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
Watters Garden Center Prescott
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
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
Green Therapy: How Houseplants Secretly Improve Your Life
It turns out that houseplants do more than just add a pop of greenery to a room – they provide a range of physical and mental benefits, too. Biophilia refers to the innate tendency of human beings to seek out connections with nature and other living things. According to this philosophy, humans are more disconnected from nature than ever before, which may help to explain the increasing popularity of decorating with and caring for houseplants. While the benefits of being exposed to nature are … [Read more...] about Green Therapy: How Houseplants Secretly Improve Your Life
Nine Houseplants that Make a Kitchen Statement
Houseplants are a quick and easy way to spruce up your decor. When it comes to the kitchen, growing plants indoors has some practical applications. The right plants purify inside air, add splashes of color and provide fresh produce. These nine houseplants are the ideal place to start in your kitchen. African Violets Saintpaulia, is the perfect houseplant substitute for those who enjoy cut flowers in the kitchen! Happy African Violets flower nearly year-round and come in a multitude of … [Read more...] about Nine Houseplants that Make a Kitchen Statement
Top Ten Berries for Container Gardens
Those new to gardening are surprised at the bountiful crops berry plants produce. Local berry bushes are even more consistent fruit bearers than fruit trees and are easier to grow. Simply plant them into the ground where at least six hours of bright, hot sun are guaranteed, add them to the drip system with your other trees and shrubs, and wait for the berry harvest! Even more impressive is that berry plants don’t need to be in the ground at all. Containers are a great way to enjoy berry bushes … [Read more...] about Top Ten Berries for Container Gardens
Exploring the Best Four-Season Trees for Any Landscape
Trees are where your landscape value is. Plant them right and your home value grows; get trees wrong, and they take over, lift patios and driveways, hide beautiful architecture and more. Think of trees and the four seasons. Begin with trees that announce spring by blooming, then have trees that offer summer shade, autumn reds and gold, ending with visual interest through winter. The goal is not simply to collect specimens in the yard but rather to have at least one model tree per season that … [Read more...] about Exploring the Best Four-Season Trees for Any Landscape
Tips and Tricks for New Mountain Gardeners
Many have gardened in places where the soil is rich, its pH perfectly balanced and the climate blessed with consistent rainfall, gentle sun and plant coddling humidity. If you have dug a hole in the ground, you know mountain gardening presents the opposite of such ideal conditions. My words are limited here, but they’re enough that I can sketch out the big picture of mountain gardening. The local USDA garden zone is 7 with a definite influence from zone 8. This defines our area as mild but with … [Read more...] about Tips and Tricks for New Mountain Gardeners
Hummingbirds Fly to These Eight Flowers Every Time
Lisa and I sat in the front courtyard, watching the antics of “our” hummingbirds. They were enjoying water from the fountains and sipping nectar from the 30+ pots of flowers. We enjoyed one unique, unexpected benefit: The birds are equally happy sharing the landscape with us! The flowers, birds, sparkling water and fresh air combined for a romantic getaway in our front yard. Hummingbirds are the easiest to attract to the yard. We don’t have feeders, as we never want our birds to become an … [Read more...] about Hummingbirds Fly to These Eight Flowers Every Time
Are Fruit Trees a Good Investment?
You used to need a lot of land to grow fruit trees. Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees have allowed growing them in just about any yard. Most standard-sized fruit trees mature at a height and width of between 18-25 feet. Not only will this require a big chunk of your yard, but it also makes them tall to prune and spray without using a ladder. Even with smaller trees, growing fruit is a long-term investment. Fruits can take anywhere from two to 10 years to bear fruit. If you plan to be harvesting … [Read more...] about Are Fruit Trees a Good Investment?
