“Welcome Back” to The First Days of Fall Gardening

09/20/2013 Ken Lain, mountain gardener

I am one of those guys who embrace the cooler temperatures, autumn light, dropping leaves, and the musky, earthy smells that are synonymous with fall.  However, it’s interesting that folks who recently have relocated to our area from the sub-tropical…

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Zucchini / Squash Contest Results

09/16/2013 Ken Lain, mountain gardener

Congratulations to the winners of our Zucchini Squash photo contest! #1 It takes two hands to handle these whoppers!! ~ Bobbie R I planted just one zucchini plant this year. Even so, we have had zucchini for dinner almost every…

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Pansy Planting for winter

09/15/2013 Ken Lain, mountain gardener

30 second plant tip of the day – Pansy  When and how to grow winter blooming pansy [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwRG8AbuOGw&list=UUnMVYDvOo82j7XF0Hv1A_iA[/youtube]

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Flame Maple

09/14/2013 Ken Lain, mountain gardener

Flame Maple Amur Acer ginnala Ideally sized accent tree for smaller homesites in beds and borders or as a foundation planting stand out. Use as seasonal front yard attention-getter or for a long range view out back. Can be utilized…

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Quaking Aspen

09/13/2013 Ken Lain, mountain gardener

30 second plant tip of the day: Quaking Aspen – Populus tremuloides This is a superior tree for cold northern regions. It is most attractive in groves, and as components in windrows and shelterbelts. It will stand alone as a…

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In September Plants Communicate with their Gardeners

09/13/2013 Ken Lain, mountain gardener

The mountains of Arizona usually are “spotty” when it comes to rainfall.  For example, when the weather service forecasts that “there is a 40% chance of rain”, 40% of our area will see rain.  What is frustrating is that we…

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Butterfly Bush Buddleja

09/12/2013 Ken Lain, mountain gardener

30 second plant tip of the day: Butterfly Bush Buddleja A large rangy shrub useful for adding mid to late summer interest to shrub borders. Plant in the back of cottage or country garden perennial borders for mass with a…

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Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass

09/11/2013 Ken Lain, mountain gardener

Plant tip of the day: Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass Bouteloua gracilis This rugged, cold hardy native grass features blue-green foliage and striking, flag-like summer flowers on stiff, weather resistant stems. Provides cool-season interest, as the long lasting blonde seed…

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Aspen Tree Farm

09/10/2013 Ken Lain, mountain gardener

30 second plant tip of the day: Quaking Aspen tree farm.  See the Watters tree-growing farm and the aspen groves. [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fzL2z814wQ&list=UUnMVYDvOo82j7XF0Hv1A_iA[/youtube]

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Timeless Beauty® Desert Willow

09/09/2013 Ken Lain, mountain gardener

30 second plant tip of the day – Timeless Beauty® Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis: This unique selection is prized for an especially long flowering period, since it does not set seed. Large, fragrant bi-colored burgundy and pale lavender blooms appear…

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