Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

🌼The Spiritual Meaning of Houseplants🌼

Hey, Plant Lovers Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. This week, we explore the fascinating world of houseplants – and I don't just mean their care! We'll delve into the spiritual meanings and symbolism behind some of your favorites.

 

Did you know that the Chinese Money Plant is believed to bring wealth and fortune? Or that Ivy symbolizes eternal life?

 

We'll uncover these secrets and more, offering insights into why certain plants make the perfect gifts for specific occasions. Whether it's a housewarming, a graduation, or simply a gesture of friendship, there's a houseplant with a meaning that speaks volumes.

 

Plus, we'll touch on some timely gardening advice for our mountain gardens as we head into November. So stay tuned for a show that nourishes both your garden and your soul!

 

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🍂 Aspen How Low Will They Grow🍂

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

 

Dreaming of a mountain landscape painted with the shimmering gold of Aspen trees? This week on The Mountain Gardener, we're diving into the fascinating world of Aspens, exploring just how low these iconic beauties will grow. Whether you're in Prescott Valley, Skull Valley, or anywhere in between, we'll uncover the secrets to successfully growing these majestic trees at different elevations.

 

Discover the ideal planting conditions, watering techniques, and care tips to ensure your Aspens thrive. Plus, learn how to incorporate them into your landscape design. Imagine using their striking white bark and vibrant fall foliage to frame breathtaking views, create privacy screens, or simply add a touch of mountain magic to your backyard. Don't miss out on this Aspen adventure!

 

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 Below to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers

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🌲Mountain Majesty - Top 7 Pine Trees for the Mountain West Landscape🌲

Hey Gardeners Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. It's officially autumn in the mountains, and the smell of pine needles and crisp air is everywhere!

This week on The Top 10 Gardener, we're diving deep into the best pine trees for your high-altitude haven. From towering Ponderosas to elegant Austrian pines, we'll share the secrets to growing these majestic evergreens. Plus, discover even more stunning evergreens that thrive in our unique mountain climate, like the vibrant Colorado Blue Spruce and the graceful Deodar Cedar. Don't miss out!

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 24 - 43 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

As the seasons change and we move towards autumn, there's plenty to do in the garden! This includes planting vibrant fall flowers like asters and pansies, prepping more delicate plants for the coming winter by bringing them indoors and considering the role of beneficial creatures like tarantulas in the garden ecosystem. We'll also explore tips and tricks specifically for women gardeners and provide advice on choosing javelina-resistant plants for those dealing with these hungry critters. Finally, we'll look at how the Conscious Capitalism movement, supported by organizations like the Prescott Rotary, is making a positive impact by raising funds for non-profit organizations.

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

• Top 10 Flowers to Plant for Fall Blooms
• How to Bring Outside Plants In for Winter
• Are Tarantula Spiders Good or Bad in the Garden
• A Woman's Guide to Better Gardens
• Javelina Proof Plants Sure to Please in the Landscape
• Conscious Capitalism Raising a Lot of Money for Non-Profits

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!

 

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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💲Conscious Capitalism Raising a Lot of Money for Non-Profits💲

Hey there, garden enthusiasts! Ken Lain here from Watters Garden Center. Did you know we partner with the amazing Prescott Frontier Rotary Club to host an annual "Grapes 4 Good" event? It's a fantastic way to raise money for worthy causes while enjoying a fun-filled garden party.

This year, the event raised an incredible $105,000 in just three hours! This is thanks to the combined efforts of our passionate team and the dedicated Rotary volunteers. It's a perfect example of "conscious capitalism" in action—businesses like ours using their resources to support our community.

The money raised will go towards Rotary's fantastic programs, like helping kids get through school and providing leadership training for exchange students. We're proud to be a part of making a difference!

Looking to get involved? Stay tuned for next year's Grapes 4 Good event! We'll have delicious food, wine tastings, live music, and exciting auctions. It's a great way to unwind, have some fun, and support a great cause.

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🐗Javelina Proof Plants Sure to Please in the Landscape🐗

Tired of pesky javelina munching on your favorite plants? Here at Watters Garden Center, we've got you covered! Join Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener, as he shares his top picks for javelina-resistant plants that will thrive in your Arizona landscape.

Nature's Built-in Defense System:

Did you know some plants have natural defenses against hungry herbivores? They might have:

• Unpleasant flavors: Plants like sage and rosemary boast strong scents that deter javelina.
• Tough textures: Echinacea's hairy stems are a mouthful (literally) for javelina to avoid.
• Blue hues: This color often signals a bitter taste, keeping javelina away.

