Watters Garden Center

05/17/202405/17/2024

Five Fabulous Ways to Design with Roses

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

Readers Digest Condensed Version of this Article

#1 Tall Roses and Climbers inject vibrant color into evergreen foundation plantings.

#2 Roses grow well in large containers for years of fragrant enjoyment on patios, decks, and courtyards.

#3 Plant roses en masse, train them into unique shapes like patio trees or let them sprawl as groundcovers.

#4 Tall roses can be grown into privacy screens, property dividers, or artistic focal points.

#5 Transform plain walls, fences, and arbors into floral masterpieces with climbing roses and ramblers

5 Companion Plants for Better Roses

Roses, the timeless beauties of the garden, are now more accessible than ever. Their captivating blend of colors, textures, and growth habits offer a versatile and practical option for any landscape. Modern breeding advancements have made them more disease-resistant and easier to grow. So, why not incorporate these dreamy shrubs into every corner of your landscape? Here are five fresh and practical ideas to inspire your rose designs this spring.

#1 Borderline Brilliance – Roses aren’t just for starring roles; they excel as supporting actors in mixed borders. Taller varieties like Crimson Sky Climbing Roseadd height and drama to the back of a border, while free-flowering, mid-sized granda-flora roses inject vibrant color into evergreen foundation plantings.

2024 Recommended Varieties:

#2 Container Romance: Bring the allure of roses to patios, balconies, and hardscaped areas with roses filling container gardens. A single showstopper shrub in a large pot makes a bold statement, while the new compact roses, like the orange Coral Cove Elegance Rose, thrive in mixed plantings with perennials and annuals.

2024 Recommended Varieties:

#3 Dramatic Flair – For a truly unforgettable impact, use roses en masse, train them into unique shapes like standards, or let them sprawl as groundcovers. Apricot Drift Groundcover Rose is a stunning example of the latter, cascading over slopes and softening edges.

2024 Recommended Varieties:

#4 Living Architecture – Move beyond traditional hedges and explore the structural potential of roses. Tall shrub roses like the versatile America Climbing Rose can be trained as privacy screens, property dividers, or artistic focal points. For a unique twist, use lower-growing varieties to outline pathways or delineate garden sections.

Remember, the secret to a lush hedge is close planting, ideally no more than 18 inches apart.

2024 Recommended Varieties:

#5 Vertical Enchantment – Transform plain walls, fences, and arbors into floral masterpieces with climbing roses and ramblers. Fragrant Eden Climber Rose is a classic choice, but pay attention to the charm of shorter varieties for adorning pillars and tuteurs. Be sure to choose a sturdy support structure, as some climbers can reach impressive heights.

2024 Recommended Varieties:

Roses, now easier than ever to grow, offer endless design possibilities. Don’t limit yourself to the flower bed. You can create vibrant borders, container displays, dramatic landscape features, living architecture, and vertical gardens with roses. You can bring these design ideas to life, and now is the ideal season to plant roses.

More In-depth Reading: 5 Companion Plants for Better Roses

As you embark on your rose gardening journey, remember that Watters Garden Center is here to support you with expert advice and a wide selection of roses with local style. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your rose displays are stunning. Let’s create together!

Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners design better rose gardens here at Watters Garden Center.

05/09/202405/09/2024

9 Tiny Flowers that Beautify Your Garden

By Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener

Few can resist the impressive sight of a giant sunflower or a stand of stately delphiniums in the landscape. If you’ve overlooked the appeal of tiny flowers, you’re missing out on a world of fragrance and beauty that will enhance your borders, hanging baskets, and even fairy gardens.

The wonder of tiny flowers lies in their sheer mass; a single plant may contain thousands of flowers beckoning butterflies with their shallow nectar tubes. Many tiny flowers are highly drought-proof; their small size helps them reduce moisture lost to evaporation. Tuck them into a rock wall, plant them between pavers, use them as fillers, or add them to cut flower arrangements. Then watch how these minuscule but mighty blooms encourage you to stop and get a closer look at nature’s perfection in diminutive form.

Here are 9 tiny flowers to consider for your garden:

Autumn Sage, Salvia greggii, the longest blooming sage in crimson-red, signals spring with continual flowers broadcast right through Autumn. Hummingbirds and gardeners fall for this knee-high bloomer that deserves a prominent location in the garden’s hotter spots.

Baby’s Breath, Gypsophila paniculata, is best known as a filler flower in bouquets, but this perennial flower shines in the garden. Though delicate in appearance, it’s tough. Plants thrive in dry, average soil but prefer alkaline conditions, making them ideal for rock gardens. ‘Bristol Fairy’ is a reliable performer, blooming from April through late summer.

