Category: In the Garden

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener This week’s column may be a bit hurtful to some, but your neighbors have been begging me to write this one. They are whispering behind your back about your yard decorations. You may have…

by Ken Lain, Watters Garden Center, Owner The mountains of Arizona are famous for their trees, especially our conifer forest of Ponderosa and Pinyon Pine, Red Oaks, and creeks full of Aspen. A good landscape design should always start with…

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…