Category: How to Grow..

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Native to Arizona, the Alligator Juniper, Juniperus deppeana, is characterized by unique cracked bark that resembles alligator skin. Alligator and its native cousin, the Shaggy Bark Juniper, are the largest species of their kind…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Austrain Pine is resilient in poor mountain soils where alkaline conditions persist. It is remarkably tolerant of hot and cold wind and is a crucial component in privacy and windbreaks. Adapts well to dry…

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener A very brilliant plant that makes dreary winter landscapes more cheerful. Creates a single fine specimen. Its low stature makes a fine barrier hedge inside existing gardens or along the perimeter. This hardy shrub…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Enjoy Christmas cheer all year long with this favorite holiday shrub. Holly is most commonly associated with the Christmas season, the branches and berries a favorite component of holiday decorations. Though holly shrubs provide…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) is a trendy evergreen conifer tree with a handsome, naturally pyramidal form with rigid tiered branches covered with stiff gray-blue needles. Spruce trees make a perfect evergreen windbreak or tall…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Give your friends and family a gift enjoyed for years, season after season. This delightful Zygocactus, or Christmas Cactus, comes in festive colors and sizes. A swirl of colors in tones of golden, pink,…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener This exquisite flowering tree starts spring with dazzling white flowers. Summer shade is created by thick dark green foliage that is the last tree to turn brilliant red in Autumn, even the winter bark…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Red Fox Sedge has striking clumps of red foliage fade to flax, giving off a warm glow at sunset. This versatile Sedge thrives in wet areas around fountains and water gardens, yet equally happy…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Few Flowers are more elegant in Fall than Watters select varieties of ornamental kale. The subdued fall tones are perfect for containers, beds, and borders. And it’s so easy to grow! These unique Prescott…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Good fences make good neighbors, but fences can be downright ugly. This Arizona native vine is specially selected to dress up those miles of stockade fence. A mountain vine with rich green foliage turns…