Watters Garden Center

06/18/202406/18/2024

Cascading Beauties: The Best Spiller Plants to Elevate Your Containers

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

Although tall, attention-grabbing flowers may be the first plants considered for your container gardens, they are not the most critical blooms in the pot. Plants that spill, flow, and cascade over the edge of the container soften your design, creating a more polished, professional appearance. Here are some of our favorite options.

Alyssum thrives in cool weather, but regular watering can keep it blooming in a container. It doesn’t trail much; instead, it gently flows over the top of the container. It’s a tidy plant with a beautiful honey-like scent.

Bidens are part of the aster family. They have small daisy-like flowers that are commonly yellow, but newer varieties come in pink, white, and orange. They cascade over the edges of your container and highly tolerant of heat and drought

Black-eyed Susan Vine, Thunbergia alata, is far more delicate than Rudbeckia but similar. It has tiny 5-petal flowers in yellow, peach, or white. This vine tends to grow into a jumble and finds its way through, over, and under other plants in your container, quickly filling empty spaces.

Blue Star Creeper, Laurentia axillaris, produces a dense mat of finely-cut foliage adorned with numerous lavender-blue, star-shaped flowers. It is adaptable to various growing conditions and can rebloom throughout the season. To encourage more flowers, it is recommended to prune the plant in the middle of the season, usually done in stages to ensure continuous blooming.

Creeping Zinnia, Sanvitalia procumbens, is different from zinnias, and you will undoubtedly notice the resemblance. As their common name implies, creeping zinnia grows outward and forms a dense mat spilling over the sides of a container. It is covered in yellow flowers the entire summer.

Candytuft, Iberis, is a stunning ground cover. When grown in containers, it blooms profusely and covers the base of the container. If planted in your garden at the end of the season, it even overwinters become a perennial favorite.

Ivy Geraniums, Pelargonium peltatum, are perfect for growing in containers. The ivy form produces smaller flowers but blooms as profusely as its upright cousin. It will cascade over the edges of your container. Like its upright relative, it can tolerate heat and short periods of drought as well.

The Licorice Plant Helichrysum petiolare is cultivated for its small, felt-like leaves. The most common variety has soft blue-gray leaves, but there are also attractive variegated varieties. The stems grow upwards and cascade down, providing an elegant backdrop that frames other plants in your container.

Lobelia grows in a cascading form with one of the most authentic blues found in the garden. It grows a beautiful arch over your container. Unfortunately, this Lobelia habitually does not bloom when the weather heats up. You can overcome that with plenty of water and some partial shade, or simply be patient while waiting for the monsoon rains to arrive and the continuous blooms that happen through Autumn after that.

Million Bells Petunia, Calibrachoa, is related to petunias, with more delicate flowers. Despite its delicate appearance, this plant produces hundreds of flowers throughout summer. It has a handsome trailing habit

Nasturtium grows in mounds of lily pad-like leaves and bright, cheerful flowers. They prefer the colder seasons, but if kept watered, they will bloom all season long. The entire plant is edible, including the seeds. Yum!

Parrots Beak, Lotus berthelotii, is a tropical evergreen plant that is popular as both a houseplant and as an annual in containers. The common name refers to the unique appearance of the flowers. Parrot’s Beak thrives in hot weather, with both the foliage and the flowers maintaining a fresh and attractive look.

Periwinkle, commonly known as Vinca, is often used as a flowering ground cover and ideal for trailing over the sides of containers. It produces pretty purple, burgundy or white blooms primarily in spring, while the lush green foliage serves as a beautiful frame for your container.

Plectranthus argentatus is cultivated for its silver-gray leaves. It grows upright until it collapses under its own weight. Some varieties, notably ‘Mona Lavender,’ produce spiky sprays of lavender blooms.

Verbena is a fantastic addition to any garden because of its vibrant colors, long blooming season, and low maintenance requirements. It’s a nectar-rich plant that attracts beneficial pollinators contributing to a healthier ecosystem. Verbena is drought tolerant, making it a great choice for water-wise gardens. Its versatility allows it to be used as groundcovers, in mixed plantings, or spilling over container edges. Whether you’re looking to add color, attract pollinators, or simply enjoy a low-maintenance plant, verbena is an excellent choice for your garden.

