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
Watters garden Center
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
Picture Perfect Pottery for Container Gardens
The creativity of container gardens can add punches of color, elegance and drama to our gardens. As with statuary and garden art, they are the accent pieces in gardens, drawing the eye and saying, “Look how beautiful it is here!” Because the plants grow quickly, the constant morphing makes boredom a non-issue! The key to success with a container garden is choosing a pot that has good drainage. Here are some other considerations for choosing your new container: Pick a pot that appeals to … [Read more...] about Picture Perfect Pottery for Container Gardens
Exploring the Seedy Side of Watters Garden Center
The 2016 organic seed has arrived at Watters Garden Center. Each packet is stamped with an official non-GMO seal, insuring 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 precautions that are important to have in mind before hitting the “Buy It Now” button. Make sure to check for seed freshness. Seed … [Read more...] about Exploring the Seedy Side of Watters Garden Center
Plant Your Christmas Tree After the Holiday
Using living trees over fresh-cut trees to decorate 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 water. This is true for the high country natives like pine, cypress, cedar and juniper. Once these trees reach their mature sizes, they thrive in our arid climate, dry soil and extreme mountain … [Read more...] about Plant Your Christmas Tree After the Holiday
October is the Month of the Apple
Fall is a time to celebrate the apple harvest. Just thinking of apple pie, apple tarts, candied apples and hot apple cider makes my mouth water. With so many apple recipes to enjoy, why not plant an apple tree that celebrates the season every fall to come? "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is an old Welsh proverb that most are familiar with, but what makes this fruit so special? What health benefits are associated with growing and eating apples? A medium-sized apple contains four … [Read more...] about October is the Month of the Apple
Preserving Herbs the Safe, Easy Way
If you have herbs in your garden, you know that many are peaking. Although I've been harvesting like mad, quantities are exceeding consumption at the Lain casa, so it's time to start preserving the overflow for later use. There are several ways to preserve culinary herbs; the easiest method is to dry them. Not only is air drying the easiest, quickest and least expensive way to dry fresh herbs, but slow drying doesn't deplete the herbs of their essential oils and flavors. This process works best … [Read more...] about Preserving Herbs the Safe, Easy Way
Knowing When to Harvest Fruit
Most tree fruits start to signal their best taste with a sweet scent in the air. But it’s very hard to gauge the exact moment of peak ripeness. Times will vary year by year and different varieties will come in at different times. Here are a few signs to watch for by fruit variety. Apples - You’ve probably heard that ripening apples give off ethylene gas. Ethylene is a hormone and one of its effects is to cause the separation of the stem from the tree, causing the apples to fall. … [Read more...] about Knowing When to Harvest Fruit
Learning about Roses and Bonsai Plants
Quad City residents accustomed to informative classes offered at Watters Garden Center may be interested in upcoming events. July 18 - Bonsai Club Start Up - Bonsai expert, Frank Cuva will teach a beginning level class encompassing the creation of a bonsai plant. During the class, students learn the basics of transplanting and shaping for a lovey specimen. The class is free, but students should bring their small pruners, gloves and enthusiasm for this amazing art form. Share travel stories, … [Read more...] about Learning about Roses and Bonsai Plants