By Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener Arizona’s enchanting landscapes, where the rugged desert meets the majestic mountains, boast over 4,000 native plants, adding vibrancy and resilience to your outdoor oasis. As you embark on your garden journey this spring, consider these 8 vibrant plants carefully selected to transform your Arizona landscape into something unique and beautiful. 1. Bear Grass, Nolina microcarpa, adds a touch of elegance and texture to any landscape. In spring, this clumping perennial grass produces rosettes of stiff, evergreen leaves and tall spikes of white flowers. Bear g ..read more

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Readers Digest Condensed Version of this Article Big pots is better: Tomato plants prefer 1-2 square feet of soil per plant. Bury most of your tomato seedling stem when transplanting exposing only the top foliage. Aqua Boost Crystals added to the soil regulates summer moisture for juicier fruits. Water early in the morning until water seeps through the pot and fills the saucer. Feed 2X monthly with Flower Power Tomatoes require 6+ hours of sun each day. Tomatoes, a summertime staple, thrive in sprawling gardens and in convenient containers on your ..read more

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Readers Digest Condensed Version of this Article Roses Hate being in the same garden with large trees and shrubs that shade, vegetables that attract insects and disease, grasses and their roots, peonies and dahlia, Fennel, and being near Black Walnut Trees. Top 5 Companion Plants that help roses. Allium, Lavender, Geranium, Catmint, and herbal Sage. Free Garden Class April 20 – New Flower Introductions for 2024 The mountains of Arizona make rose gardening some of the easiest in the country. Roses thrive in bright sun; the more the merrier, surrounded by d ..read more

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Readers Digest Condensed Version of this Article Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A) and antioxidants, they come in many varieties, including short season for continuous harvest. Chili Peppers: Hot or sweet, contain capsaicin for potential health benefits, and grow well in hot weather. Kale and Cooking Greens: Kale is a superfood with vitamins and minerals. For variety, consider amaranth and collards. Scallions are easy to grow, provide antioxidant benefits and vitamins, and can be replanted with store-bought scallions for a free harvest. Spinach: Pa ..read more

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Roses are synonymous with beauty, romance, and their captivating scent. Choosing the most fragrant roses can be overwhelming, with hundreds to choose from at the garden center this spring. Fear not, rose enthusiasts! This guide unveils 10 exceptional blooms guaranteed to tantalize your nose and transform your garden into a fragrant oasis. Preorder Your Roses Online from my online rose store @ Top10Roses.com Order online and pick up in store Anna’s Promise: praises the true heart and steadfast love that transcends the trials and tribulations endured by Down ..read more

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Zone 7, with its fluctuating temperatures and varied precipitation, presents opportunities and challenges for aspiring apple enthusiasts. But fear not; homegrown orchards are within reach! Following these key steps and exploring popular varieties, you can cultivate healthy trees and relish juicy, homegrown apples. Location, Location, Location: Start by picking the perfect spot. Apple trees crave full sun (6-8 hours daily) and well-drained soil, ideally with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Avoid low-lying areas prone to frost and ensure good air circulation to pre ..read more

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener A unique plant explicitly grown for this weekend’s Spring Open House is SpringShine Forsythia. Gardeners will drool over this 2024 introduction. Better than your grandfather’s forsythia. Springshine delivers years of instant cheer to your garden! This compact shrub explodes with vibrant yellow blooms in early spring, painting your landscape before leaves even appear. Its dense, mounded shape is perfect for borders, foundations, or low hedges, adding year-round texture with unusual brick-red stems. It is low maintenance, grows anywhere in central Arizona, a ..read more

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 plants, which lose their leaves through winter, often expose you to prying eyes, vehicle glare, and a yard that feels empty. Evergreens take center stage for the next few months, and you can feel when the landscape doesn’t have the right mix of evergreen trees and shrubs. Not to worry, you will find the best selection of winter evergreens at Watters Garden Center no ..read more

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 to form a ball in your hand before walking on it and compacting. But start your cleanup quickly. It’s much easier to cut plants back before the old growth gets tangled up in the new growth. Here are the insider tips for a gorgeous garden this springs. #1 Remove Mulch and Prune Your Perennial Flowers The first task is removing and composting dead annual plants that remain through ..read more

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Evergreen shrubs with fragrant spring flowers are timeless favorites when creating a vibrant and inviting garden landscape. These local favorites provide year-round foliage and burst into captivating blooms when spring arrives, infusing the air with their delightful scents. Whether you aim to add charm to your outdoor space, attract pollinators, or simply indulge in the pleasures of a fragrant garden, the top 10 evergreen shrubs on our list offer an array of colors, shapes, and fragrances to suit any landscape. Top 10 Evergreen Shrubs of Spring #1 Azalea ..read more