Wave Petunias continue to improve. They are a significant upgrade from the traditional petunias that would become mushy after a rain shower and required constant pinching and deadheading to stay in bloom. Wave petunias spread out and down, flowering effortlessly throughout the entire season without any extra effort needed from you

And there you have my ‘Go-To’ list of plants that bring containers to life with designer inspired flare. You are going to fall in love with your backyard again.

Insider Tip– consistent water is the secret to great flowers. If your bloomers get even a bit dry, they sacrifice flowers to keep the core of the plant health. Add Aqua Boost Crystals at the soil level to keep plants evenly moist and continually blooming. Sprinkle a tablespoon of ‘Aqua Boost Crystals’ at the bottom of each planting hole. These exceptionally absorbent crystals regulate the moisture to each plant, encouraging more profound root growth for longer lasting flowers in containers and raised beds. I never plant without a little Aqua Boost for each new plant in the garden.

Pinterest Board of these flowers in containers and more. Enjoy!

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

06/14/202406/14/2024

10 Timeless Hybrid Tea Roses for the Modern Garden

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

Hybrid tea roses are the most popular type of rose in Prescott. They are a cross between hybrid perpetual and old-fashioned tea roses. Hybrid teas are known for their long, sturdy stems, perfectly shaped flowers, and unmatched fragrance. While new varieties are introduced annually, some classic options remain unbeatable. The following hybrid tea roses are reliably hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. Locally, our garden zone is an 8, so these are the ‘Go-To’ roses for local gardens.

Multicolored: Peace AARS 1945 is one of the most popular roses ever. It has perfect form and features large, double blossoms that are bright yellow with soft pink edges. It has a mild, fruity fragrance. This rose prefers our cooler monsoon summers.

Red: Mr. Lincoln AARS 1965. This hybrid tea rose is easy to grow in all climates and produces some of the most fragrant, large, velvety double blooms. An amazing red for any garden.

Red: Veterans Honor was introduced in 1999 to pay tribute to the men and women of the American Armed Forces. A portion of the sales proceeds is donated to the Department of Veteran Affairs. This rose is different in its deep, dark red colors and almost berry fragrance.

Pink: Friendship AARS 1979. It has large, deep pink blooms edged with a wash of red. It is exceptionally easy to grow, and it is highly disease-resistant. It also has a soft, sweet aroma.

Yellow: Midas Touch AARS 1994. Prolific blooming tea rose. Double, intense yellow blooms. Easy to grow, climate tolerant, and disease resistant. It’s one of the prettiest yellows out there.

Yellow: Celebrity celebrates summer with double gold blossoms throughout the season. Fruity fragrance. Adaptable to any climate.

Orange: Voodoo AARS 1986. It is actually an orange, yellow, and red blend. It likes warm summers and shows good disease resistance. It has double flowers with a doubly strong fragrance.

White: Garden Party AARS 1960. Double, creamy white blooms blushed with pink on the outside. Especially great as a cut flower with a soft fragrance. This hybrid tea rose prefers bright Arizona summers.

Lavender: Purple Passion AARS 2000 Dark purple double blossoms have a lemony morning scent. She is one of the prettiest purples in the rose family.

Learn More! Free Garden Classes in June.

June 15 – Top 10 Flowers That Love Summer Heat

June is the Top month for perennial flowers in gardens. Particular focus is on native and heat-loving varieties that thrive in mountain gardens.

June 22 – Best Trees for Bushels of Fruit

You can have your landscape and eat it, too! We’ll share tips, tricks, and recipes for a healthier, tastier yard. Experts who know how to grow fruit trees will be on hand.

June 29 – Gardening for Newcomers

Are you new to Arizona or just new to gardening? This class is Gardening 101 for everyone hoping to turn a brown thumb green. It will cover garden zones, frost dates, best practices, and more. After this class, you will be a garden pro.

