I know that our peak gardening season is back because Spanish Broom, Spartium junceum, that familiar, practically leafless shrub with clumps of quill-like, erect green stems is making its springtime appearance. I have never met a person who could resist the aroma of its profuse, showy, pea-shaped flowers. Like a Pussy Willow branch in a vase, Spanish Broom makes an eye-stopping indoor bouquet; in addition, it fills the room with its breathtaking fragrance. Don't water this one but once a week or it suffers in our high mountain soils.

Hundreds of decorative containers are filling garden centers, ready to update any home with a fresh new look. One of my favorite upright flowers for containers has blossoms of the same bright yellow as Spanish Broom. The Euryops Daisy, Euryops pectinatus 'Viridis', looks great all by itself in a small container, also as a striking accent in a large container with numerous other plants. Thick lacy green leaves covered from top to bottom with bright daisy-like flowers adorn this plant that grows 2-3 high. This is the number one seller of its kind in the state.

Its vibrant blooms continue now through November, making it the perfect plant for filling open spaces with color. An intense landscape effect can be created by massing many plants for a sea of yellow. This tough beauty is ideal in beds and borders with unsightly barren spots that are too hot or too dry for other perennials.

Running the entire length of our back yard is a sweeping patio exposed to the full heat of the sun. It’s nice and warm this time of year, but downright hot in the summer. Euryops Daisy is one of my favorite plants to brighten this area. This low water user stands up to the abuse of radiant heat and mountain wind as it continuously sets new flowers, even in containers.

Selling your home, but need more sizzle in your landscape? The Euryops daisy is one of my top choices for attractive, easy-care color. Plant this one in a stylish container of royal purple, red, or cobalt blue; the contrast between the container and the dozens of bright flowers makes a strong statement. Best of all, you can take it with you after your house sells!

The deep purples of the Freisland Meadow Sage, Salvia nemorosa, make this a perfect companion plant to either Spanish Broom or Euryops Daisy. The Freisland’s intense violet flower spikes, rising from the plant’s base on 18-inch erect stalks, look good either in containers or as a showy border plant. This sage also makes a stunning addition to any landscape when planted in combination with carpet roses and/or rosemary. These three plants make an exceptionally attractive showing right now. The entire sage family of plants is known as the toughest of the drought-hardy plants. It’s famous for taking full hot sun and our wickedly unrelenting wind.

If you’re unsure of which flowering plants to choose for your garden, my advice is to buy flowering plants as they come into bloom. A colored plant tag with a pretty picture of the shrub blooming in New York City is not the same as seeing the actual blooms in your local garden center. Sometimes they don't even look the same as pictured!

Because this is especially true of roses, I won't buy a rose before this time of year. The peak availability and selection of rose varieties will be the first week in May, as that’s when the first crop of roses in full bloom arrives at the garden center. I'll be writing more abut roses at that time.

I'm looking for great photos from around the area and will give you a $20 gift certificate to the garden center if I use your photo in a future garden column. I can't make you famous, but I can make your next visit to the garden center $20 more fun. So, if you take really good flower, landscape, and garden photos, you could be one of the winners. Submit photos directly to my desktop at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Even if you don't win, your photo will be shared for others to enjoy on my web site at wattersonline.com . Check out some of the entries already submitted on the photo gallery page.

About the Author: Ken Lain, owner of Watters Garden Center in Prescott, is a certified nursery professional and master gardener who has gardened extensively throughout Yavapai County.

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