Top 10 Gardener with Ken Lain

🦌 Gardening with Javelina and Other Backyard Animals 🦌

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! If you're gardening in the Southwest, you're likely familiar with javelina – those wild, pig-like animals that can wreak havoc on your backyard oasis.  But don't despair!  There are ways to protect your plants while still enjoying a beautiful garden.

 

Javelina are natural foragers, rooting for grubs and tasty roots. Unfortunately, your prized vegetables and flowers often become part of their buffet.  While they can eat almost anything, some plants are naturally resistant.

 

Consider planting Cotoneaster or Juniper.  These shrubs have a strong scent that javelina dislike.  Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina) is another excellent choice. It's low-maintenance and has a white sap that deters these critters.

 

Many flowering shrubs, like Smokebush, Crape Myrtle, and Rose of Sharon, are also left alone.  And if you love spring blooms, Forsythia, flowering quince, and lilacs are generally safe bets.

 

Remember, though, there's no foolproof vegetable that javelina won't eat.  If you want to grow your own food, consider fencing off a dedicated area or growing in raised beds on your deck.

 

Remember, gardening in javelina country requires a bit of strategy.  But with the right plants and some smart precautions, you can still enjoy a thriving garden.

 

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🌺 Best Fall Plants for Autumn Long Flowers, Color and Blooms 🌺

Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Fall is a magical time in the garden, and here in the mountains, we have the unique opportunity to enjoy blooms and vibrant colors right through November! Now is the perfect time to add some autumn stars to your landscape.

 

For stunning fall foliage, consider planting ornamental trees like Maples, Aspens, or Raywood Ash. Vines like Virginia Creeper and Trumpet Vine add a splash of color as they climb. Shrubs like Burning Bush, Nandina, and Oregon Grape Holly bring fiery reds, oranges, and yellows to your garden. Even native plants like Prickly Pear can surprise you with colorful pads in the cooler months.

 

Don't forget about mums and asters! These classic fall bloomers add cheerful pops of color and thrive in our climate. Mums, especially, are surprisingly hardy perennials here, returning year after year with proper care.

 

Remember, fall planting gives your new additions a head start, allowing them to establish strong roots before winter dormancy. So, don't wait! Embrace the beauty of autumn and plant now for a vibrant fall garden.

 

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💲How to Save Money at a Garden Center💲

Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener here late summer/early fall is a fantastic time to save money on your landscaping dreams!

 

Like ours here at Watters, garden centers are transitioning from summer to fall/winter plants, creating an opportunity for savvy gardeners. We need to make room for the new arrivals – think Christmas trees, holiday plants, and all things festive. This means we're clearing out the remaining summer plants – perennials, shrubs, trees – at fantastic prices. It's like our own version of a monster monsoon sale!

 

These plants are in their prime, ready to thrive in your garden. We are simply making way for the next wave of seasonal beauties. It's a win-win: you snag incredible deals on healthy plants, and we make room for our exciting new arrivals. So, if you've been dreaming of a lush landscape, now's the time to act. Take advantage of the season's shift and create the garden you've always wanted!

 

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🌲 What’s Better as a Privacy Screen, Arizona Cypress or Deodar Cedar 🌲

Ken and Lisa Lain the top 10 Gardeners here. When it comes to creating a privacy screen in our mountain landscape, Arizona Cypress and Deodar Cedar are both excellent options, but the best choice for you depends on what you value most.

 

Arizona Cypress is a native tree that is a natural fit for our high desert climate. It's tough as nails, thriving in hot, dry conditions with minimal water once established. Its dense, columnar growth habit makes it a perfect natural fence, blocking unwanted views while adding a touch of Southwestern charm. Plus, supporting native plants benefits local wildlife and ecosystems.

 

On the other hand, if you're in a hurry for privacy, Deodar Cedar is your speedster. This fast-growing evergreen creates a lush, green wall in a fraction of the time. Its graceful, drooping branches add a touch of elegance, and the soft needles provide a textural contrast to Arizona's rugged landscape.

 

Both trees will eventually reach a substantial size, offering ample screening. Consider the mature height and width when planning your planting.

 

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Do you prioritize a native, low-maintenance option or a fast-growing, elegant screen? Either way, you'll enjoy a secluded oasis in your own backyard.

 

Visit Watters Garden Center to see these beauties in person and get expert advice tailored to your specific needs. Happy planting!

 

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🌳 Late Summer Pruning for Winter Long Beauty 🌳

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, is here; we're embracing the late summer bloom!

It's a fantastic time to prune and prepare your garden for winter. After the summer rains, plants like Autumn Sage and Russian Sage are thriving, showcasing vibrant colors that rival the spring blooms.

