Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

🌲How to Best Plant Evergreen Vanderwolf Pines in Poor Soils🌲

Hey there, fellow mountain gardeners! Lisa and I were just chatting about some common questions we've heard lately, and one that popped up was about planting Vanderwolf Pine trees in our area.

 

These pines are gorgeous with their silvery blue needles, but they can be a bit fussy about drainage. If your soil takes a couple of days to drain, like one listener mentioned, you'll need to give your Vanderwolf a helping hand.

 

Don't plant it in a hole! Instead, create a mound of soil a few inches high and plant the tree on top. This improves drainage and keeps those roots happy. You can also dig down to a deeper layer of soil that drains better.

 

And here's another tip: after planting, add a layer of Watters Premium Mulch around the base of the tree. This will help keep the soil moist and cool, and it'll break down over time to improve the soil structure.

 

With a little extra care, you can enjoy the beauty of a Vanderwolf Pine in your own backyard!

 

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🍂What Do Yellow Leaves Mean in Autumn🍂

Hey, Plant Lovers Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. Get in the know!

 

It's autumn in the mountains of Arizona, and the leaves are putting on a show. But if you're seeing yellow where it shouldn't be, your plants might be trying to tell you something.

 

Deciduous trees and shrubs lose their leaves in the fall – it's natural! But evergreens like Privet, Photinia, and Cotoneaster should stay green year-round. Yellowing leaves on these plants often mean they're lacking nutrients.

 

Think of it like this: your plants have worked hard all year, blooming and growing. Now they need a good meal to prepare for winter and next spring's growth. If they're not getting the nutrients they need, they'll start to show signs of stress, like yellowing leaves.

 

The solution? A good feeding with a balanced fertilizer like our 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food. This will help your plants green up, develop strong buds for next year, and stay healthy through the winter.

 

Don't forget, fertilizing in autumn is crucial, especially for new landscapes. Give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive next spring!

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 24 - 46 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners hare! We are ready to help you navigate the changing seasons with your garden! From watering wisely after the first frost to creating a fast-growing privacy screen with trees, we've got you covered. We'll also explore the newest poinsettia colors that will make your holidays sparkle, discover shrubs that shine in winter, and learn how to keep your vegetable garden productive year-round. Plus, I'll share some insider tips for bringing plants indoors and keeping them healthy all winter long. Let's dive in!

Learn how to snag those hard-to-find specialty plants before they even hit the shelves by becoming a Garden Club Member!

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Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Included in this week’s episode:

• How Much Do I Water after Frost Through Winter
• How Close Can You Plant Trees for a Fast Screen 
• Newest Poinsettia Colors You Will Find this Year
• New Shrubs that Look Better in Winter
• Winter Garden Wonders - A Guide to Growing Vegetables Year Around
• Plant Drops- The Newest Ideas for Garden Experts

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 are excited to share it with you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gardening game!

 

PreOrder from Our Holiday Magic Collection

These poinsettias will surely be a hit this holiday season, so grab yours before they're gone! They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family.

 

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🌺Plant Drops- The Newest Ideas for Garden Experts🌺

Hey there, Plant Enthusiasts. ! Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener here. The holidays are just around the corner, and that means poinsettias are back in all their glory! But this year, we're not just talking about classic red. We've got some truly unique varieties that will make your holidays sparkle. ✨

 

Imagine a pink poinsettia with frosty white variegation – that's Frosted Elegance. Or perhaps a deep, luxurious maroon called Sangria Sunset is more your style. And for a touch of whimsy, there's Scarlet Swirl, a red poinsettia with a unique speckled pattern.

 

These beauties are in high demand, so we're offering a special pre-sale! Order yours now, and we'll have it ready for you to pick up in three weeks. Don't miss out on these showstoppers!

Preorder Now

 

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🥦Winter Garden Wonders - A Guide to Growing Vegetables Year Around🥦

Hey, mountain gardeners, Ken Lain here! Just because frost has arrived doesn't mean your garden has to hibernate. Here in the mountains of Arizona, we can grow vegetables year-round!

