It was Robert Frost who said,“Good fences make good neighbors.” In today’s fast-paced, noisy world, we need more privacy. With-out it, we become moody, grumpy neighbors. Sometimes it is enough to define a line of demarcation along the boundary, so it’s always clear where your land ends and your … [Read more...] about Considering Screens and Hedges for Privacy
Ken Lain
Identifying Plants Rabbits and Deer Dislike
Not all baby bunnies are cute, especially when they eat a new Euonymus to the ground, or wipe out those pretty pansies and tulips! Jackrabbits are born with a full coat of hair and open eyes, and only spend one day in the nest before beginning to forage. Cottontails are less precocious but may spend … [Read more...] about Identifying Plants Rabbits and Deer Dislike
Identifying Plants that Attract Butterflies
I believe that butterflies, some of the most beautiful, magnificent and interesting creatures in any garden, are God’s gift to gardeners. Fortunately, butterfly numbers are increasing in our landscapes. The reason so many butterflies are appearing in gardens is that they are losing their natural … [Read more...] about Identifying Plants that Attract Butterflies
Growing, Reaping Benefits of Rosemary
Rosemary is commonly used in cooking to flavor soups, sauces and meats. Perhaps less well known, it also has many health benefits and can be used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. Here are 10 health benefits of rosemary that will prompt you to grow this plant and find ways to use this … [Read more...] about Growing, Reaping Benefits of Rosemary
Run on Garden Center has Official Name – Victory Garden 2.0
The spring planting season has an unusual twist, a consumer-run on garden supplies, seed, plants, and fruit trees are selling out. The garden center industry has even names the phenomenon - Victory Garden 2.0. The demand is surprisingly healthy for anything edible in the … [Read more...] about Run on Garden Center has Official Name – Victory Garden 2.0
Happy Healthy Succulents Grow Easy
Succulents are popular for two simple reasons: they are beautiful and nearly indestructible. They have shallow roots that form a dense mat just under the soil surface. With thick, fleshy, water-storing foliage, stems and/or roots, they are especially adept at surviving harsh Arizona conditions. A … [Read more...] about Happy Healthy Succulents Grow Easy
Exploring Plants You Can Eat
Early spring brings a sense of rejuvenation, vitality and renewal; a revitalization that we gardeners see in our plants’ new leaves and blossoms. The season also generates activity in plants that produce edibles, especially those fruit trees that flourish in the higher elevations of Arizona. But … [Read more...] about Exploring Plants You Can Eat
Plants that Promote Better Sleep
There is no question that proper sleep hygiene is essential for optimal brain function. Perpetually debated is the precise number of hours we should sleep to feel our very best, a number that varies for mostly genetic reasons. Research has confirmed that there is an active correlative link … [Read more...] about Plants that Promote Better Sleep
Planting Your Christmas Tree After the Holidays
Using living trees instead of fresh-cut trees to decorate for the holidays has increased in popularity. More than half of my local Christmas tree sales are for living trees that will be planted in January. Because of their waxy needles and high internal pitch, most conifers need surprisingly little … [Read more...] about Planting Your Christmas Tree After the Holidays
Plant the Best Fall-Colored Trees Now
Not all trees are created equal when it comes to autumn colors, and this is their season. Autumn is also the ideal planting window for trees and tall shrubs. Increased garden success is achieved when plants are showing their colors. The days are cool and the soil is warm, so plants start with a … [Read more...] about Plant the Best Fall-Colored Trees Now