Author: Ken Lain, mountain gardener

Rotary International has been supporting the PUSD Math and Reading Program for 36 year now, but this year is different. In 1981, Rotary member Chuck Pfeiffer, came up with a bold idea to help children keep their skills up through…

All parts of nasturtiums are edible! The leaves can be used as a peppery substitute for watercress in salads and on sandwiches; the flowers make a gorgeous edible garnish for salads, hors d’oeuvres trays, and fruit salads; and unripe nasturtium seeds can…

Royal Burgundy has delicious purple pods that are amazingly easy to grow and find among the backdrop of green foliage. It grows better than other bean types in cool weather, is very disease resistant and unlikely to be challenged by…

Prickly Pear Creole 2 cups of diced cactus – remove spine with a knife first 1 pound of hamburger (cooked and drained) 6 ounces of tomato paste 1 cup of water 2 diced Jalapeño pepper
s 6 1/2 ounces of canned shrimp…

Introduced in 1943, Wando is a cross between Laxton’s Progress (an English pea) and Perfection (a New England heirloom). It is cold tolerant for early sowing, and more heat tolerant than other pea varieties. 18″ – 30″ plants with 7…

Once you try these teardrop-shaped 3-4 pound fruits, they’ll become an essential part of your fall and winter cooking. “Kuri” is Japanese for chestnut, a tribute to its nutty flavor. Its smooth consistency and deep color make it a favorite…

Introduced by H. Hartman & Company in 1909, Copenhagen cabbage has been a gardener’s favorite for over a century. 6″-8″ diameter and 3-4 lbs., it is compact, tightly-wrapped, and perfect for small gardens. It is the standard of excellence for…

Members of the Hillside Alumni Group recently planted spring flowers as a kick-off for May Mental Health Month and as a way to give back to the programs of West Yavapai Guidance Clinic and the clients currently seeking sobriety through…

Growing Corn – “Knee high by the 4th of July” is an old benchmark for corn progress. The truth is, depending on your sowing date, several of our varieties could be harvested for your Independence Day barbeque! Whether you are looking…

Loves growing in mountain gardens. The soft, light blue flowers of Cambridge Blue Lobelia are perfect for any spot in the garden, hanging basket, container, window box or border. The pale green foliage is not often seen because of the profusion…