Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

🌳Native Desert Willow and the Best Variety for Your Yard

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Looking for a tough, beautiful native that hummingbirds adore? Let's talk Desert Willows! These beauties thrive from Prescott to Sedona, offering willow-shaped leaves and orchid-like flowers.

 

The native variety boasts lovely pink blooms, but be warned – it produces bean pods that can limit flowering. That's where the new introductions shine! Look for named varieties like 'Timeless Beauty' or 'Bubba' – these have been bred to be bean-less, giving you continuous waves of stunning flowers from late spring through autumn.

 

Plant them in full sun, water to establish, and then let them go – they're super drought-hardy. Their airy foliage and vibrant blooms make them a fantastic, low-care addition to any Arizona yard.

 

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🌼Best Gardenias for Mountain Gardens

And we are back with Lisa Watters Lain. Many folks are surprised to learn we can grow fragrant gardenias right here. The secret is choosing hardy varieties! We carry two that brave our winters: one with a classic double flower and another with a lovely star-shaped bloom, both boasting that intense gardenia fragrance.

 

Now, don't expect them to get as big as they do in the South; here, they'll likely stay around knee-high, perfect for containers. Plant them on the east or north side of your home for morning sun and afternoon shade. They also do well under covered patios.

 

Fertilize with Flower Power monthly, and you'll enjoy those beautiful, fragrant white blooms starting in May and lasting all season. Deer and rabbits tend to leave them be, making them a delightful, fragrant addition to your mountain oasis.

 

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🌿Top 10 Native Plants to Grow in Arizona

Hey Arizona gardeners, Ken Lain here! With our beautiful weather, it's prime time to plant natives that thrive here. Arizona Cypress is a fantastic evergreen for windbreaks and privacy. Silverberry (Elaeagnus) is a low-care, fast-growing evergreen shrub that softens fences beautifully. For vibrant blooms, try Manzanita, which is loved by pollinators and drought-tolerant once established.

Consider our amazing Yuccas and Agaves – they're tougher than nails and offer unique textures. Red Yucca is a hummingbird favorite, and Artichoke Agave adds architectural interest. For a pop of color, Desert Willow blooms with orchid-like flowers, attracting hummingbirds galore. Don't forget native Redbuds, with their stunning pink blossoms. These ten natives are perfectly adapted to our landscapes, offering beauty with ease.

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 25 – 15 of The Mountain Gardener Podcast with Ken and Lisa Lain!

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken & Lisa Watters Lain, The Mountain Gardeners here!

This week, we're tackling a range of spring gardening essentials. We'll explore how to grow better herbs and veggies, understand why evergreen oaks turn yellow, and share insider secrets for big, juicy tomatoes. Plus, we'll discuss landscape updates, and gain insights from a Monrovia Nursery expert, all while remembering the best time to plant those beautiful roses!

Included in this week’s episode:

• Growing Better Veggies and Herbs this Year
• Why Evergreen Oaks Turn Yellow in Spring
• Insider Secrets to Big Juicy Tomatoes
• 5 Reasons to Update Your Landscape
• Interview with Jim Rupe from Monrovia Nursery
•  When can Roses be Planted in Spring

Get ready to catch Ken and Lisa's gardening bug! They're bursting with knowledge and passion for growing beautiful things, and they're ready to share it all with you. Don't miss out on this chance to level up your gardening game!

 

 Subscribe to The Top 10 Gardener Podcast today and get your hands dirty with their expert tips and tricks. You'll find it on all your favorite podcast platforms.

 

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🌹When can Roses be Planted in Spring

Hey rose lovers, Ken Lain here! Spring is in the air, and that means it's rose planting season! You'll find a wide variety of roses at the garden center now, from ground covers and shrubs to hybrid teas and climbers.

 

The ideal time to plant roses is when they're dormant but showing signs of waking up. This allows them to establish roots before the stress of blooming. Fiber pot roses, which are already rooted, are especially forgiving to plant now.

 

While you might see some roses in bloom already, the biggest selection arrives around the last week of April. This timing helps us avoid late frosts that could damage those delicate flowers.

 

So, get your gloves ready and prepare to add some beauty and fragrance to your garden!

 

Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener

 

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🎥Interview with Jim Rupe from Monrovia Nursery

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! This week on the Mountain Gardener, we welcome Jim Rupe from Monrovia Growers, a true plant expert! Jim shares his journey in the agribusiness, from tending Christmas trees to representing Monrovia across Arizona.