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

06/07/202406/07/2024

Thriving in the Shadows: 5 Shade-Loving Plants for Your Gardens

5 Perennial Flowers That Bloom Every Year

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

Thriving in the Shadows: 5 Shade-Loving Plants for Your Gardens

Looking for plants that thrive in full shade can be challenging. ‘Full shade’ refers to areas that receive less than three hours of direct sun daily and filtered sun for the rest of the day. This means the plants are protected from the intense heat of the sun, which can be damaging to some plants. Direct sunlight should occur in the cooler morning hours to protect the plants from intense sun in the late afternoon. This is the ideal condition for shade-loving plants to thrive.

When choosing plants, it’s essential to differentiate between those that can survive in full shade and those that thrive. While many plants survive, it’s most important they thrive and perform well in low-light conditions. For ornamental gardens, the plants must contribute to your property’s beauty.

Planting Zones – USDA Plant Growing Zones are geographical areas classifying average annual minimum winter temperature. The map divides North America into 13 zones, each representing a 10-degree Fahrenheit difference in average winter lows. Prescott, Arizona, was reclassified as Zones 7-8 this year, or plants that can tolerate winters down to 0-10 degrees and still thrive, even in the shade.Local USDA Garden Zones for Your Backyard

5 Evergreen Shrubs for Year-Round Beauty

Many gardeners focus on annual and perennial blooming plants and overlook shrubs when planning a shade garden. Start with shrubs to provide structure and background for the planting bed and valuable additions to a shade garden. The following evergreen shrubs are grown for their foliage and add great beauty to a shade garden:

Creeping Mahonia – 1′ tall, Zone 5-9

Daphne Aureomaginata – 4′ tall, Zone 7-9

Fringe Flower – 5′ tall, Zone 7-9

Magic Berry Holly – 8′ tall, Zone 5-9

Sweet Tea Gardenia – 3′ tall, Zone 8-11

5 Perennial Flowers That Bloom Every Year

Perennial plants, especially flowering ones, can provide a colorful, dramatic display that evergreen shrubs cannot. The following plants tolerate full to partial shade and bloom like crazy:

Fire & Ice Hosta, 14″ tall, Zone 3-9

Foxglove, 24″ tall, Zone 6-9

Green Sheen Japanese Spurge, 10″ tall, Zones 4-8

Marmalade Heuchera, 10″ tall, Zone 4-9

Songbird Columbine, 18″ tall, Zone 3-9

For more, check out my article: 14 Plants for Dry Shade

5 Blooming Annuals for Best Flower Colors

Enhance the flowers provided by your perennial plants with carefully chosen annual plants. These plants are too delicate to survive in cold winter climates. The term “annuals” is based on usage rather than their life cycle. The listed growing zones indicate where the plants can survive as perennials. Locally, they are used for their season-long bloom cycle of nonstop flowers.

Coleus – 24″ tall, Zones 11

Fuchsia – 16″ tall, Zone 10-11)

Heliotrope – 12″ tall, Zone 9-11

Impatiens – 14″ tall, Zones 10-11

Wax Begonia – 12″ tall, Zones 11

5 Ground Covers to Spread Fast

Ground cover plants for full shade are beneficial when you need to cover large shaded areas and want to avoid using perennials or replanting annuals every year as bedding plants. Here are examples of ground covers that thrive in full shade.

Big Blue Liriope – 14″ tall, Zone 5-11

Orchid Frost Lamium, 12″ tall, Zone 4-10

Silver Dragon Lilytuft – 15″ tall, Zone 6-11

Vinca minor – 10″ tall, Zone 4-9)

White Alexandria Brunnera – 12″ tall, Zone 4-9

12 Ground Cover Plants for Shade

5 Vines that Climb, Bloom, and Cover

While most vines prefer full sun, several varieties thrive in the shade, adding lush greenery and flowers to your garden’s shaded areas. These shade-tolerant vines are perfect for covering walls, trellises, or fences with limited direct sunlight.

Blue Light Clematis – 5′ tall, Zone 4-9

English Ivy – 25′ tall, Zone 5-11

Green Showers Boston Ivy – 30′ tall, Zones 4-8)

White Flowering Chocolate Vine – 20′ tall, Zone 5-9

Virginia Creeper – 20′ tall, Zone 4-9

Learn More! Free Garden Classes in June.

June 8 – Growing Better Berries & Grapes

This juicy, fast-paced class covers Berries, grapes, figs, and pomegranates. After this class, you will have bowls of fruit picked fresh from the gardens.