Fairy Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, is known as starflower and alpine blossom. The plant can be started from seed, but growing from starter plants at Watters Garden Center is easier. As the photo suggests, the plants will happily grow in any rock crevice or wall. Unlike many rock garden plants, fairy foxglove likes to grow in dry shade.

Forget-Me-Not, Myosotis, is a stunning plant for your woodland garden that rabbits and deer won’t bother. The plants are covered in bright blue flowers with cheerful yellow eyes in April and May. Although a short-lived perennial, the plant easily self-seeds and returns for many years in moist areas.

Kenilworth Ivy, Cymbalaria muralis, is also called ivy-leaved toadflax. It blooms in the afternoon shade in moist soil from spring to fall. The stunning scalloped foliage adds texture to the landscape even when the lavender flowers are done blooming.

Million Bells Petunia, Calibrachoa, are a staple at the Lain casa for containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes because of their long-lasting blooms and various colors. The trumpet-shaped flowers are a dead giveaway for their ability to attract hummingbirds, and the variety of colors makes them easy to add to any garden space.

Rock Cress, Aubrieta, offers more than a dozen hybrids. In mid-to-late spring, the evergreen foliage sports hundreds of pink, purple, or blue flowers on two- to four-inch plants. Trim the plants after blooming to maintain a compact shape.

Sweet Alyssum, Lobularia maritima, offers a fragrance often compared to fresh honey. The plants are readily available in various colors at Watters Garden Center. The seeds germinate very quickly, and transplants thrive in cool spring weather. Shear the plants when blooming gets sparse to rejuvenate these annuals.

Thyme, Thymus, is a plant that can do double duty in the garden. Choose a cultivar that acts as a flowering ground cover and has culinary value, such as “Italian Oregano” thyme. All thymes need full sun and good drainage. Shearing after the spring blooms will encourage new growth and attract native bees and pollinators. The leaves add their savory essence to your soups and vegetables.

Insider Tip – Increase fragrance and flowers with Watters local blooming formula, ‘Flower Power 12-48-8‘. Plants easily produce more flowers with stronger stems. Designed with flowers and beauty in mind, but excellent at doing the same for Tomatoes, Vegetables, Berries, Grapes, Lilacs, Roses, and Flower Baskets. Use this instant soluble plant food twice a month for exceptional flowers.

Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners grow better flowers here at Watters Garden Center.

05/02/202405/02/2024

Southwest to Life: 8 Stunning Plants for a Native Landscape

By Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener

Arizona’s enchanting landscapes, where the rugged desert meets the majestic mountains, boast over 4,000 native plants, adding vibrancy and resilience to your outdoor oasis. As you embark on your garden journey this spring, consider these 8 vibrant plants carefully selected to transform your Arizona landscape into something unique and beautiful.

1. Bear Grass, Nolina microcarpa, adds a touch of elegance and texture to any landscape. In spring, this clumping perennial grass produces rosettes of stiff, evergreen leaves and tall spikes of white flowers. Bear grass is surprisingly low-maintenance, tolerating drought and poor soil conditions.

2. California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica, is a vibrant wildflower showcasing large, showy flowers in hues of yellow and orange. Despite its beauty, the Arizona poppy can be challenging to cultivate, requiring well-draining soil and full sun. However, its resilience in harsh environments makes it a unique addition to more extensive wildflower gardens.

3. Desert Marigold, Baileya multiradiata, is a burst of sunshine in the desert that brightens any landscape with its cheerful yellow flowers. This low-growing wildflower thrives in well-drained soil and is a welcome sight in summer. The perfect wildflower companion with Arizona Poppy.

4. Gray Leaf Cotoneaster, is a low-growing shrub valued for its attractive foliage and non-stop seasonal interest. Soft, gray-green leaves provide year-round beauty, while clusters of white flowers emerge in spring, followed by bright red berries that attract birds in Autumn. This drought-hardy shrub thrives in bright sunlight conditions.

5. Manzanita, Arctostaphylos, is a quintessential Arizona shrub prized for its year-round beauty. The evergreen leaves provide winter interest, while clusters of white or pink flowers emerge in spring, followed by red berries that attract birds. Manzanita tolerates harsh soil conditions. We have three staggered heights: Howard McMinn is a head-high variety, Panchito Manzanita is a tidier hip-high variety, and Kinnikinnick Manzanita is a low-growing groundcover. Plant all three for a fascinating native landscape.

6. Ponderosa Pine, Pinus ponderosa, with its majestic presence, adds grandeur to any landscape. This evergreen giant thrives in diverse climates, from mountain slopes to canyons, and provides valuable habitat for wildlife. Loved for its aromatic wood, the Ponderosa Pine also has historical significance for Native American tribes

7. Russian Sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a late-season bloomer that adds elegance to Arizona landscapes. This herbaceous perennial boasts tall spikes of lavender flowers that bloom from midsummer through Autumn and attract butterflies. Russian Sage thrives in hot sun and wind.