While summer crops like tomatoes and cucumbers are winding down, it's the perfect time to plant cool-season favorites. Think leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce, and delicious broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. 🥬

 

These veggies actually thrive in the cooler temperatures, developing sweeter, more robust flavors. Plus, they'll keep your garden productive and colorful all winter long.

 

And don't forget about those winter-blooming flowers! Pansies, violas, and snapdragons will add vibrant hues to your landscape, even when it's chilly outside. ❄️🌸

 

So, don't let your garden go bare this winter. Embrace the change of seasons and enjoy the bounty of a year-round garden.

 

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🪴New Shrubs that Look Better in Winter🪴

Hey gardeners, Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! As the days grow shorter and frost kisses the ground, our gardens take on a different kind of beauty. And some shrubs truly come into their own during the winter months. ❄️

 

Consider the Red Twig Dogwood. This deciduous shrub boasts vibrant red stems that add a pop of color to the winter landscape. For a touch of gold, try the Goldflame Spirea, with its stunning foliage that glows in the low winter sun. ☀️

 

Evergreens like Boxwood and Holly provide structure and year-round interest. Their deep green foliage creates a beautiful backdrop for winter blooms like Hellebores and Winter Daphne.

 

And don't forget the Winterberry Holly. This deciduous holly loses its leaves, revealing bright red berries that add a festive touch to your garden.

 

So, bundle up and explore the winter wonders at Watters Garden Center. We'll help you find the perfect shrubs to add life and color to your garden, even when the temperatures drop. ❄️

 

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🎁Newest Poinsettia Colors You Will Find this Year🎁

Hey there, fellow plant lovers! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here.  Move over, classic red poinsettias! This year, we're seeing exciting new colors and patterns that will add a touch of magic to your holiday décor.

 

First up is Frosted Elegance. Imagine a delicate pink poinsettia with a frosty white variegation running through the leaves. It's like a winter wonderland in a pot! ❄️

 

Next, we have Sangria Sunset, a deep, luxurious maroon that adds warmth and richness to any room. This poinsettia is perfect for those who prefer a more sophisticated look. 🍷

 

And finally, for a touch of whimsy, there's Scarlet Swirl. This red poinsettia features unique speckles and patterns reminiscent of a cozy quilt. It's the perfect choice for cottage gardens and festive gatherings. ✨

 

These poinsettias will surely be a hit this holiday season, so grab yours before they're gone! They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family.

 

Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener

 

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🌲How Close Can You Plant Trees for a Fast Screen 🌲

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here, with, Lisa Watters-Lain, to answer your plant questions! Want to create a lush privacy screen with trees?

 

It's all about spacing! Let's take the Blue Ice Arizona Cypress as an example. It grows about 10 feet tall and wide. To create a dense screen, plant them 5-7 feet apart. This allows the branches to overlap and create a solid wall of foliage.

 

Remember, the closer you plant, the faster your screen will fill in. But if you're on a budget, you can space them further apart and enjoy the gradual growth.

 

And don't forget those fall leaves! While they might look picturesque, it's best to rake them up to prevent diseases and suffocation of your plants. As for pine needles, a thin layer is beneficial for insulation and weed suppression, but avoid letting them pile up too much. 🍂

 

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🚿How Much Do I Water after Frost Through Winter🚿

Hey, Plant Lovers Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. As temperatures drop and frost blankets our gardens, you might wonder how much to water your plants. While it's true that plants need less water in winter, they still need moisture to survive our dry mountain climate. 💧

 

Here's the key: water deeply, but less frequently. A good soaking a couple of times a month is usually enough for established landscape plants. However, newly planted trees and shrubs need more attention, especially during dry spells. Give them a deep watering every week or two to help them establish strong roots.