 

We explore the challenges and rewards of growing plants in our diverse state, from the high desert to the mountains. Jim highlights the importance of acclimation and choosing varieties that thrive in our unique conditions.

 

We also get a glimpse behind the scenes at Monrovia's operations, with its four locations across the West Coast, Georgia, and Connecticut. And of course, we touch on our favorite plants, from the show-stopping blooms of Wisteria and Crab Apples to the reliable beauty of Euphorbias and Lilacs.

 

Join us for this insightful conversation with a true plant pro!

 

🎥Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener

 

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🌱 5 Reasons to Update Your Landscape

Ken and Lisa Lain, The Mountain Gardeners here! Just like our homes, our landscapes need a refresh now and then. Here are five reasons to consider updating your outdoor spaces:

1. Plants Have a Lifespan: Shrubs and trees age, becoming less vibrant and productive. Replace those tired specimens with fresh, healthy plants.
2. Overgrown Plants: Those cute little shrubs can quickly become monsters, blocking walkways and windows. Choose plants that will fit their space at maturity.
3. Reflect Your Style: Your landscape should reflect your Don't be afraid to remove what you dislike and create a space you love.
4. Boost Curb Appeal: A well-maintained landscape enhances your home's value and creates a welcoming first impression. Simple steps like weeding and adding fresh mulch make a big difference.
5. Because You Want To! It's your space, and you deserve to enjoy it. Add new beds, containers, or a specimen tree to bring you joy.

Remember to update a portion of your plants every year to keep your landscape looking its best!

 

🌱Ken & Lisa Lain, the Mountain Gardeners

 

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🍅Insider Secrets to Big Juicy Tomatoes

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Want sweet, juicy tomatoes and flavorful herbs?

 

It starts with the soil. While manure is good, it's not enough. Remember N-P-K: you need phosphorus (the middle number) for fruits and roots. I sprinkle super phosphate under my tomato plants for a game-changing harvest.

 

Use Aqua Boost polymer crystals to prevent tough skin and cracking, which is especially crucial in our arid climate. They regulate moisture, ensuring consistent hydration.

 

And don't forget calcium! Our alkaline soils can cause deficiencies, leading to blossom end rot. That's why I created Watters Fruit and Vegetable Food (6-4-4-7), packed with calcium for bigger, tastier produce.

 

Follow these tips for a truly delicious and successful garden!

 

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🌳Why Evergreen Oaks Turn Yellow in Spring

And we are back with Lisa Watters Lain. Spring is here, and it's time to give your trees some TLC. This is the ideal window to plant new trees, especially your early bloomers like redbuds and crab apples. Get them in the ground before they fully leaf out to minimize transplant shock and maximize root growth.

 

It's also time to tune up your irrigation system for established trees. Check for leaks, clogs, and proper emitter placement. Remember, water deeply and less frequently to encourage those roots to reach down.

 

And don't forget about those yellowing evergreen oaks! That's a natural process, but a little fertilizer will enhance their beautiful blue hue.

 

With a little attention now, your trees will thrive all season long!

 

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🥕Growing Better Veggies and Herbs this Year

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Spring is bursting forth, and it's time to get those hands in the soil. Here in the mountains, that means turning your attention to early spring bloomers and cool-season veggies.

 

You'll see forsythia and purple leaf plums putting on a show, so get those in the ground now! Redbuds and crab apples are also perfect for planting this time of year.

 

For your vegetable garden, it's go-time for lettuce, kale, and broccoli. But remember, tomatoes and peppers are summer lovers; protect them from late frosts with plant protectors.

 

And here's a local tip: Cool season herbs like parsley, sage, and oregano thrive when planted early.

 

So, ditch the couch and embrace the season! Your garden awaits!

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 25 – 14 of The Mountain Gardener Podcast with Ken and Lisa Lain!

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken & Lisa Watters Lain, The Mountain Gardeners here!

This week, we explore a range of gardening topics, offering insider tips for cultivating flavorful herbs, natural pest control methods using ladybugs and praying mantises, and specific guidance on growing vibrant hydrangeas in challenging mountain landscapes. It also highlights ten top-performing spring-blooming plants and showcases the local gardening scene with John Murphy's "Rock the Gardens" event and the Prescott Food Forest, while suggesting hydrangea plants as a thoughtful Mother's Day gift for gardening enthusiasts.

