Tag: In the Garden

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener On the Go Answer – Readers Digest Condensed Version of this Article Fruit trees are easy to grow in the Mountains. Apple, pear, peach, plums, apricot, nectarine, grapes, and blueberries all grow locally. Plant…

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Those new to the four seasons of Northern Arizona: Autumn is a time of intense transition in the yard. Leaves fall off deciduous trees, and flowering perennials bloom one last time before fading underground…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener If you make a daily pot of coffee, you have a fabulous source of the organic matter right at your fingertips. Coffee grounds can make your garden happier in several ways, and not just…

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 Autumn colors are spectacular. The colors and textures are unique to the four seasons of the mountain west. As we wrap up the last Autumn leaves, the landscape can feel naked and bare. Deciduous…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Plants communicate with us through chemical secretions and physical signals. We feel better after forest bathing in nature. Plants know we need them. While we can’t presently communicate with plants, past gardeners found ways…

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 When walking down the fertilizer aisle at Watters Garden Center or any home improvement store, you can’t help but notice the dizzying array of plant foods: bags, bottles, powders, granules, sprays, and concentrates. You…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Fall trees and shrubs with colorful fall foliage are a prized part of the autumn scene. Perennial and annual flowers are frosting of color at the same time. Fall flowers come in various colors,…