June 15 – Top 10 Flowers That Love Summer Heat

June is the Top month for perennial flowers in gardens. There is a special focus on native and heat-loving varieties that thrive in mountain gardens.

June 22 – Best Trees for Bushels of Fruit

Have your landscape and eat it, too! We’ll share tips, tricks, and recipes for a healthy, tastier yard. Experts who know fruit trees and how to grow them will be on hand.

June 29 – Gardening for Newcomers

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

Ken Lain can be found at Watters Garden Center throughout the week, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his websites at WattersGardenCenter.com & Top10Plants.com.

05/30/202405/30/2024

7 Perennial Flowers That Bloom All Summer for any Gardener

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

Readers Digest Condensed Version of this Article

Perennials are known for resilience and longevity, but few bloom all season long.

Autumn Sage, Catmint, Coral Bells Heuchera, Cranesbill Geranium, Daylily, Grace N Grit Roses, and Russian Sage bloom all summer and increase a garden’s beauty.

Watters Flower Power plant food twice monthly and provides nonstop flowers all summer.

Free Garden Class is offered every Saturday in June @ 9:30 am at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott.

If you’re to start a garden this summer, this article is for you. These guide you to the five most popular bloomers and tips to help them bloom even longer.

Here are the top 5 perennial flowers that bloom all summer.

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

Catmint – More than just a little herb for the cat to frolic in, catmint gained permanent cult status when the ‘Walker’s Low’ variety was named Perennial Plant of the Year. Delightful grayish-green foliage complements the nectar-rich violet blooms that appear throughout the summer months, and bees delight in them. Plants grow to about two feet tall but have a prostrate habit that looks attractive at the edge of a wall or path. Every garden needs at least one.

Heuchera coral bells in the garden — *Coral Bells Heuchera*

Coral Bells Heuchera– has a mounded shape and kaleidoscopic leaves. The leaves are heart-shaped or triangular, with a slight ruffle to each. You will find colors ranging from green, purple, bronze, and red throughout June.Each produces small, white flowers in the spring with tall spikes. If you like spiky plants, check out the birds of paradise as well.

One of the benefits of growing Heuchera is that it is low-maintenance. It is also drought-tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Feed your blooming plants twice a month with Watters Flower
Power for an explosion of color all summer!

Tiny Monsters Cranesbill, Geranium — *Cranesbill Geranium*

Cranesbill Geranium– They grow throughout the summer with very little maintenance. Geraniums are easy to grow and thrive in both sunny and shady locations. They are one of the most popular perennials for a few reasons. They are low maintenance. They have low water and nutrient needs and can tolerate all soil types. Additionally, they are resistant to most pests and diseases.

Daylily– Stella D’ Oro daylilies have become an office park landscaping staple, but everblooming daylilies have much more to offer than this popular gold variety. Although the color spectrum is limited to the warmer side of the color wheel, exciting color patterns and flower forms take the available cultivar numbers into the thousands. Full sun is best, although darker varieties may benefit from afternoon shade to prevent sunscald. Fertilization isn’t necessary, but an occasional deep watering during summer dry spells is beneficial.

Grit N Grace Shrub Rose – these are the roses you’ve yearned for, especially if you dream of a romantic garden full of colorful roses but struggle with diseases and too much fussiness. This new rose introduction blooms freely without special care. Just give it lots of sun; Flower Power plant food twice a month for continual flowers into November. You will fall in love with this new garden bloomer. It is disease-resistant, self-pruning, and super easy to grow.

Russian Sage– In neighborhoods with new construction, topsoil is stripped away, and the rubble left behind hardly qualifies as soil. What to plant in such a harsh environment? Start with this tough-as-nails perennial that features a cloud of sky-blue flowers for three months in its first season. The one-factor Russian sage can’t live without is full sun, which is essential for healthy bloom production. As we all know, “full sun” is generously bestowed upon our local area gardens!

Free Garden Class is offered every Saturday in June @ 9:30 am at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott.

June 8 – Growing Better Berries & Grapes

This juicy, fast-paced class covers Berries, grapes, figs, and pomegranates. After this class, you will have bowls of fruit picked fresh from the gardens.

