12 Low-Maintenance Landscape Tips & Tricks

07/19/2023 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Every landscape needs some upkeep. Many are labors of love for the outdoors, nature, and all plants that grow in the yard. Water by hand and mowing take up large amounts of time and…

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Thrilling Plants Perfect for BIG Pots

02/08/2023 Ken Davis

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Spring trees begin to bloom this issue. Trees are noble works of nature, and we are humbled by their greatness. While walking through the redwoods of California or admiring the massive structure of a…

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Why January is the Best Month to Plant Wildflowers

01/26/2023 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener On the Go Answer – Readers Digest-type Condensed Version of this Article Wildflowers are best planted in winter Most flowers prefer at least 6 six hours of sun per day Hydromulch – blend wildflower…

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Narrow Side Yards Made Beautifully

11/17/2022 Ken Davis

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Many mountain homes have a side yard that is not only long and narrow but treacherously steep. Good landscape design for such a layout is complicated at best. A good design ties the entire…

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Insider Secrets Your Landscaper Won’t Share

10/20/2022 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Readers Digest Condensed Version of this Article Plants look best when planted together in odd numbers. Add garden interest by planting smaller plants in front of taller ones. Hardscaping is everything non-living, like irrigation…

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Refreshing Poolside Landscapes for the Perfect Patio

08/11/2022 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener There are as many ways to landscape around the pool as possible styles and shapes of pools. Formal styles show off the pool as part of your home’s architecture. Whatever your style, you need…

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A Mountain Evergreen that Grows FAST!

05/05/2022 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener The Deodar cedar, Cedrus deodara, is an evergreen conifer favored for its gracefully drooping branches. It is often used as a specimen tree on large properties and parks, often used to line streets. This…

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Dramatic Weeping Trees for Any Garden

03/16/2022 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Redbud The branches of a weeping tree gracefully flow and draw style into your garden. Many weeping varieties have “pendulum” or “pendula” in their name, stemming from the Latin pendula, meaning “hang down.” Weeping…

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9 Places for the Best Desert Groundcovers

12/15/2021 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener What are the best ground cover plants for desert landscapes? Drought tolerant ground cover you can walk on. Where should you plant ground cover? Arizona ground cover plants. Xeriscape ground cover Neon Sedum Creeping…

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Wildflowers for Christmas & Other Gifts for Gardeners

12/08/2021 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener How do you grow wildflowers from seed? When should wildflower seeds be planted? How do you plant wildflower seed? Gift ideas for gardeners. The best wildflower seed mixes. Watters gift cards as stocking stuffers.…

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