Tag: fall

by 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…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is a low-maintenance, evergreen shrub with dazzling color all year. Native to eastern Asia, heavenly bamboo thrives in Arizona’s mountains, sporting cane-like stems and finely textured leaves. In spring, dainty…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener The quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), a name that refers to how its leaves tremble at the slightest breeze, is a tree in the willow family. Other common names refer to such features as its fall color (golden…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener  Mountain landscapes are famous for their autumn colors. This month’s column is merely a list of the best-colored plants you’ll find to plant in your backyard. There are more choices, especially if you include…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Autumn gardening is a great time to look back on garden successes and disappointments. There’s still plenty of time to do some garden maintenance. Fall gardening takes advantage of cooler temperatures and fewer weeds…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Walk down any aisle of your local garden center, and you can’t help but notice the dizzying array of plant foods. You’ll see bags, bottles, powders, granules, sprays, and concentrates. Furthermore, you’ll discover more…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener What perennials should not be cut back in the autumn? Pruning Perennials. Should all perennials be cut back in the fall? Can you cut back perennials before frost? When should perennials be cut back…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener What trees have the prettiest fall colors? Fall color trees zone 7. What trees turn bright red in the fall? Small trees with fall color. What trees turn bright orange in the fall? What…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Flowers to plant in fall for spring. Preparing gardens for Autumn. How to enrich a garden in fall? When to clean up the garden. What should I put on my garden in the fall?…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener There are lots of vegetables that grow well through the cool autumn weather. Some plants need longer days and a bit warmer soil to really get started, but all produce through the end of…