8. Sweet Katie Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis, is a captivating flowering tree that adds vibrant color to your garden. Trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white erupt in spring and summer, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. Despite its name, this fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree thrives in various climates, making it a versatile choice for Arizona landscapes. With the introduction of the ‘Sweet Bubba’ variety, the tree now flowers in waves of color through summer without forming the local bean pods.

Bonus: Prickly Pear Cactus, Opuntia, no Arizona landscape is complete without a cactus, and the Prickly Pear Cactus is a natural choice. These iconic cacti come in various shapes and sizes, with some sporting colorful flowers. All of which provide valuable habitats for desert wildlife. Prickly pear cactus pads can even be used in Southwestern Cuisine!

By including these native Arizona natives, you create a beautiful, sustainable landscape that celebrates the unique character of the Southwest. These native plants are adapted to our climate, requiring less water and maintenance than non-native species. They also provide vital food and shelter for native pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

Explore the exciting world of Arizona’s native plants at Watters Garden Center. With some planning, you can create a vibrant and sustainable landscape that reflects the natural beauty of your desert home.

Garden Alert—The Thrip is the smallest of insects and has been spotted on local flowers, especially Iris, Roses, and peonies. Symptoms include flowers slow to open, even shorter bloom times, and possible blackened pedals. New leaf growth can be crinkled and deformed. Thrips are sometimes called ‘No See Um’ for their tendency to bite gardeners’ skin. Spray immediately with Watters ‘Cyonora‘ bug spray to protect your flower gardens this spring.

Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners grow natural native plants here at Watters Garden Center.

04/26/202404/26/2024

Pot to Plate: Insider Tips to Luscious Tomatoes in Containers

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

Readers Digest Condensed Version of this Article

Big pots is better: Tomato plants prefer 1-2 square feet of soil per plant. Bury most of your tomato seedling stem when transplanting exposing only the top foliage.

Aqua Boost Crystals added to the soil regulates summer moisture for juicier fruits.

Water early in the morning until water seeps through the pot and fills the saucer.

Feed 2X monthly with Flower Power

Tomatoes require 6+ hours of sun each day.

Tomatoes, a summertime staple, thrive in sprawling gardens and in convenient containers on your balcony or patio! Here are 5 essential factors to ensure your potted tomato plants flourish this spring.

Think Big When Choosing Containers – Unlike in-ground counterparts, containerized tomatoes have limited access to nutrients and water. To compensate, provide ample space for their roots. Opt for containers at least 1 square foot per plant, ideally 2 square feet. Five-gallon black growers buckets are perfect for this purpose. Ensuring the pots have excellent drainage, with multiple holes at the bottom, is crucial to prevent root rot.

Deep Planting for Stronger Plants – While most seedlings prefer shallow planting, tomatoes are the exception. Dig deep enough to bury most of the stem when transplanting your tomato seedling, exposing only the top foliage. This encourages additional root growth along the buried stem, leading to a sturdier, healthier plant.

The Art of Watering—Consistent moisture is vital for containerized tomatoes. Since potting soil dries out faster than in-ground soil, closely monitor your garden’s water content. Watters Aqua Boost Crystals mixed in the soil retain water, releasing it back to plants during the heat of the day.

Insider Container Tip: Fill your container with Watters Potting Soil top to bottom. Mix Aqua Boost Crystals in the soil around the tomato roots. Plant the container on a water-holding saucer. When irrigating your tomato, run water until it flows through the soil and fills the saucer. You just created a self-watering container garden. As your tomato needs more water during the heat of the day, it will naturally wick water from the saucer. Easy Peasy.

Water deeply in the mornings, directly at the base of the plant, to avoid fungal issues. During hot or windy spells, you might need to water twice daily. Signs of underwatering include wilting plants and blossom end rot (fruit with sunken black spots). Overwatering manifests as yellowing leaves and mushy stems.

Feed Tomatoes 2X Monthly with Flower Power. Tomatoes need a lot of food to grow, from seedlings to plants that can be taller than the average gardener. A quality food includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Check your potting mix – some pre-mixed options already contain these nutrients. Tomato Plants fruit better when fed every other month with Watters Flower Power. This food grows amazing tomatoes dipped in the taste of summer.

Sun! Glorious Sun! Tomatoes are sun-worshippers, requiring at least 6+ hours of sunlight daily, ideally more. Use a sun calculator or simply observe your chosen location throughout the day to ensure it receives adequate sunlight. As the sun’s position changes over the growing season, monitor your pots and adjust their placement to maintain optimal sun exposure. Tomatoes love warmth and protect young seedlings from harsh sun and wind to prevent scorching. Avoid placing them outdoors when temperatures dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, extended periods exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit can hinder flower and fruit production.

