeria) which was left over from when I planted up the front garden.  It was a bit poorly for a while so I bunged it in a pot (specialist gardening technical term) and put it in the Courtyard.  There is sits, not doing a huge amount, but I am happy enough with it. Imagine my joy when I realize that both are getting ready to flower. Tiny little peppercorn strobilus are forming.  They are so cute and also just a little bit exciting. I am in danger of getting fascinated by conifers, I have to beware such a turn of events, I might become a conifer convert.