Holiday Evergreens That Hide the Neighbors

12/07/2023 Ken Davis

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Now is the time to plant privacy screens for maximum growth and seclusion in spring. Without strategically placed evergreens in the yard, it can feel as if prying eyes are looking right into your…

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How to Grow an Evergreen Arizona Cypress

11/21/2023 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener A valid Arizona native growing naturally at the 3500 to 6000-foot elevation, the Arizona Cypress is collected by conifer lovers around the globe. It is an exceptional choice for xeriscape and desert landscaping for…

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5 Amazing Privacy & Seclusion Trees that Screen

12/14/2022 Ken Davis

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Now is the time to plant privacy screens for maximum growth and seclusion in spring. Without strategically placed evergreens in the yard, it can feel as if prying eyes are looking right into your…

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A Mountain Evergreen that Grows FAST!

05/05/2022 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener The Deodar cedar, Cedrus deodara, is an evergreen conifer favored for its gracefully drooping branches. It is often used as a specimen tree on large properties and parks, often used to line streets. This…

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Planting Your Christmas Tree After the Holidays

12/01/2021 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener How do you keep a Christmas tree alive outside in the winter? Can you put a cut Christmas tree in soil? Buying a Potted Christmas Tree to Plant. When should you plant your Christmas…

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How to Grow Pinyon Pine

02/05/2021 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Botanical Names – Pinus edulis Common Name – Two-Needle Pinyon Pine Plant Type – Evergreen tree Mature Size – 20 feet tall, 15 feet wide Sun Exposure – At least 6+ hours per day…

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How to Grow Mint Julip Juniper

12/29/2020 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener This updated Chinese Juniper has brilliant mint green foliage displayed over an arching form. One of the most constant shrubs in the mountain landscape is planted as shrub borders, mass plantings, or the fringe…

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How to Grow Alligator Juniper

12/29/2020 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Native to Arizona, the Alligator Juniper, Juniperus deppeana, is characterized by unique cracked bark that resembles alligator skin. Alligator and its native cousin, the Shaggy Bark Juniper, are the largest species of their kind…

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How to Grow Austrian Pine

12/29/2020 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Austrain Pine is resilient in poor mountain soils where alkaline conditions persist. It is remarkably tolerant of hot and cold wind and is a crucial component in privacy and windbreaks. Adapts well to dry…

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Planting Your Christmas Tree in the Gardens

12/08/2020 Ken Davis

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.…

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