Now's the time to prune back overgrown hedges, evergreens, and vines. This encourages fresh growth before winter, ensuring a well-manicured look throughout the colder months. Don't forget your fruit trees! After harvesting, a light prune helps maintain their size and shape.

Remember, timely pruning and care now will reward you with a stunning garden, even in the depths of winter. Happy gardening!

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🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners. Beat the heat and keep your garden thriving with our expert tips on protecting plants from extreme weather.

 

This week’s podcast offers a comprehensive guide for gardening enthusiasts. From enhancing your landscape with vibrant blue evergreens to selecting the perfect tree for your yard, expert advice is provided. Discover the dietary needs of young hummingbirds and learn about the most stunning perennial flowers to adorn your garden. The podcast also sheds light on common gardening mistakes and highlights the serious dangers of snail and slug bait for birds and dogs, urging listeners to prioritize wildlife safety.

 

Included in this week’s episode:

• How to Turn Cedar, Spruce, and Cypress Arizona Blue in Color
• Which is the Better Tree Aspen or Birch
• A Baby Hummingbirds Favorite Food in the Garden
• The Biggest Perennial Flowers of Summer
• 4 Garden Blunders to Avoid at All Cost

•  Dangers of Snail and Slug Bait for Birds and Dogs

Ken and Lisa are eager to hear from you! They'll be answering listener questions about gardening in Arizona's high country, so don't hesitate to share your queries and experiences.

 

Ready to catch Ken and Lisa's gardening bug? They're brimming with knowledge and passion for growing beautiful things, and they're excited to share it all with you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gardening game!

 

Subscribe to The Top 10 Gardener Podcast today and get your hands dirty with their expert tips and tricks. It's available on all your favorite podcast platforms.

 

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🐌Dangers of Snail and Slug Bait for Birds and Dogs 🐌

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here! Summer's finally arrived in full force, and with all that sunshine and warmth comes explosive growth in your garden.

 

Remember that heat stress from June and July? Plants feel it too! But now, with cooler temps and welcome rain, they're thriving.

 

However, along with stunning blooms come some unwelcome guests: tomato worms! Watch for those big green caterpillars munching on your tomatoes and peppers. Luckily, organic solutions like BT spray can help control them.

 

Speaking of organic solutions, let's talk snail and slug control. These slimy critters can wreak havoc on your garden. We recommend using organic snail and slug bait infused with spinosad, which is safe for pets and birds while keeping your plants happy.

 

Remember, here at Watters Garden Center, we're all about healthy, sustainable gardening. So come on down and chat with us! We'd love to hear about what's growing in your yard.

 

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🏡Garden Blunders to Avoid at All Costs 🏡

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Dreaming of a garden bursting with vibrant colors and buzzing with life? You're in the right place!

 

Let's transform your outdoor space into a blooming masterpiece together. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, I'm here to share practical tips, expert advice, and a touch of gardening wisdom. From selecting the perfect plants to creating inviting habitats for birds and pollinators, we'll explore it all. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and discover the joy of nurturing nature in your own backyard.

 

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🌼The Biggest Perennial Flowers of Summer🌼

As summer unfolds, the garden is ablaze with color, and now is the time to embrace the biggest perennial flowers of the season.

 

Lisa Watters Lain shares her expertise from the studio, highlighting what's thriving in her own garden. From towering sunflowers that captivate young and old alike, to the aromatic saffron echinacea that surprises with its fragrance, there's a perennial for every garden space. Hydrangeas, begonias, and vibrant salvias attract pollinators and bring life to any yard. With the right care, these blooms will continue to dazzle, creating a garden that’s not only beautiful but full of life.

 

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🦜A Baby Hummingbird's Favorite Food in the Garden 🦜

Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener here. If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, think of it as crafting a buffet of their favorite blooms.

Baby hummingbirds, in particular, can't resist the vibrant colors and nectar-rich flowers of Penta, Lantana, and Salvia. These little guys have a sweet spot for bright, tubular blossoms, so planting them in your yard is like setting up a VIP section.

To ensure a season-long feast, position these plants in sunny spots where they can thrive. Not only will you enjoy the flurry of hummingbird activity, but your garden will also be bursting with color. Remember, gardening is about creating a space where you and the wildlife feel at home.

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🌳Which is the Better Tree Aspen or Birch 🌳

Ken and Lisa Lain the top 10 Gardeners here. When choosing between Aspen and Birch trees for your landscape, it all comes down to the look and feel you want to create.

Aspens are a top choice in our region, known for their striking white bark and tall, upright growth that seems to reach for the sky. They thrive in our clay soils and withstand the wind, making them a resilient option.