June 15 – Top 10 Flowers That Love Summer Heat

June is the Top month for perennial flowers in gardens. There is a special focus on native and heat-loving varieties that thrive in mountain gardens.

June 22 – Best Trees for Bushels of Fruit

Have your landscape and eat it, too! We’ll share tips, tricks, and recipes for a healthy, tastier yard. Fruit tree experts who know fruit trees and how to grow them will be on hand.

June 29 – Gardening for Newcomers

Are you new to Arizona or just new to gardening? This class is Gardening 101 for everyone hoping to turn a brown thumb green: garden zones, frost dates, best practices, and more. You will be a garden pro after this class.

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

05/24/202405/24/2024

8 Chocolate-Scented Delights: Indulge Your Senses in the Garden

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

Imagine a garden that not only delights your eyes with vibrant colors and lush textures but also tantalizes your nose with the irresistible aroma of chocolate. While the idea might sound like a Willy Wonka dream, the reality is closer than you think. Nature gifted gardeners with various plants that mimic the rich, comforting fragrance of everyone’s favorite treat, the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao.

Why Chocolate-Scented Plants?

Chocolate-scented flowers are a unique way to add a sensory element to any garden. They’re not just pretty; they evoke memories, spark conversations, and even attract pollinators like butterflies. Plus, who doesn’t love the subtle waft of chocolate as they stroll through their gardens?

Deliciously Fragrant Plants when you like chocolate.

Chocolate Cosmos boasts dark burgundy flowers as a feast for the eyes and nose. They attract pollinators while adding a touch of drama to your garden. They’re drought-tolerant and easy to grow from seed.

Chocolate Daisy, Berlandiera lyrata, is a charming wildflower that boasts small yellow blooms that emit a surprisingly strong chocolate scent. It’s a low-maintenance option that blooms from spring through fall.

Chocolate Mint, Mentha piperita, is a culinary herb with a twist that adds a hint of chocolate to your favorite dishes and beverages. It’s easy to grow in a container or garden bed.

Chocolate Ruffles Coralbells add a touch of drama and intrigue to shady spots in your garden. This local perennial boasts deeply ruffled leaves in a rich, chocolatey hue that adds depth and texture to borders and containers. Its foliage is so captivating that it almost overshadows the delicate pink flowers that bloom on tall stalks in late spring.

Chocolate Vine, Akebia quinata, is a vigorous vine that adds vertical interest to your garden while releasing a delightful chocolate aroma. It grows in any garden condition that rivals honeysuckle for hardiness, fast growth, and green all year long.

Hot Cocoa Rose indulges your senses. This captivating floribunda boasts velvety, reddish-brown blooms that reveal a warm, inviting fragrance reminiscent of hot chocolate. A visual and olfactory delight ensuring a long season of enjoyment in your landscape.

Sweet Hot Chocolate Daylily boasts deep, velvety red blooms that resemble a decadent cup of hot chocolate, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness to any garden. Its trumpet-shaped flowers add
visual appeal and attract pollinators with their sweet nectar. With its long blooming season and resilience, this daylily brings a touch of summer indulgence to your landscape that will last for weeks, making it a delightful addition for any garden enthusiast.

Tiger Eyes Viola is a showstopper with its vibrant, eye-catching blooms. The petals are a striking combination of deep purple and golden yellow, resembling the fierce gaze of a tiger. Not only are they visually stunning, but Tiger Eyes Violas bloom profusely in cooler temperatures, making them a perfect choice for adding a burst of color to your spring and fall landscapes.

Tips for Growing Chocolate-Scented Plants:

Research: Choose plants well-suited to your sun exposure and growing conditions.
Placement: Consider planting fragrant flowers near patios, walkways, or windows so you can fully enjoy their scent.
Companion Plants: Combine chocolate-scented flowers with other fragrant varieties, such as lavender, jasmine, or roses, for a layered sensory experience.

Ready to transform your garden into a chocolate lover’s paradise? Visit Watters Garden Center for a wide selection of chocolate-scented plants and expert advice from our friendly staff.

Let your garden bloom with the sweet scent of indulgence!

Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners plant more delicious flowers here at Watters Garden Center.

05/17/202405/24/2024

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.