Included in this week’s episode:

•  Insider Tips to Growing Herbs with Flavor
• How to Use Ladybugs and Praying Mantis in the Gardens
• How to Grow Hydrangea in Mountain Landscapes
• Top 10 Bloomers in the Spring Gardens

• John Murphy Rock the Gardens and Prescott Food Forest

• Hydrangea Hugs as a Mother’s Day I Love You Plant for Gardeners

Ken and Lisa will also answer listener questions about gardening in Arizona's high country.

Get ready to catch Ken and Lisa's gardening bug! They're bursting with knowledge and passion for growing beautiful things, and they're ready to share it all with you. Don't miss out on this chance to level up your gardening game!

 

 Subscribe to The Top 10 Gardener Podcast today and get your hands dirty with their expert tips and tricks. You'll find it on all your favorite podcast platforms.

 

To Watch the Entire Podcast Show, Tap or Click on the Link Below

 

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🪻Hydrangea Hugs as a Mother’s Day I Love You Plant for Gardeners

Hey gardening friends, Ken Lain here! This Mother's Day, give a gift that keeps on giving – a beautiful, blooming hydrangea. These aren't just flowers; they're living expressions of a mother's enduring love.

 

Imagine presenting Mom with a cloud of delicate blooms, a symbol of your appreciation that will brighten her garden for years to come. Hydrangeas come in a range of captivating colors, from soft pinks to serene blues, each with its own unique charm.

 

When choosing a hydrangea for Mom, consider her garden's light. Most prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. And remember, soil pH can influence bloom color!

 

But most of all, give the gift of joy and beauty. A hydrangea is more than a plant; it's a living reminder of your love, growing stronger with each passing season.

 

🪻Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener

 

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👨‍🌾John Murphy Rocks the Gardens and Prescott Food Forest

Join me, Ken Lain, as we welcome John Murphy, a gardening force of nature, to Watters Garden Center! John's passion for plants is contagious, and his knowledge will ignite your own green thumb.

 

We'll delve into the exciting work of the Prescott Food Forest, exploring how to create your own thriving food forest, even here in our challenging climate. John will share his best practices for soil preparation, companion planting, and water-wise techniques that will have your garden bursting with fresh produce.

 

But that's not all! We'll explore some of John's favorite plant selections, those that bring both beauty and bounty to your backyard. From fruit trees to hardy perennials, we'll cover it all.

 

Get ready for an inspiring journey into the world of gardening, dedicated to sustainable practices and community collaboration with the Prescott Food Forest. This is one you don't want to miss!

 

👨‍🌾Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener

 

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🌻Top 10 Bloomers in the Spring Gardens

Ken and Lisa Lain, The Mountain Gardeners here!

 

Spring has officially sprung, and the garden center is exploding with color and fragrance. It's a feast for the senses!

 

Right now, we've got Amaryllis in bloom, those incredible bulbs with trumpet-shaped flowers, some even dipped in rose petals or moss! You won't believe the size and beauty.

 

And the early spring flowers are here too! Pansies and violas are showing off their vibrant hues, and snapdragons are standing tall. Don't forget the fragrant stock, a real treat for the nose.

 

This is the time to visit and plan your colorful spring displays. From cool-season veggies to herbs and showy hanging baskets like Calibrachoa, we've got everything to get your garden thriving. Come on down and experience the joy of spring!

 

 

🌻Ken & Lisa Lain, the Mountain Gardeners

 

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🪻How to Grow Hydrangeas in Mountain Landscapes

🪻How to Grow Hydrangeas in Mountain Landscapes

 

Ken Lain Here, The Mountain Gardener!

 

You know, folks often ask if hydrangeas can thrive here in our Arizona mountains. The answer is a resounding yes!

 

But there are a few tricks to it.

The key is selecting newer varieties that bloom on new wood. This ensures they'll flower reliably, even if the winter chills them back a bit.

 

Also, our soil and water tend to be alkaline, which pushes hydrangea colors toward the pink side. You can amend the soil, but I find they're just as beautiful embracing those pinks and softer blues.

 

Most importantly, give them the right location. Here, they need protection from our intense sun and drying winds. Think north- or east-facing exposures, or under the dappled shade of trees. Plant them right, and you'll be rewarded with armfuls of blooms!

 

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