You’ve got a brown thumb. It’s OK; we all start somewhere. The good news is that you don’t have to be born with a green thumb; you can grow one. All it takes is understanding a few things about our high-desert environment and using them to your advantage. It’s about working with our climate, not against it. Understanding Arizona’s Garden Zones and Frost Dates Growing Zones - Arizona is vast, and its climate varies significantly. Here in Prescott, we are located in USDA Plant Hardiness … [Read more...] about Brown Thumbs Bootcamp: A Plant Killer’s Guide to Success
Ken Lain
Twice the Bloom, Half the Work: The Magic of Reblooming Iris
My grandmother’s garden was famous for its iris beds. Growing next to the Prescott National Forest, they were a magnificent spectacle each spring. I believe it was one of the few flowers the javelina and deer left alone. She always said the irises’ superpower was how they hugged the surface of the garden, a trick that kept their blooms spectacular. She replanted her beds every two to three years to ensure the rhizomes were always positioned perfectly. I want to share her insider tips with you … [Read more...] about Twice the Bloom, Half the Work: The Magic of Reblooming Iris
Enjoy a Brighter Fall Garden in Five September Steps
August is the hottest month in the gardens. Vegetable and flower gardeners relish in the bounty the heat and monsoon rains offer. Others long for the calm, cool autumn nights for which Arizona is so famous. September is a transition month with some critical garden needs at hand. Keeping up with fall maintenance ensures both the health of your garden in spring and a shorter maintenance list later. September starts a season of change with the most pleasant mountain weather. The hot summer days … [Read more...] about Enjoy a Brighter Fall Garden in Five September Steps
Fast Growing Trees for Quick Landscapes
As the Mountain Gardener, I often hear folks asking for trees that grow fast. You want shade, privacy and beauty and you want it sooner rather than later. Good news, gardeners: there are plenty of excellent, quick-growing trees that thrive here in our mountain climate. Here are my Top 10 picks for trees that will give you a quick landscape transformation: Prescott Blaze Maple (Acer x freemanii) This is one of my all-time favorites, and for a good reason. The Prescott Blaze Maple is a cross … [Read more...] about Fast Growing Trees for Quick Landscapes
Southern Belle to Mountain Gem: Crape Myrtles Brighten Prescott Gardens
When I share the secrets to growing crape myrtles in Prescott, gardeners often express surprise. You might think these gorgeous, long-blooming trees are exclusive to warmer climates. Not so! With a bit of know-how, you can enjoy their vibrant summer flowers, beautiful bark and attractive fall foliage right here in our mile-high climate. Crape myrtles thrive in our intense Arizona sun, making them perfect for hot, exposed locations where other plants might struggle. They thrive in our dry air … [Read more...] about Southern Belle to Mountain Gem: Crape Myrtles Brighten Prescott Gardens
Butterfly-Friendly Herbs for the Garden
With increasing awareness of the risks of certain pesticides to essential pollinators like butterflies and bees, modern gardeners are turning to plant selections that foster these beneficial insects by providing attractive habitats and food sources free from harmful chemicals. To entice butterflies, gardeners should focus on vibrant blossoms and establish a safe haven where these insects can feed on nectar and find shelter and hydration. Butterflies and bees thrive in organic environments free … [Read more...] about Butterfly-Friendly Herbs for the Garden
Rose Rainbow: Every Color, Every Scent
The colors stun gardeners in their tracks. Thousands of roses are offered at the garden center in dozens and dozens of fragrances. Choosing the perfect one can be overwhelming, but not after this read. Plant experts are working hard at developing new hues and colors while improving the vigor and brilliance of garden roses. From the calm vibes of an all-white garden, the contrast of the color wheel or the free-spirited look of a cottage garden, there is no doubt a rose color to suit … [Read more...] about Rose Rainbow: Every Color, Every Scent
Popular Rose Colors You Can Grow
The colors of roses stun gardeners in their tracks. Thousands of roses are offered at the garden center in dozens and dozens of fragrances. Choosing the perfect one can be overwhelming, but not after you read this. Plant experts are hard at work developing new hues and colors while improving the vigor and brilliance of garden roses. From the calm vibes of an all-white garden, the contrast of the color wheel, or the free-spirited look of a cottage garden, there is a rose color to suit … [Read more...] about Popular Rose Colors You Can Grow
Recognizing the Wild Wonders of Native Plants
Arizona’s enchanting landscapes, where the rugged desert meets the majestic mountains, boast more than 4,000 native plants, adding vibrancy and resilience to your outdoor oasis. As you embark on your garden journey this spring, consider these eight 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 … [Read more...] about Recognizing the Wild Wonders of Native Plants
Learning the Art of Pruning Fruit Trees in Seven Steps
Every tree needs a little TLC now and then, and winter is the perfect time to give your apple trees some attention. Think of it as a spa day for your trees! The first step is to remove any unproductive wood that might be causing problems. It’s easy to prune an overgrow tree if you follow these seven steps in sequence. I hope you find this helpful. Step #1: Remove Unproductive Wood that Attracts Problems Start by taking out any dead, damaged or diseased branches. Dead wood is usually pretty … [Read more...] about Learning the Art of Pruning Fruit Trees in Seven Steps
