“We can show people how to plant smarter so they have less water use with the right design,” he said. 
Oregon Grape is one of the most popular in this category, but if growers are looking for something taller for more privacy, the Red Cluster Berry Cotoneaster will fill the need. Junipers are low water-use and low maintenance and will grow tall enough to block out the neighbors’ RVs. Arizona Cypress is a solid and thick evergreen.
Ken Lain, who owns Watters along with his wife, Lisa, says that all trees need care until they root in the surrounding soil, but the native low water-use trees adapt better after that. Yucca offers 12 different types of shrubs.
Desert Willow is another low water use tree that adapts at Prescott’s elevation, which is unique because most willow trees take more water.
Wildflowers, such as Coneflowers, are popular. Autumn Sage grows knee high, and their red flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Lain says Watters has expanded its milkweed and butterfly bush section to entice butterflies. The garden center has an entire section of pollinator flowers. “Our website has a section about plants that entice butterflies and hummingbirds,” he said. “Google can confuse some of this, so you have to do your own research.”
Watters also has different deterrents that can help gardeners protect their plants from gophers, deer and javelina.
Lain has seen two big trends in gardening over the past year. One is that a lot more people are growing their own vegetables and fruits. The second trend is that customers are growing a lot more perennials.
Regardless of what customers are growing, Lain also has AquaBoost in stock. This is added to soil to hold the moisture as it regulates the water and increases root growth.
“We can show people how to plant smarter so they have less water use with the right design,” he said. “You can bring in your iPad or phone and we can put the design right on it. This is free because it’s what we do. We want people to have sustainable yards.”
Lain says that people can change their environment with a few well-placed trees as the shade will help with heating and air conditioning. He emphasizes that it can change the temperature by 15 degrees. “The Autumn Blaze Maple is the number one shade tree in Prescott and it’s the fastest growing maple. The Golden Chain is another great shade tree, but it has mischievous roots so don’t place it by your driveway or house. Put it in the backyard away from things.”
Purple Robe Locust and Ash trees are also low-water, low-maintenance plants.
Lain sways customers away from rock gardens because they raise the heat, but he also emphasizes that customers shouldn’t over-garden. He recommends having 60% of the garden covered by plant foliage. More than that will make the garden feel overgrown. “Designers use that magic formula,” he said.
Lain wants gardeners to envision what they want. “Look at where you enjoy your garden and plant accordingly. Look for the oasis effect. It will make you feel good about being outdoors. Lawns and ponds are a thing of the past. Those days are over, but with the right mix, you can have a beautiful yard.” QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Photo by Stan Bindell: Ken Lain leans over a low water-use holly and rhododendron plant at Watters Garden Center.
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