 

Container plants are a different story. They dry out much faster, so water them thoroughly every week to ten days. And here's an insider tip: when a hard freeze is predicted, water everything! Hydrated plants are much more resilient to cold damage. ❄️

 

So, bundle up, grab your hose, and give your garden a good drink. Your plants will thank you come springtime! 🌷

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 24 - 45 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

This Episode dives into the fascinating world of plants, exploring both their practical care and deeper symbolism. We'll uncover the spiritual meanings associated with common houseplants, learn how to maintain the vibrant blue hue of spruce trees and discover strategies for keeping pesky weeds at bay in rock gardens. We'll also delve into selecting vibrant, foliage-rich plants that retain their color and explore the top fall-colored trees perfect for autumn planting with insider tips for successful growth. Whether you're seeking to enhance your home's energy, cultivate a thriving garden, or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, this guide offers valuable insights and expert advice.

Learn how to snag those hard-to-find specialty plants before they even hit the shelves by becoming a Garden Club Member!

https://wattersgardencenter.com/garden-care-advantages/

Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Included in this week’s episode:

• The Spiritual Meaning of Houseplants
• How to Keep Blue Spruce Silvery Blue

• How to Keep Winter Weeds out of Rock Lawns

• Brighter Plants That Hold Their Foliage and Stay Green
• Top 10 Fall Colored Trees for Autumn Planting
• Top 10 Trees with Insider Tips to Grow Them

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 are excited to share it all with you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gardening game!

 

Click Below to Join Our Garden Club

https://wattersgardencenter.com/garden-care-advantages/

 

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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🌳Top 10 Trees with Insider Tips to Grow Them🌳

Hey there, Garden Community! Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener here, with some autumn wisdom to keep your plants toasty warm all winter long.

 

As those beautiful leaves fall, don't rake them all away! They're like black gold for your garden. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch acts like a cozy blanket, insulating the soil and preventing that nasty freeze-thaw that damages roots.

 

Here's why this is important:

• Warmer Soil: The layer insulates the ground, keeping it from freezing and heaving. This protects your precious plants and keeps their roots happy.
• Reduced Watering: That layer also helps retain moisture in the soil, meaning less watering for you during those dry winter spells (even if the weatherman says otherwise!).
• Weed Control: Bonus! The layer keeps weeds at bay, so they're not competing with your plants for nutrients and water.

 

Head down to Watters Garden Center and grab a bag of their premium, screened mulch. It's perfect for topping off your garden beds and adding that extra layer of protection.

 

Bonus Tip: With winter approaching, it's time to start powering down your irrigation. But don't forget to water occasionally! Dry spells are common in the Arizona mountains, so keep an eye on your garden's moisture needs.

 

Let's keep those gardens thriving, even in winter!

 

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🍁Top 10 Fall Colored Trees for Autumn Planting🍁

Looking to add a splash of color to your yard this fall? Look no further than Watters Garden Center! Here's Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, with his top picks for trees that'll explode in vibrant hues come autumn.

Ready to Plant, Ready to Dazzle:

• Maples: The classic choice, maples offer stunning reds and oranges. Ken recommends the Prescott Blaze Maple, which is fast-growing and perfect for patios or shade.
• Ash Trees: Don't miss the Raywood Ash. This beauty boasts rich purple foliage and a handsome, rounded shape. Bonus: it's drought-resistant!
• Golden Locust: This low-maintenance option features delicate leaves that turn a bright gold in fall. Plus, it cleans up after itself, naturally dropping its leaves.
• Oaks: A symbol of strength and longevity, oaks are perfect for memorial trees. They offer deep red fall color and can withstand the mountain winds.

Ken's Insider Tips:

• Fall is Prime Planting Time: Cooler temperatures and shorter days help newly planted trees establish themselves before winter.
• Skip the Seedlings: Opt for grafted trees. They'll grow faster and be more consistent in appearance and color.
• Right Plant, Right Place: Consider the mature size of a tree before planting. Oaks are great, but they might overwhelm a smaller lot.

 

Plant Your Dream Fall Landscape Today!