Following these tips and providing a little TLC, you will enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, homegrown tomatoes ripe from your balcony or patio!

Garden Alert Pinion Pine Scale is bad this spring. Symptoms of a sick tree are brown needles dropping from a thin and whispy tree. Take a close look at the needles; it looks like garden fairies grew multiple black dots on each needle that drops. These black dots are an insect sucking the lift out of your tree and at high risk of death. Treat ASAP with Watters Tree & Shrub Drench, a year-long protection cure. Feed with 7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food to encourage new solid needles this spring.

Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners grow big bold tomatoes here at Watters Garden Center.

04/18/202404/18/2024

Rose Power Up! 5 Plants for Roses that Thrive

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

Readers Digest Condensed Version of this Article

Roses Hate being in the same garden with large trees and shrubs that shade, vegetables that attract insects and disease, grasses and their roots, peonies and dahlia, Fennel, and being near Black Walnut Trees.
Top 5 Companion Plants that help roses. Allium, Lavender, Geranium, Catmint, and herbal Sage.
Free Garden Class April 20 – New Flower Introductions for 2024

The mountains of Arizona make rose gardening some of the easiest in the country. Roses thrive in bright sun; the more the merrier, surrounded by dry air and a whisp of wind, roses thrive locally. Imagine 1000 roses in bloom at the same time. The roses arrive at Watters Garden Center this week, the best time to plant in the gardens.

Everyone enjoys a full, robust garden throughout the year, but every plant and flower has its blooming period. One of the many benefits of companion gardening is that planting certain varieties with roses makes the garden look full, lush, and vibrant, no matter the season. Plus, they aid in the well-being and health of your beloved rose plants.

Before You Plant

Consider sunlight and water needs. Choose companions that have similar requirements to roses, which typically thrive in at least six hours of sun with well-drained garden soil.
Don’t crowd your roses. Avoid plants that are overly competitive for water and nutrients.
Promote good airflow. This helps prevent fungal diseases in roses.

Top 5 Companion Plants for Roses

Alliums Boast bright purple, globe-shaped flowers that complement early-blooming roses. Alliums deter pests like aphids and more, and their sculptural seedheads add interest after blooming.

Lavender has an herbal fragrance that repels aphids and masks the scent of roses, making them less attractive to pests. Lavender also improves drainage and aeration in the soil, benefiting both roses and other herbs in the garden. Plant lavender 18-36″ inches from roses for airflow.

Geraniums, especially those with rose-scented leaves, pair beautifully with roses. Their nectar attracts pollinators like bees and hoverflies, which benefit roses. Plant geraniums 8-12″ inches from roses and deadhead regularly for continuous blooms.

Catmint creates a gorgeous ground cover and attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on aphids. Catmint thrives in more sun than shade and requires minimal care. Plant 12-24″ inches from roses.

Sage is a heat-loving herb with a strong scent that deters pests like aphids, whiteflies, and Japanese beetles. Plant sage 12-18″ inches from roses to allow good airflow and prevent disease.

Roses Hate these Plants and should be Avoided

Large trees and shrubs cast shade and compete for water and nutrients.
Vegetables attract pests and diseases that harm roses.
Grasses have extensive root systems that compete with roses for water and nutrients.
Peonies and dahlias are heavy feeders that outcompete roses for resources.
Fennel attracts butterflies, which is good, but they also attract aphids, which is bad for roses.
Black walnut trees release a chemical that inhibits plant growth, including roses.

Incorporating these companion plants into your rose garden creates a beautiful, healthy display that thrives all season.

FREE GARDEN CLASS – Learn more at Watters free garden class. The spring class schedule is up, and this week, we will go deep into tips, tricks, and local flower hacks, so join the garden fun. Here’s the 2024 Garden Classes lineup and the following few classes.

April 20 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am: New Flower Introductions for 2024

It was a long mountain winter, and we’re ready for color in the garden! We’ve hand-picked the finest flowers from our favorite farms to go and grow in your garden. Choose, combine, and create beds bursting with blossoms with exclusive, new annual and perennial flowers in various vibrant varieties.

Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners grow healthier roses here at Watters Garden Center.

04/12/2024

Butterfly-Friendly Herbs for the Garden

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

With increasing awareness of the risks of certain pesticides to essential pollinators like butterflies and bees, modern gardeners are turning to plant selections that foster these beneficial insects by providing attractive habitats and food sources free from harmful chemicals.

To allure butterflies, gardeners should focus on vibrant blossoms and establish a safe haven where these insects can feed on nectar and find shelter and hydration. Butterflies and bees thrive in organic environments free from toxins, making them excellent indicators of a healthy garden ecosystem.

