Category: How to Grow..

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener What month do you cut hydrangeas back? When and how do you prune hydrangeas? What happens if you don’t cut back hydrangeas? Should you cut old blooms off hydrangeas? Hydrangeas make beautiful focal points…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener The Deodar cedar, Cedrus deodara, is an evergreen conifer favored for its gracefully drooping branches. It is often used as a specimen tree on large properties and parks, often used to line streets. This…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, are vibrant little flowers that grow in vacant lots and roadsides with no care. California poppies bloom throughout the mountains of Arizona in late Spring to early Summer. These festive…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener My love for cacti has grown, no pun intended. Planting without getting spines in your fingers is challenging when working with cacti. You’ve likely had a few pricks to your fingers and had spines…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Its Latin name, Rosmarinus officinalis, means ‘dew of the sea,’ most associated with healthy Mediterranean cooking. Imagine tumbling Rosemary growing over a wall and spreading across a desert rock lawn. Ideally, this rugged mountain…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener What perennials should not be cut back in the autumn? Pruning Perennials. Should all perennials be cut back in the fall? Can you cut back perennials before frost? When should perennials be cut back…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Vanderwolf is related to Arizona Pinion Pine by produces fluffy foliage that resembles a blue Cedar from a distance. It is remarkably resilient in dry Arizona soils. Makes a very graceful single specimen for…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Vivid rose-colored blossoms reach 2-3 inches wide with petals radiating out from a center of contrasting golden stamens. Ice Angle Camellia deserves front yard stature or admired on a patio or deck. Brings glossy…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener The only evergreen vine that stays green in shady gardens. Large lustrous foliage stays waxed green through winter, forming a lush blanketing groundcover under large shrubs and trees. Quickly climbs walls, pillars, arbors, and…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Vibrant blooms on upright stems top this sturdy, compact plant. A fuss-free, cheerful choice for a sunny, easy-care low summer border. Drought tolerant and hardy, with prolific flowering over an exceptionally long season. These…