Category: Natives

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 An evergreen tree with a starring role in the mountains of Arizona is gaining nationwide popularity. The ‘Single Blue Pinyon Pine’ is a local variety that gives a bold appearance to a rustic tree.…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Gardening may be one of America’s favorite hobbies, but it does have a downside:  Imagine investing dozens of hours and hundreds of dollars redecorating your bedroom, only to have it crumble to ashes in…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener The perfect mountain perennial with huge fiery flowers on a compact plant. She loves the heat and super drought hardy. You can count on this bloomer to show off all summer long in raised…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Mountain landscapes are difficult for plants, especially if you want to keep them low maintenance.  In an arid climate where rock lawns are the norm because growing conditions are challenging, ground- hugging plants are…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Gardeners are some of the “tough customers” on our annual gift lists; it’s hard to know what they like/need. Here are a couple of suggestions: Wildflower seeds for the gardener in your life will…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener The best outdoor potted plants.  Flowers that are hard to kill. What are the best low maintenance plants? Plants that survive winter. What plants are easy to grow outside? Plants for people with black…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener The jade plant you grandmother grew is so yesterday. The popularity of succulent plants has exploded in recent years, due not only to the low care requirements of these sun lovers but also because…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener An evergreen that has had a starring role in the mountains of Arizona is gaining nationwide popularity. The ‘Single Blue Pinyon Pine’ is a local variety that gives a bold appearance to a rustic…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener As trees drop the last of their colorful leaves our gardens tend to feel naked. It even seems like prying eyes can look right into your home!  Not only does your privacy seemingly disappear,…