In addition to various colorful garden flowers, several common herbs lend themselves well to a butterfly garden, adding visual appeal and aromatic fragrance. Here are five essential herbs to consider incorporating into your butterfly-friendly garden space:

Catmint, Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb that demands a strategic planting approach due to its vigorous growth. Beyond its feline appeal, catmint acts as a strong attractant for butterflies. While you may need to protect catnip from enthusiastic feline visitors, this herb comes in various sizes and forms, making it adaptable to different garden landscapes

Chives, Allium schoenoprasum, are clumping herbs that maintain their position in the garden, gradually expanding over time without invasive tendencies. Bees and butterflies are drawn to the fluffy blossoms of chives, making them a valuable addition to a pollinator garden. Regular division enables chives to thrive and continue attracting beneficial insects.

Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, stands captivating at 3-4′ feet tall, enticing a myriad of insects, including Monarchs. Caution is advised when harvesting fennel to safeguard Monarch caterpillars, allowing them to develop into butterflies undisturbed. Avoid planting fennel near dill, as it may affect their growth. Consider growing two patches of fennel, one for your use and another left untouched to serve as a sanctuary for butterflies.

Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, is known for its aromatic beauty and a favorite among beneficial insects and humans. Lavender is a versatile choice for various garden styles, with numerous varieties ready to plant at the garden center. Apart from its aesthetic value, lavender yields essential oil with healing properties. By cultivating lavender in your garden, you can enjoy its soothing benefits while attracting various insects. Lavender thrives in hot, dry conditions and blooms from early to late in the growing season, making it a vital addition to any butterfly garden.

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, stands out as a robust herb in a butterfly garden. It boasts a spicy scent and enduring flowers that persist even under harsh conditions. While known for its medicinal properties, yarrow’s showy blooms sustain butterflies throughout the growing season. Yarrow can spread aggressively in its native form and can be used in various colors and shapes. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent yarrow plants from flopping due to waterlogging.

Integrating these five herbs into your gardens will attract more butterflies this year. Your garden’s visual appeal is enhanced with beauty and butterflies, a win for everyone. Prioritizing these herbs benefits your garden and contributes to conserving vital insect populations.

Learn more at a free garden class. The spring class schedule is up, and next week, we will discuss tips, tricks, and local garden hacks, so join the garden fun. Here’s the 2024 Garden Classes lineup and the following few classes.

April 12 @ 9:30 am MY FIRST HERB AND VEGETABLE GARDENS

We’ll cover the best heirloom varieties to local favorites and highlight soil preparation, best practices, and care. Let’s get ready to plant!

April 20 @ 9:30 am NEW FLOWER INTRODUCTIONS FOR 2024

It was a long mountain winter, and we’re all ready for color in the garden! We hand-picked the finest flowers from our favorite farms to grow in your garden. Choose, combine, and create beds bursting with blossoms with exclusive, new annual and perennial flowers in various vibrant varieties.

Until next week, I’ll be helping local gardeners attract more butterflies here at Watters Garden Center.

04/05/202404/05/2024

Garden Wellness: 6 Super Healthy Vegetables for Easy Gardening

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

Readers Digest Condensed Version of this Article

Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A) and antioxidants, they come in many varieties, including short season for continuous harvest.

Chili Peppers: Hot or sweet, contain capsaicin for potential health benefits, and grow well in hot weather.

Kale and Cooking Greens: Kale is a superfood with vitamins and minerals. For variety, consider amaranth and collards.

Scallions are easy to grow, provide antioxidant benefits and vitamins, and can be replanted with store-bought scallions for a free harvest.

Spinach: Packed with vitamins and minerals, it is great for vegetarians and meat-eaters. Plant early and replant for fall harvest.

Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, tomatoes potentially reduce cancer risk. Cook for maximum benefit, and enjoy a variety of vitamins and minerals.

It is true, all vegetables have health benefits. These vegetables stand out as nutritional powerhouses while being incredibly easy to grow. Cultivating your own vegetable garden provides fresh backyard produce and ensures maximum nutrient intake. When incorporating healthier options into your diet, consider planting these 6 super healthy and easy-to-grow vegetables.

Carrots are more than just a crunchy snack. Rich in beta-carotene, they contribute to healthy vision and offer antioxidant properties. Additionally, carrots are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This year, you can grow a mix of short, long, or baby carrots in your garden, with various types available. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Hot Peppers have a fiery reputation that is beneficial to your health. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for their spiciness, offers numerous advantages, including pain relief, antibacterial properties, and reported cholesterol reduction. These peppers are also high in vitamin C and other essential nutrients. While sweet peppers require a longer growing season, hot peppers are more forgiving, thriving in warmer climates and even indoors during colder months. Learn more: Sow & Grow Peppers Like a Pro.

Kale has gained popularity as a superfood due to its high fiber and abundant vitamins and minerals. Known for cancer-fighting properties and cardiovascular benefits, kale is a versatile vegetable that can be incorporated into various dishes. Consider expanding your leafy green collection to include amaranth and collards, which provide similar health advantages and are equally easy to cultivate.