Birches, on the other hand, offer a softer, more weeping silhouette with a gentle, flowing appearance. They also grow well here, spreading a bit wider than Aspens but without being invasive.

If you're drawn to the natural beauty of the region's forests, quaking Aspens are a native choice that will bring that familiar mountain charm to your yard. For those seeking a graceful, cascading effect, Birches might be your perfect match.

 

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🌲How to Turn Cedar, Spruce and Cypress Arizona Blue in Color🌲

🌲How to Turn Cedar_ Spruce and Cypress Arizona Blue in Color🌲

 

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, is here, ready to share some earthy wisdom on how to make your evergreens pop with vibrant color this monsoon season!

Evergreens Love a Little Acid

If you want those cedars, spruces, and cypresses to show off their bluest hues, give them a dose of aluminum sulfate along with their regular 7-4-4 fertilizer. The rain will carry those nutrients deep into the roots, resulting in a stunning transformation.

Phosphorus is the Key to Blooming

Superphosphate is the secret weapon for flowering plants. This phosphorus-rich boost encourages abundant blooms and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.

Don't Forget New Plants

Newly planted trees and shrubs need extra attention. To take advantage of the monsoon moisture and establish strong roots, make sure they are well-fertilized with an organic 7-4-4 blend.

Remember:

• Organic fertilizers are the way to go. They nourish both your plants and the beneficial life in your soil.
• Take advantage of the monsoon rains. This is the second growing season for many plants.

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🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners. Beat the heat and keep your garden thriving with our expert tips on protecting plants from extreme weather.

As summer heats up, your garden faces unique challenges and opportunities. From understanding why stressed plants turn yellow before fall to tackling monsoon weeds and erosion, there's plenty to keep an eye on. We'll explore spreading flowers that provide fast erosion control and the best-blooming trees to plant during summer's peak. Plus, discover the top 10 big flowers that will make your garden pop with color. In exciting news, Watters Garden Center has been named Garden Innovator of the Year, highlighting our commitment to helping you create a thriving, beautiful garden all year round.

Included in this week’s episode:

•  Why Stressed Plants Turn Yellow Before Fall
• Monsoon Weeds and Erosion control
•  Spreading Flowers for Fast Erosion Control
•  Pretty Blooming Trees Best Planted in Summer
• Top 10 Big Flowers for the Gardens
• Garden Innovator of the Year goes to Watters Garden Center

Ken and Lisa are eager to hear from you! They'll be answering listener questions about gardening in Arizona's high country, so don't hesitate to share your queries and experiences.

Ready to catch Ken and Lisa's gardening bug? They're brimming with knowledge and passion for growing beautiful things, and they're excited to share it all with you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gardening game!

 

Subscribe to The Top 10 Gardener Podcast today and get your hands dirty with their expert tips and tricks. It's available on all your favorite podcast platforms.

 

🎙️Be the first to know! Click to join the Top 10 Gardener gardening community!

 

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🏆Garden Innovator of the Year goes to Watters Garden Center 🏆

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here. We're thrilled to announce that Watters Garden Center has been named Garden Innovator of the Year! This prestigious award recognizes our commitment to pushing boundaries and bringing fresh ideas to the gardening world.

We're always looking for ways to inspire and delight our customers, whether it's through unique plant selections, creative displays, or educational events. This award is a testament to our entire team's hard work and passion.

We recently took our leadership team on a trip to Chicago to celebrate and soak up inspiration from some of the country's most amazing garden centers. We're buzzing with new ideas and can't wait to share them with you!

Stay tuned for exciting updates and fresh inspiration as we innovate and grow. After all, gardening is a journey, and we're honored to be your guides!

 

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🌳Pretty Blooming Trees Best Planted in Summer 🌳

Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here! Don't wait for spring to enjoy a vibrant flowering tree! Summer's the perfect time to plant these beauties, ensuring they're well-rooted and ready to burst into bloom next season. Think of it as giving your garden an early holiday gift!

Consider the Ornamental Pear, with its stunning white spring blossoms and fiery fall foliage. Or the Serviceberry, a haven for birds with its tasty berries and brilliant orange autumn display.

For classic charm, plant a Crabapple. These tough trees offer vibrant spring color and attract pollinators, plus their small fruits make a tasty winter treat for birds.

And don't forget Magnolias! These elegant evergreens offer stunning, fragrant blooms and add a touch of Southern charm to any landscape.

Visit Watters Garden Center or browse our Top 10 Trees online to find the perfect blooming tree for your yard. Plant now and enjoy a spectacular spring show next year!

 

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