Category: In the Garden

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener The iconic Monarch butterfly, known for its striking black and orange wings spanning up to four inches, is a beloved sight in gardens and meadows. However, its populations have faced alarming declines in recent…

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Many have gardened in places where the soil is rich, its pH perfectly balanced and the climate blessed with consistent rainfall, gentle sun, and plant coddling humidity. If you have dug a hole in…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener 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…

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…

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…

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…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener A unique plant explicitly grown for this weekend’s Spring Open House is SpringShine Forsythia. Gardeners will drool over this 2024 introduction. Better than your grandfather’s forsythia. Springshine delivers years of instant cheer to your…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener The crispness of early spring and autumn holds a unique charm for gardeners. While many focus on perennials, cool-season annuals offer a stunning display, filling empty winter containers and adding vibrant color to the…

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 Serious gardeners are in the garden on the first warm day of spring. While there is no harm in cleaning up fallen branches and debris, wait until the soil is no longer wet enough…