Scallions, Onions, and garlic are well-known for their health benefits, but scallions offer a milder yet nutritious alternative. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K, and folate, scallions are an excellent source of fiber when consumed with leafy greens. They are easy to grow from starts at the garden center or from seed, adding freshness and flavor to your meals year-round.

Spinach: A powerhouse of nutrients, spinach is a top source of vitamins A, C, K, and folate, essential for bone health and overall well-being. Its antioxidant properties and mineral content, including calcium and iron, make spinach a valuable addition to any diet. While spinach prefers cooler temperatures, you can plant it early in the season and successively throughout the year for a prolonged harvest, ensuring a fresh supply of greens.

Tomatoes: Recent studies highlight the health benefits of lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes. Known for reducing cancer risks, particularly prostate cancer, and improving cholesterol levels, tomatoes are a nutritious addition to any diet. To maximize lycopene absorption, consume cooked tomatoes or tomato sauce, which concentrate the nutrients. Tomatoes also offer a plethora of vitamins and minerals, further enhancing their health-promoting properties. Plus, they are just better fresh off the vine. Learn more: Insiders Secrets to Growing Tomatoes.

By incorporating these 6 super healthy and easy-to-grow vegetables into your garden, you can elevate your diet with nutrient-rich, fresh produce while enjoying the simple pleasures of gardening. Start planning your vegetable garden today and reap the benefits of homegrown goodness.

Learn more at a free garden class. The spring class schedule is up, and next week, we will go deep into tips, tricks, and local garden hacks, so join the garden fun. Here’s the 2024 Garden Classes lineup and the following few classes.

April 6 @ 9:30 am LILACS AND BETTER FRAGRANT GARDENS

Lilacs have come a long way from your grandmother’s garden, with new colors, shapes, sizes, and fragrances for the style of any gardener.

April 12 @ 9:30 am MY FIRST HERB AND VEGETABLE GARDENS

We’ll cover the best heirloom varieties to local favorites and highlight soil preparation, best practices, and care. Let’s get ready to plant!

April 20 @ 9:30 am NEW FLOWER INTRODUCTIONS FOR 2024

Until next week, I’ll be helping local gardeners grow healthier vegetables here at Watters Garden Center.

03/28/202403/28/2024

Breathe Deeply: 10 Fragrant Roses That Will Fill Your Garden

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

Roses are synonymous with beauty, romance, and their captivating scent. Choosing the most fragrant roses can be overwhelming, with hundreds to choose from at the garden center this spring. Fear not, rose enthusiasts! This guide unveils 10 exceptional blooms guaranteed to tantalize your nose and transform your garden into a fragrant oasis.

Preorder Your Roses Online from my online rose store @ Top10Roses.com Order online and pick up in store

Anna’s Promise: praises the true heart and steadfast love that transcends the trials and tribulations endured by Downton Abbey’s character, Anna Bates. The unique color combination of golden petals with a pink blush and glowing bronze reverse is a fitting representation of Anna’s character. Grandiflora blossoms surrounded by glossy, green foliage exude a spicy fruit fragrance.

Blue Girl:The color of this Hybrid Tea will attract attention in the garden or a vase. Shooting up on long stems, she produces fully double, classic-shaped, fragrant flowers with 35 to 40 petals—all in a rare shade of lavender blue.

Burgundy Iceberg: Where Elegance Meets Fragrance. Imagine a cascading waterfall of deep burgundy blooms, each petal elegantly cupped, radiating this calm, sophisticated beauty. Now, close your eyes and breathe in. A refreshing, fruity fragrance unfolds, a delightful blend of sweet berries and hints of citrus, like a summer breeze whispering through a vineyard. Iceberg is an easy-to-grow choice, allowing you to focus on simply enjoying its mesmerizing beauty and captivating scent.

Chicago Peace: This Hybrid Tea rose offers a delicate, fruity fragrance with a hint of spice. Its large, pink, and yellow blooms create a striking visual display while filling the air with a lovely scent.

Double Delight: This Grandiflora rose lives up to its name with stunning bi-colored blooms – velvety red and cream. But the true Delight lies in its strong, sweet fragrance, which I would describe as fruity and spicy with hints of clove. Double Delight is a reliable repeat bloomer and thrives in warm climates, making it a fragrant favorite in many gardens.

Fragrant Cloud: A hybrid tea rose with an intense, fruity fragrance that features bright orange-red blooms. This rose is a standout in terms of both scent and appearance.

Julia Child: Named after the famous chef, this Floribunda rose produces a sweet anise scent with hints of licorice. Its blooms are a vibrant golden-yellow, adding a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to any garden. It was Julia’s favorite rose.