 

To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link

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🪴Brighter Plants That Hold Their Foliage and Stay Green🪴

Joining us for this segment is Lisa Watters-Lain, our resident garden guru, who is here to spill the secrets of a thriving garden! She’s here with some fantastic news for those seeking evergreen beauties that bring year-round color to your landscape.

 

Fall is prime time for planting evergreens, and Waters Garden Center has a dazzling selection that goes beyond the usual suspects. We're all about unique finds that add personality to your yard!

Here are some of the standout evergreens we have in stock:

• Korean Fir: This compact charmer boasts silvery-blue foliage, perfect for smaller spaces. Think of it as a miniature version of our local Spruce Mountain cousin.
• Tannenbaum Mugo Pine: This pyramidal wonder offers a Christmas tree shape that stays delightfully manageable, topping out around eight feet.
• Golden Atlas Cedar: A dazzling alternative to the classic blue Atlas cedar, this variety features stunning new growth with a golden tinge, reminiscent of the beloved golden locust.
• Blue Star Juniper & Cedar: These elevated beauties are grafted onto a tree form, making them stand out in containers on your patio.

Remember: Planting in fall allows your evergreens to establish a strong root system before winter.

 

Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with grafted trees like Japanese Pines! They offer a unique architectural element and thrive in containers.

 

Be sure to watch to the end of the Segment to learn how you can snag those hard-to-find specialty plants before they even hit the shelves by becoming a Garden Club Member!

Not already a Garden Club Member? Click to Join and be Notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offer

 

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🌿How to Keep Winter Weeds out of Rock Lawns🌿

Hey there, fellow green thumbs! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here with some friendly advice to keep those pesky winter weeds from taking over your rock lawn.

 

We all know weeds are the bane of a gardener's existence. Especially those cool-season weeds that pop up alongside your pansies, like dandelions and foxtail. Those winter weeds are tough to tackle because the usual weed killers just don't work in the cold.

 

Here's the secret weapon in my arsenal: weed and grass stopper. This handy product is a seed killer that prevents weeds from germinating in the first place. Think of it as a weed-proof blanket for your rock lawn.

 

Here's why it's perfect for rock lawns:

• Stops weeds before they start: Apply it now, before those winter weeds germinate, and you can prevent up to 98% of them!
• Safe for existing plants: Don't worry about harming your precious flowers or shrubs. This weed stopper only targets seeds.
• Easy to use: Just spread the granules around your rock lawn, following the instructions on the bag. Water it in, and that's it!
• Long-lasting: One application can cover up to 5,000 square feet and lasts for months.

 

Bonus tip! Since we're here in Arizona, remember there are also summer weeds that appear during monsoon season. To keep those in check, apply another round of weed and grass stopper around the end of June.

 

By following these tips, you can keep your rock lawn looking beautiful and weed-free all year round. And hey, less weeding means more time to enjoy your garden!

 

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🌲How to Keep Blue Spruce Silvery Blue🌲

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here, with, Lisa Watters-Lain, to answer your plant questions!

 

This week, we're diving into a question that's on many gardeners' minds: how to maintain that stunning silvery-blue hue on your blue spruce trees.

 

The secret? Aluminum Sulfate!

This magic mineral helps your spruce trees absorb aluminum from the soil, enhancing their natural blue color. It's like giving them a spa day!

 

Here's how to use it:

• Apply aluminum sulfate now, before the first hard freeze.
• Combine it with Watters 7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food for optimal results. This provides essential nutrients while encouraging the absorption of aluminum.
• Water it in well, or even better, let nature do the work with some autumn rain or snow. 🌧️❄️

 

By following these simple steps, you'll have the bluest spruce trees on the block come spring!

 

Plus, we'll discuss why organic fertilizers are the best choice for your mountain garden and answer a listener question about pesky aphids. Tune in for a show packed with practical advice and a touch of earthy wisdom!

 

Not already a Garden Club Member Click Below to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers

 

🌲Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners

 

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