As our gardens start to shape up with new flowers and seedlings, one important step people sometimes skip is pruning their trees and shrubs. Part of this is a philosophy that says “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Why bother to prune if there’s no immediate problem, like your tree is about to […]
Typically, I write to you about bulbs during the fall to remind you to plant the ones that are coming up right now – things like tulips, crocus, daffodils and irises. It’s always heartbreaking when we get people in the nursery around this time of year looking for tulip bulbs and we have to break […]
The foundation for all gardens is the soil we use to grow our flowers and food, and the sad truth is that soil in and around Flagstaff often isn’t up to the job. Our arid climate means that both rocks and plant materials break down very slowly, so soil doesn’t have a chance to develop. […]
Northern Arizona Gardeners have two big challenges every year as they work to get their veggie gardens growing. The first is our high elevation and the second is a shorter-than-average growing season. We barely have 100 days where it doesn’t dip into freezing temperatures overnight. The good news is that with a little prep work […]
Happy Valentine’s Weekend. For you lovebirds out there, I know this year might present unique challenges in finding a gift for your significant other. A nice romantic meal at a restaurant is probably out. Cut flowers are lovely but don’t last long. And let’s face it – many of us have already put on some […]
Speaking scientifically, seeds are the reproductive system of a flowering plant; each one contains an embryonic version of its parent plant. What they really are is little superheroes, tiny packets of potential that can totally transform bare dirt into beautiful garden beds or containers of flowers, veggies and herbs. Of course, they need a little […]
Winter may be one of the best times for bird-watching. With the foliage down, it is easier to see and enjoy your backyard residents. While certain species like hummingbirds migrate to warmer climates in winter, there’s still a rich diversity of birds to see year-round. These birds could use your help to make it through […]
It’s almost time to call it a wrap on 2020, and as we look forward to a new year, I wanted to talk about resolutions. Not your personal plans to eat better or exercise more in 2021, but your ambitions for your garden next year. Now is the perfect time to think about what you […]
It’s a question we often get this time of year at the nursery – should we get a cut tree or a potted tree? Each has its positives and negatives and most have to do with timing. You can have your cut tree up and in your house longer. On the other hand, even though […]
Any regular reader of this column knows that I have love in my heart for family-run businesses. Warner’s itself is now on its fourth generation of family members working at the nursery with my three sons helping out when school’s not in session. Today, I want to tell you about another family business out of […]