Mister Lincoln: This classic Hybrid Tea Rose boasts velvety, deep red blooms with a powerful, old-fashioned fragrance. Its rich aroma, reminiscent of berries and spice, lingers long after the bloom fades. Mister Lincoln’s disease resistance and vigorous growth make it a low-maintenance choice.

Radiant Perfume: Imagine sunshine embodied in a rose: Grandaflora Radiant Perfume boasts large, vibrant gold blooms that open from elegant, pointed buds. As you draw near, a citrusy fragrance bursts, intense like a lemon grove. Blooming generously on long stems, these golden beauties are perfect for adding a touch of cheer and a burst of fragrance to your home. Their glossy, dark green foliage provides a striking contrast, making them truly radiant.

Voodoo: A fiery Hybrid spectacle unfolds with vibrant orange and pink blooms morphing into a mesmerizing scarlet, captivating the eye before enchanting the nose with a sweet, spicy fragrance that remind me of summer popsicles.

Insider Tip: Rose and Flower Food with Systemic is a helpful all-in-one food for vibrant blooms and healthy plants. This specialized formula provides essential nutrients for robust growth. It includes systemic bug control to protect against pesky thrip and aphids that damage roses. Use every other month during the growing season for stunning, bug-free roses.

Bonus Idea: Interplant roses with fragrant herbs, such as lavender, rosemary, and chamomile, to create a multi-sensory experience in your garden.

March 30 @ 9:30 am GROWING BETTER PEONIES THIS SPRING

This class is an in-depth introduction to these flower powerhouses and all the companion plants that grow so well with them. You will be a Peony pro after this week’s class!

April 6 @ 9:30 am LILACS AND BETTER FRAGRANT GARDENS

Lilacs have come a long way from your grandmother’s garden, with new colors, shapes, sizes, and fragrances for the style of any gardener.

April 12 @ 9:30 am MY FIRST HERB AND VEGETABLE GARDENS

We’ll cover the best heirloom varieties to local favorites and highlight soil preparation, best practices, and care. Let’s get ready to plant!

Until next week, I’ll be helping local gardeners plant fragrant roses here at Watters Garden Center.

03/22/202403/22/2024

Bite into 7 Successes: Growing Bountiful Apples in Zone 7

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

Zone 7, with its fluctuating temperatures and varied precipitation, presents opportunities and challenges for aspiring apple enthusiasts. But fear not; homegrown orchards are within reach! Following these key steps and exploring popular varieties, you can cultivate healthy trees and relish juicy, homegrown apples.

Location, Location, Location:

Start by picking the perfect spot. Apple trees crave full sun (6-8 hours daily) and well-drained soil, ideally with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Avoid low-lying areas prone to frost and ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.

Planting Power:

Spring is the prime planting season in zone 7. Dig a hole 3X the diameter and the same depth as the root ball. Amend the soil with Watters Premium Mulch for drainage and nutrients. Spread the roots carefully, ensuring the graft union rests above the soil level. Backfill, water deeply, and use remaining mulch to retain moisture.

Variety is the Spice of Life – Where to Buy

Zone 7 offers a plethora of delicious apple varieties. Here are 7 popular choices, each with unique benefits:

Honeycrisp: This all-star boasts a sweet, tangy flavor and crisp, juicy texture. Its disease resistance makes it a low-maintenance option. However, consider planting a pollinator like Gala or Fuji for a consistent fruit set.

Gala: A reliable producer of sweet, mild apples, Gala is perfect for fresh eating and snacking. This self-pollinating variety thrives in warmer areas of zone 7.

Golden Delicious: is a classic baking apple known for its sweet, aromatic flesh. However, it’s susceptible to disease and may require extra care.

Fuji: This late-season bloomer offers a sweet-tart flavor with a satisfying crunch. Resistant to diseases, Fuji needs another apple variety for pollination.

Pink Lady: With its vibrant pink skin and sweet, tangy flavor, it is a visual and culinary treat. This disease-resistant variety requires a pollinator and may struggle in colder parts of Zone 7.

Person holding a Jonagold Apple in the orchard

Jonagold: Combining the sweetness of Golden Delicious with the tang of Jonathon, Jonagold offers a balanced flavor profile. This self-pollinating variety can be susceptible to scab, requiring preventative measures.

Shop Fruit Trees online

Cultivating Excellence:

Regular watering is crucial, especially during the first few years. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall. Feed Fruit trees 4x per year with Watters 6-4-4-7 Fruit Tree Food to produce larger, juicier fruits annually.

Pruning is vital to shaping your tree, promoting solid branches, and maximizing fruit production. Learn proper pruning techniques for your chosen variety and prune lightly during dormancy. Thinning young fruits improves their size and quality. Remove excess fruits after they reach golf ball size, leaving about 2-3 apples per cluster.

