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…
Read Moreby Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener Plants are a go-to decorating tool. Whether it’s an erupting Schefflera that offsets a boxy sofa or an English Ivy that softens the doldrums of a desk, they bring a much-needed life into…
Read Moreby Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Most perennial hibernate underground through winter. Some are downright ugly after our first hard frost and harbor pest and disease unless cut back by the end of the year. You protect these perennials for…
Read Moreby Ken Lain, the mountain gardener How often to water is the most asked question at Watters Garden Center. Especially when starting a new flower bed or shallow-rooted vegetables. For this garden column, the myths are dispelled, and the best…
Read Moreby Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Research shows plants have a definite calming effect on their gardener. Plants are so understanding. They refrain from arguing, asking difficult questions, or interrupting when speaking. It’s no wonder, so many gardeners talk to…
Read MoreBy Ken Lain, the mountain gardener A thought as we charge through the New Year. Gardening helps us reconnect with the earth and ourselves. Personal growth is easier if we grow plants. We accomplish new growth when blessed with health,…
Read MoreBy Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Today’s ultra-efficient homes seal outside air from penetrating their interiors, thus recirculating inside air without added freshness. A three-month-old air filter cleans only so many particles before choking on its own dust. We won’t…
Read Moreby Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Young, immature plants rarely need pruning except to deadhead faded flowers or remove dead and broken branches. Once a lilac reaches a mature height, it appreciates rejuvenation pruning. Young bushes with branched under three…
Read MoreMonsoon rains hit the Lain gardens on Monday Let the Monsoon Rains do the Work for You One simple food for the entire landscape. The safety you can feel good about around family, animals, and friends. Enjoy vivid flowers &…
Read Moreby Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Mountain landscapes offer diverse four seasons of tremendous plants. Because of the cool summers, you have far more choices the desert dwellers only dream of. It can be overwhelming with where to start. Start…
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