Javelina-Resistant Gems:

Now, let's get planting! Here are some javelina-proof choices you'll love:

• Honeysuckle: A classic with fragrant blooms and versatile growth habits (ground cover, trellis climber).
• Mums: Fall favorites that come in a variety of colors and are generally left untouched.
• Nandina: "Heavenly Bamboo" might sound tempting, but its delicate appearance fools javelina. Perfect for raised beds or borders.
• Tune in to the Podcast to get the full list

Bonus Tip: Blue-hued plants with silver or gray foliage generally appeal less to javelina.

Fencing for Vegetables:

Unfortunately, no vegetable is javelina-proof. If you have a veggie garden, fencing is your best bet.

Visit Watters!

Looking for more javelina-resistant plant ideas? Stop by Watters Garden Center! We have a list waiting for you and expert advice to create a beautiful and resilient landscape.

 

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👩A Woman’s Guide to Better Gardens👩

Lisa Lane, our resident green thumb guru, is sharing her top tips to get your garden ready for winter and ensure a vibrant spring:

To ensure a thriving garden next year, start by saving seed packets and taking pictures of your favorite container arrangements. Rotate your crops for optimal growth, and embrace fall planting with pansies, violas, and winter bloomers. Don't forget to overwinter your favorite container plants by treating them with systemic granules and bringing them indoors before Halloween.

 

Give summer bloomers a light trim and consider incorporating evergreen shrubs and trees for year-round color. Finally, fertilize your plants in the fall to ensure they weather winter and thrive come spring. By following these tips from Lisa, your garden will be ready to embrace winter and explode with life next year!

 

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🕷️Are Tarantula Spiders Good or Bad in the Garden🕷️

Hey there, fellow green thumbs! Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener here. Ever spotted a hairy hitchhiker in your Arizona garden? Don't swat it away just yet! Our resident expert Ken Lain is here to shed some light (and maybe dispel a few myths) about our fascinating eight-legged friends: tarantulas.

Nature's Pest Patrol

While their size might be startling, Ken assures us these gentle giants are beneficial garden buddies. Here's why:

• They're natural bug zappers: Those creepy crawlies that munch on your precious plants? Tarantulas love to dine on them! From grasshoppers to crickets, they keep pest populations in check.
• They're tidy burrowers: Unlike their web-spinning cousins, tarantulas live underground, so you won't find any unsightly webs in your garden.

The Truth About Tarantula Love

Ever wondered why you see more "spiders" roaming around in the fall? Ken explains it's a bachelor party! Here's the scoop:

• Females stay home: The bigger tarantulas you see are usually the males, out and about searching for love. The females prefer to stay cozy in their burrows.
• A unique courtship: Forget serenades; tarantulas have a special "drumming" ritual to attract a mate.

Living in Harmony with Tarantulas

While they're more scared of you than you are of them, respecting their space is key. Here are some tips:

• Leave them be: No need to remove them from your garden. They're doing you a favor!
• Gentle relocation: If a tarantula finds its way indoors, gently guide it outside with a container.

Keep Learning with Watters!

Want to learn more about Arizona's amazing wildlife and how to create a garden that thrives? Stay tuned for more Mountain Gardener tips from Ken Lain!

 

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🪴How to Bring Outside Plants In for Winter🪴

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

 

With winter approaching, many of you wonder how to overwinter tender plants.

 

Coleus, with its vibrant foliage, makes a fantastic houseplant! Before bringing it inside, give it a little haircut and treat it with neem oil to prevent pests. Also, water it thoroughly to flush out any critters hiding in the soil. A systemic granule can also help eliminate unwanted guests. Inside, place your coleus in a bright room, and it will thrive all winter long.

 

Remember to water your outdoor plants, especially during cold snaps. Hydrated plants are much more resilient to chilly temperatures.

 

And for those who want to enjoy evergreens like the Black Hills Spruce in containers, choose a large pot to allow for growth. You can enjoy this beautiful tree for years to come with proper care. 🌲

 

Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.

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🌻Top 10 Flowers to Plant for Fall Blooms🌻

Hey Gardeners Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. Fall in the mountains is simply magical, and your garden can be, too, with the right flowers.

Mums are a classic choice with their rainbow of colors, while tough-as-nails snapdragons add a cheerful touch. For a bit of wild beauty, try native asters, and for stunning pink to red blooms, Autumn Joy Sedum is a must-have. Gaillardia, also known as Blanket Flower, is a native wildflower that blooms from spring to fall, and Russian Sage provides a lovely contrast with its silvery foliage and purple flowers.

Don't forget the hardy penstemon, which attracts hummingbirds, and salvias, which come in a variety of colors and bloom for a long season. Add texture and movement with ornamental grasses like Purple Fountain Grass or Blue Fescue, and for cheerful color throughout the cooler months, pansies are a great choice. Now's the perfect time to plant, so grab your gardening gloves and create a stunning autumn display!

