Author: Ken Davis

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Breathing more effortlessly in the New Year just got a lot easier, thanks to these top 10 houseplants that keep your home healthy and vibrant all year. Today’s tightly sealed modern homes trap stale…

by Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener Plants are a go-to decorating tool. Whether it’s an erupting Schefflera that offsets a boxy sofa or an English Ivy that softens the doldrums of a desk, they bring a much-needed life into…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Mountain landscapes are difficult for plants, especially if you want to keep them low maintenance.  In an arid climate where rock lawns are the norm because growing conditions are challenging, ground- hugging plants are…

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Now is the time to plant privacy screens for maximum growth and seclusion in spring. Without strategically placed evergreens in the yard, it can feel as if prying eyes are looking right into your…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Next to a living Christmas tree, nothing says Christmas like poinsettias. Watters has dozens of colors ranging from traditional shades of red, pink, and white to burgundy, peach, striped, and freckled. They add a…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener A valid Arizona native growing naturally at the 3500 to 6000-foot elevation, the Arizona Cypress is collected by conifer lovers around the globe. It is an exceptional choice for xeriscape and desert landscaping for…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Optimism (op·ti·mism) definition: hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something. The alternate garden definition – one who plants seed or young plants; with faith it will grow into something…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Autumn colors are spectacular. The colors and textures are unique to the four seasons of the mountain west. As we wrap up the last Autumn leaves, the landscape can feel naked and bare. Deciduous…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Most perennial hibernate underground through winter. Some are downright ugly after our first hard frost and harbor pest and disease unless cut back by the end of the year. You protect these perennials for…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is a low-maintenance, evergreen shrub with dazzling color all year. Native to eastern Asia, heavenly bamboo thrives in Arizona’s mountains, sporting cane-like stems and finely textured leaves. In spring, dainty…