It's been over 77 years since I lost an uncle in Europe during World War II, but his memory is strong within our family. Stories live on about the last time the family saw him before he headed off to that fateful day and they are filled with details of his bravery. Because of these memories, I hope to travel and see his gravesite someday. At the Lain house, we like to remind ourselves of those who have made definite differences in our lives. In addition to memorials for people, we especially … [Read more...] about Memorial Trees Celebrate Those We Love
Ken Lain
Ten Ways to Use Rosemary from the Garden
Rosemary is a hardy mountain evergreen shrub that's easy to grow outside and even easier to use inside. Prized in the culinary world for its flavorful leaves, rosemary also has a fragrance and early spring beauty with its show of lavender flowers. There are so many ways to use rosemary from the garden, too many to list them all in one garden column. I ran the idea past the plant ambassadors here at Watters Garden Center. Here are our 10 favorite things to do with rosemary from the crew here at … [Read more...] about Ten Ways to Use Rosemary from the Garden
Reap Healthy Benefits by Growing Rosemary
Rosemary is commonly used in cooking to flavor soups, sauces and meats. It is known to have many health benefits and to 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 valuable, fragrant herb. Cancer Prevention Rosemary contains carnosol, found in studies to be a potent anti-cancer compound. Researchers have had promising results of its efficacy against breast cancer, prostate … [Read more...] about Reap Healthy Benefits by Growing Rosemary
Tips for Better Strawberries
Growing strawberries in mountain gardens is sweeter than any other part of the country. Starting can be overwhelming, but following these tips will make you an expert in no time. It’s not quite as easy as plopping a plant in the ground and hoping for the best, but close if you amend the soil correctly and follow these easy garden steps. Prepare to become a strawberry garden expert. Prepare the Site As with any perennial plant, starting off with a weed-free site is essential … [Read more...] about Tips for Better Strawberries
Should You Plant a Fruit Tree?
You used to need a lot of land to grow fruit trees. Most standard-sized fruit trees mature at a height and width of between 18-25 feet. Not only do trees of this size require a big chunk of your garden, they are too tall to prune and spray without a ladder. Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees have made it possible to grow them in just about any yard. Even with smaller trees, growing fruit is a long-term investment. It can take anywhere from two to 10 years to become fruit bearing. If you plan to … [Read more...] about Should You Plant a Fruit Tree?
Experiencing the Seedy Side of Watters Garden Center
The 2018 organic seed has arrived at Watters Garden Center. Each packet is stamped with an official non-GMO seal, ensuring that these seeds have not been genetically modified. Make sure to verify a seed’s freshness date, organic status and whether it is genetically modified before you buy your seeds for this spring. If you buy your seed online, there are some cautions that are important to have in mind before hitting the “Buy it Now” button. Make sure to check for seed freshness. Seed should … [Read more...] about Experiencing the Seedy Side of Watters Garden Center
Eight Trees That Attract More Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are highly prized visitors in the garden. These inquisitive little birds zip around from flower to flower in search of nectar. This local list of trees is guaranteed to attract more hummingbirds. Provide a source of water for your hummingbirds, and use nothing but organic products in, on and around these fiery little creatures to keep them healthy. Crabapples - Each spring, crabapple trees burst into bloom in shades of white, red, pink and purple. As a bonus, … [Read more...] about Eight Trees That Attract More Hummingbirds
Flowers that Bloom through the Heat of Summer
The brightest flowers of the summer season wait until temperatures rise above 90 degrees to do “their thing.” Like sunbathers on a golden California beach, summer-blooming varieties are best planted when the sun is bright and temperatures are hot. Here are my top 11 flowers that outpace the rest in fragrance and in their ability to flower through the heat of summer. Black-eyed Susan The plants thrive in full-sun containers and beds. Their yellow or rusty red flowers with black centers … [Read more...] about Flowers that Bloom through the Heat of Summer
Planting Tomatoes’ Best Friends in the Garden
There are plants that work well together and plants that should be kept apart. Matching the two groups into a garden plan is often difficult, especially in small spaces. Companion planting tomatoes is relatively easy. Companion planting is part experience, part folklore and part wishful thinking. Native Americans were among the first to use companion plants to improve vitality. Iroquois legend states planting corn, beans and squash together helps all three plants thrive and produce a better … [Read more...] about Planting Tomatoes’ Best Friends in the Garden
Large Raptors to Descend on Watters Garden Center
With razor sharp hooked beaks, powerful grasping talons, and wingspans that can be more than 5 feet, Arizona's birds of prey are magnificent to watch and essential to our native environment. Watters Garden Center is partnering with Arizona’s Raptor Experience in Chino Valley to teach local gardeners about birds in the landscape. Saturday, March 4, at 9:30 am these majestic birds take flight at Watters Garden Center during a free class and demonstration. Students learn the right trees for … [Read more...] about Large Raptors to Descend on Watters Garden Center