Watters Garden Center began in 1962 when Harold Watters expanded his landscaping business to include a nursery on Plaza Drive in Prescott. The garden center grew with his family, involving his wife and four daughters, and even included a pet store and flower shop. Harold’s passion for plants and community shaped the business and family life. In 1983, needing more space, the center moved to its current location on Iron Springs Road. Harold passed the torch in 2002 to his youngest daughter, Lisa, and her husband, Ken Lain, who continue his legacy of making Prescott green and beautiful.

Kevin Michels, our Renaissance Man, brings decades of diverse experience to Watters. From media and retail to farming, his journey spans the Midwest, Europe, and Arizona, where he earned his Master Gardener certification. Kevin's calming Texas drawl, Dad Jokes, and passion for gardening shine in his classes and creative landscape ideas. A yard-to-table enthusiast, he now crafts custom furniture, enjoys time with his granddaughters, and embraces his nickname, Tex.

McKenzie Lain, the 3rd generation of her family to lead Watters Garden Center, is passionate about growing its legacy. Starting as a young cashier, she followed her love for gardening and earned degrees in Psychology and Family Counseling. Now, she focuses on educating the Prescott community and creating jobs while curating rare tropical plants from around the world. When not supporting local organizations, McKenzie enjoys hiking, basketball, and spending time with her Mini-Schnauzers.

Paul Auer, our Watering Wonder, combines a Forestry degree with years of experience in the Forest Service and BLM. Tasked with keeping thousands of plants hydrated under the Arizona sun, he’s a wealth of knowledge on local plants and their history. A Prescott resident for over 20 years, Paul enjoys music, storytelling, and exploring forests with his wife and sons.

Christy Wilson, with gardening in her blood from her grandfather’s Midwest nursery, brings her wit and charm to Watters’ watering team. Known as “Mrs. Kravitz” for her knack for knowing everything, she’s quick with a story, whether about the FBI or cooking rattlesnake. Fearless and fun, Christy loves her veggie garden, her family, and her dogs.

Patty Tolbert, our smallest team member, handles her coworkers' sass with a smile and an eye-roll. As part of the Watters watering team, she's up at dawn keeping our plants hydrated. A Prescott resident for 40 years, Patty spent 15 as an educator. She loves plants, dogs, and splits her time between her cabin in the mountains and visiting her son in Globe.

Ken, a former software company owner from New Hampshire, moved to Prescott for retirement but joined the Watters Marketing team instead. A tech wizard with a knack for cameras and electronics, he films ‘Saturday Morning Garden Classes‘ and manages social media, often sporting a nautical sweater and New England accent. Ken and his wife Patricia enjoy trading jokes and exploring northern Arizona wines.

Cheryl Christensen wears two hats at Watters. As the Rose Queen, she tends 600+ roses each spring with care, determination, and a dash of swearing. As The Annihilator, she inspects every plant for pests or diseases—and eradicates them on the spot. With decades of nursery and bartending experience, she can also craft a mean cocktail faster than you can shout, "Aphids!"

Lisa Watters Lain is the heart of the family-owned garden center she’s worked at since childhood. With a Master’s in Education, an Arizona Nursery Professional certificate, and decades of experience, she’s a plant expert who diagnoses issues in a flash. Lisa shares her advice in Prescott Woman Magazine, Prescott Living Magazine, and on the Mountain Gardener Radio Show and podcast with her husband Ken. A passionate community supporter, she contributes to local beautification projects and non-profits. Balancing roles as owner, wife, mother, and dog lover, Lisa’s superpowers include compassion, sarcasm, and Star Trek trivia.

Ken Lain, known as 'The Mountain Gardener,' has spent 30 years mastering high mountain gardening. A Prescott local and ASU graduate, he’s a Master Gardener and Certified Nursery Professional passionate about plants, design, and making gardening fun. Ken shares his expertise in PrescotteNews, the Prescott Daily Courier, and on the Mountain Gardener Radio Show and podcast with his wife, Lisa. Dedicated to family, community, and the outdoors, Ken balances running the family nursery with exploring the region’s mountains and lakes.