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 24 - 42 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

As summer fades and we welcome the vibrant hues of autumn, our gardens require special attention. In this episode, we'll explore a range of fall gardening topics, from preparing azaleas and rhododendrons for the colder months to discovering the best evergreen varieties for a splash of color. We'll also delve into the intriguing possibilities of growing yucca and agave in containers, explore the captivating colors of the autumn garden, and learn how to protect our plants from hungry deer, rabbits, and javelina. Finally, we'll discuss the pros and cons of growing plants from seed versus cuttings, helping you make informed choices for your garden.

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

• What to do with Azalea and Rhododendron in Fall
• Can Yucca and Agave Grow in a Container
• Brightest Evergreens are Planted in Fall
• The Colors in the Autumn Gardens
• Animal Proof Plants the Deer Rabbits and Javelina Leave Alone
• Growing Plants by Seed or Cuttings - Which is Better

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!

 

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!

https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/

 

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🌱Growing Plants by Seed or Cuttings - Which is Better🌱

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Ever wonder how plants are grown?

 

There are two main ways: seeds and cuttings. While seeds are a cheaper way to grow plants, they don't always produce consistent results. It's like a box of chocolates – you never know what you're gonna get!

 

Cuttings, on the other hand, are clones of the parent plant. This means you get the exact same characteristics, which is great for hedges, specimen plants, and fruit trees. 🌳

 

Imagine planting an apple tree from seed, only to find out years later that the apples are small and sour. Not ideal, right? That's why grafting, a form of taking cuttings, is so important for fruit trees. It ensures you get the delicious apples you crave. 🍎

 

At Watters Garden Center, we focus on providing high-quality plants grown from cuttings. This ensures consistency and beauty in your garden. Plus, we can even control things like allergies by selecting specific varieties.

 

So next time you're choosing plants, consider whether they were grown from seed or cuttings. It can make a big difference in the long run!

 

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🐇 Animal Proof Plants the Deer Rabbits and Javelina Leave Alone 🐇

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. Tired of deer, javelina, and rabbits treating your garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet? 😠  I hear you! This week, I'm sharing my top plant picks that those pesky critters tend to leave alone.

 

Think vibrant Sumacs with their fiery fall colors, graceful ornamental grasses like Pampas and Deer Grass, and tough-as-nails evergreens like Arizona Cypress and Junipers.  Don't forget the flowers!  Mums and Echinacea add pops of color that animals avoid.

 

Want a personalized plan to protect your garden?  Bring in a photo and measurements, and we'll create a critter-proof paradise together!

 

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🍂The Colors in the Autumn Gardens🍂

Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here, Let’s talk about the stunning fall foliage that's gracing our gardens. From vibrant reds and oranges to subtle yellows, there's a color for everyone to enjoy. One of my favorite fall shrubs is the Heuchera. They come in a variety of colors, like Ruby Tuesday, Siren Song Orange, and Northern Exposure Amber, providing a beautiful mix of hues. Heucheras are also versatile, thriving in containers or as accents in the garden.

 

Another great option is Nandina, also known as Heavenly Bamboo. Its fiery red foliage in the fall is a sight to behold. Popular varieties include Tuscan Flame, Plum Passion, and Gulf Stream.

 

For a more unusual choice, consider the Barberry. The Golden Ruby variety has striking burgundy leaves with yellow edges, while Lava Nuggets offer a deep burgundy hue.

 

And let's not forget the native Sumacs, like the Trilobata and Tiger Eye, which add splashes of orange and yellow to the landscape.

 

If you're looking for a larger statement, consider the Amur Maple. Its vibrant fall colors and graceful form make it a standout.

 

Finally, don't overlook the beauty of evergreens like Hollies. Varieties like Gold Coast and Sky Pencil offer stunning foliage and berries to brighten your winter garden.

 

Remember, fall is the perfect time to plant evergreens, as they'll have time to establish their roots before the harsh winter weather arrives. With a little care and attention, your garden will be a vibrant showcase of color all season long.

 

So get out there and enjoy the autumn foliage!

 

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🌲The Brightest Evergreens are Planted in Fall🌲

Hey there, fellow green thumbs! Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener here.

 

Did you know that fall is the perfect time to plant evergreens? Here in the mountains, we bring in a fresh batch of these beauties in early fall so they can acclimate to our climate before winter sets in. 🌲

 

Right now, the garden center is bursting with the healthiest, chubbiest evergreens you've ever seen! From classic spruce and pine to vibrant hollies, there's something for every garden.

 

Why plant now? Because it gives your evergreens a head start. They'll establish their roots throughout the fall and be ready to burst forth with new growth come spring. 🌱

 

Just remember to water them regularly as they settle in. A good soaking a couple of times a month will keep them happy through the winter. 💧

 

So come on down to Watters and find the perfect evergreen to add year-round beauty to your landscape. Your garden will thank you! 😊

 

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