Protecting Your Bounty:

Be vigilant for common apple pests and diseases like codling moth, apple scab, and fire blight. Use organic methods like insect netting, row covers, and natural predators, like ladybugs, whenever possible. Organic fungicide sprays are excellent at preventing diseases.

Patience is a Virtue:

Apple trees need to grow 5-7 years before they are mature enough to set their first fruits. If you are impatient, simply plant an older, larger tree that is old enough to set fruit in its first season. Your homegrown apples will be well worth the wait with proper care and patience!

By following these simple steps and selecting varieties suited to our zone and preferences, you can cultivate a thriving apple orchard and enjoy the satisfaction of biting into your delicious harvest. So get planting, and soon, you’ll savor the fruits of your labor!

March 23 @ 9:30 am PROPER PLANTING IN MOUNTAIN SOILS

We’ll look in-depth at how to be successful when planting your personal paradise. We’ll discuss techniques for brighter, more beautiful gardens and how to keep them healthy.

March 30 @ 9:30 am GROWING BETTER PEONIES THIS SPRING

This class is an in-depth introduction to these flower powerhouses and all the companion plants that grow so well with them. You will be a Peony pro after this week’s class!

April 6 @ 9:30 am LILACS AND BETTER FRAGRANT GARDENS

Lilacs have come a long way from your grandmother’s garden, with new colors, shapes, sizes, and fragrances for the style of any gardener.

Until next week, I’ll be helping local gardeners plant better apple trees here at Watters Garden Center.

03/15/202403/15/2024

New Forsythia Discovered for 2024 Gardens

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

A unique plant explicitly grown for this weekend’s Spring Open House is SpringShine Forsythia. Gardeners will drool over this 2024 introduction. Better than your grandfather’s forsythia. Springshine delivers years of instant cheer to your garden! This compact shrub explodes with vibrant yellow blooms in early spring, painting your landscape before leaves even appear. Its dense, mounded shape is perfect for borders, foundations, or low hedges, adding year-round texture with unusual brick-red stems. It is low maintenance, grows anywhere in central Arizona, and rewards you with effortless sunshine, season after season. Plant your Springshine Forsythia this weekend and welcome spring in golden glory!

Fun fact: Forsythia has historically been one of the 50 essential herbs in Asian medicine. The flower petals are valued for their antiseptic effect in treating wounds and boils. Like calendula of the west, forsythia flower petals contain powerful bacteria-fighting properties, which make it a vital dressing.

62 years ago in Garden History

This article is dedicated to the gardener’s past, 62 years past. This weekend, Harold Watters started the first garden center in Northern Arizona in 1962. Three generations of owners later, we celebrate the beginnings of Watters Garden Center with an annual ‘Spring Open House’ inviting our growers, suppliers, and regional garden celebrities to share what’s new for 2024.

This year is as exciting as the past 62, with many new peony colors, the latest rose creations, easy-to-grow cocktail trees, and better breeds of natives all featured this weekend and ready for spring planting. Consider this a personal invitation to this weekend’s activities.

March 15 @ 3 pm 2024 New Plant Happy Hour

New is Better when it comes to flowers. We’ve grown this year’s newest colors and fragrances specifically for Watters 62nd Spring Open House. Meet the horticulturalists who grew this year’s latest plants.

March 16 @ 9:30 am – Watters 62nd Spring Open House – How Nursery Plants are Grown, Behind the Agriculture Curtain – A Dive deep into agriculture, the greenhouse world, and the growers of this spring plants! Plant growers explain the stories behind the plants, their age, and insider tips for a better garden this spring. Discover local favorites, learn insider tricks, and get answers to your burning questions about container gardens, pest control, roses, vegetables, and more.

Sunday, March 17 @ 10 to 2 pm – Ken and Lisa Watters-Lain, Mountain Gardener radio show, live at the garden center and share their secrets.

Garden Answer of the Week: What does the plant tag mean by ‘Days to Maturity’?

As we plant this year’s vegetable and flower garden, ‘Days to Maturity’ is prominent. This is especially important for crops like tomatoes, peppers, geranium, petunia, and zinnia. ‘Days to Maturity’ is a crucial concept for gardeners, significantly when growing vegetables and annual flowers. It refers to the number of days it takes for a plant to be ready to produce fruit or flowers. This information is often provided on seed packets and garden books and prominent on the plant tags. It estimates the length of the growing season for annual plants.

Counting the days to maturity depends on whether the seeds are planted indoors and then transplanted or directly sown in the garden. Generally, the count starts from the date of transplantation or germination for direct sowing. However, various factors, such as weather conditions and environmental stress, can affect the time a plant matures.

In essence, ‘Days to Maturity’ is a guideline, but actual growth may vary due to environmental factors influencing the plant’s development. I hope the explanation helps:)

Until next week, I’ll be helping local gardeners plant the best evergreens here at Watters Garden Center.