Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

🦜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.

 

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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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🌱 Spreading Flowers for Fast Erosion Control 🌱

Monsoon Rains? Turn Erosion into a Flower Show!

 

Ken Lain here. Those monsoons can unleash a torrent, leaving your landscape vulnerable to erosion. But fear not, fellow gardeners! Nature has a beautiful solution: fast-spreading flowers. These vibrant heroes not only hold soil in place with their tenacious roots but also transform erosion-prone areas into a breathtaking tapestry of color.

Consider the vigorous Honeysuckle, with its sweet fragrance and vibrant blooms, or the native Virginia Creeper, a wildlife haven that blankets slopes with lush foliage. For a culinary twist, try the versatile Carpet Rosemary, which offers blue blooms, pollinator appeal, and aromatic leaves for your kitchen creations.

Don't forget the hardy Sedums! Mexican Primrose, with its cheerful yellow flowers, is a superstar at stabilizing soil and spreading quickly. Or, for a native touch, Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia) add a splash of sunshine to any landscape while holding the earth tight.

Remember, fighting erosion doesn't mean sacrificing beauty. With these fast-growing flowering groundcovers, you can create a resilient landscape that bursts with life and color all season long. Happy planting!

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🌿Monsoon Weeds and Erosion Control 🌿

We love the monsoon rains, but those weeds sure love them too! Ken and Lisa Lain here.

Don't let those pesky invaders take over your garden. Get ahead of the game with Watters "Decimate" weed killer and "Herbicidal Enhancer." This dynamic duo sticks to weeds like glue, even in the rain, for a quick and lasting knockout.

For long-term weed prevention, especially in windy areas like Prescott Valley, spread "Weed and Grass Stopper" over bare ground. It stops weed seeds from sprouting, saving you hours of back-breaking weeding.

Try low-growing ground covers to combat erosion and add beauty to those hot, sunny spots. From colorful cotoneaster to fragrant creeping rosemary, we've got the perfect plants to hold your soil in place and create a stunning landscape.

Remember, we're here to help! Bring in your pictures and questions, and let's design a weed-free, erosion-resistant garden together.

 

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🌱Why Stressed Plants Turn Yellow Before Fall 🌱

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Don't let those yellowing leaves fool you! It's not fall yet, folks.

If your plants are sporting an early autumn look, they're stressed out. Overwatering is the usual monsoon culprit. Remember, plants need to breathe at their roots too! Cut back on the watering, especially if you're getting those afternoon showers. Let 'em dry out a bit.

Then, give 'em a boost with Watters 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food. This mountain-made magic is the perfect pick-me-up for our stressed-out plants. It's got the right balance of nutrients to green up those leaves and encourage healthy new growth.

Don't forget to deadhead those spent blooms for your flowering plants and give them a dose of Flower Power. They'll thank you with a second wave of beautiful blooms!

Remember, a little TLC goes a long way in the garden. Don't write those plants off; give them a little attention, and they'll reward you with a vibrant, healthy green!

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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.

Included in this week’s episode:

• Sustainable Landscapes - Native Trees That Thrive on Their Own
•  Shady Shrubs for Shady Garden
• Successfully Planting BIG Trees for Fast Growth
• Slim Sentinels - The Elegance of Narrow Trees
• An Interview with Christina Salwitz – Garden Coach
• Arachnid Free Greenery - Ultimate Guide to Insect Tree Gardens

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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🦗 Arachnid Free Greenery - Ultimate Guide to Insect Free Gardens 🦗

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here; Summer brings a bounty of blooms but also a surge of pesky bugs. Don't worry, I've got your back!

Right now, those bugs are bigger and tougher, sporting armor-like exoskeletons. But we're tougher!

For those voracious caterpillars munching on your precious plants, hand-pick them or use a natural spray like Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).

If you're battling beetles, like the destructive blister beetle, reach for Cyonara or a pyrethrin-based indoor/outdoor spray. These are powerful tools, so use them wisely.

Remember, not all bugs are bad! Spiders are your allies, feasting on the harmful insects.

But for unwelcome guests like scorpions, I highly recommend High Yield Indoor/Outdoor Spray. It's a safe and effective solution for both indoor and outdoor use.

So, gear up, gardeners! With the right knowledge and tools, you can keep those bugs at bay and your garden flourishing all summer long!

 

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🎥 An Interview with Garden Coach Christina Salwitz 🎥

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Christina Salwitz, the personal garden coach from Seattle, now coaching our Watters Garden Center team in Prescott, Arizona.

Christina’s expertise in merchandising, colors, flowers, and container gardening transforms our store and inspires our gardening community.

From childhood, Christina had a keen eye for design and evolved into a sought-after garden coach, merging her fashion and interior design skills with horticulture.

Her unique approach to container gardens—cramscaping and breaking traditional rules—creates lush, vibrant displays that showcase the beauty of combining heights, colors, and textures. Christina’s passion for teaching and innovative methods truly elevate our gardening game.

Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with practical tips and creative ideas to enhance your garden!

 

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🌲 Slim Sentinels - The Elegance of Narrow Trees 🌲

Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here! Ready to share some tree-spiration for those tight spaces in your yard.

We all have those awkward spots where a wide-spreading tree just won't fit. That's where slender trees come in! These vertical beauties add height, texture, and interest without taking up too much space.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Slender Silhouette Sweet Gum: This beauty offers stunning orange fall foliage and a narrow, upright growth habit.
• Spirit Oak: With its classic oak-like leaves and vibrant red fall color, this tree is both elegant and hardy.
• Blue Arrow Juniper: This evergreen boasts a cool blue-grey hue and a slender, columnar shape, perfect for tight spaces.
• Columnar Blue Spruce: If you love the look of blue spruce but lack the space, this narrow variety is the answer!
• Googly Eyes Scotch Pine: This unique pine stays slender and adds a touch of whimsy with its twisted branches.

Remember, these trees are a hot commodity, so don't wait! Head over to Watters Garden Center and let our experts help you find the perfect slender sentinel for your landscape.

 

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🌳 Successfully Planting BIG Trees for Fast Growth 🌳

Hey there, green thumbs! Ken Lain here, ready to share some tree-planting wisdom for a lush and thriving landscape.

Planting big trees now is a smart move – they establish faster and can transform your yard in no time! But remember, success lies in the details.

Here are my tried-and-true tips:

1. Bigger is Better: Opt for larger trees with established root balls. They're more resilient and adapt faster to their new home.
2. Wide, Not Deep: Dig a hole three times wider than the root ball, but only as deep. This encourages strong, lateral root growth.
3. Amend Your Soil: Remove debris, then mix your native soil with premium compost for a nutrient-rich boost that supports healthy roots.
4. Feed Your Trees: Sprinkle a handful of 7-4-4 all-purpose plant food around the base of the tree for sustained nourishment.
5. Water and Stake: Water thoroughly with Root & Grow to prevent transplant shock. Stake larger trees for stability.

Remember, we're here to help! Pick up a free Watters Water Guide for detailed instructions and watering schedules. Let's create a beautiful oasis together!

 

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🪴 Shady Shrubs for Shady Gardens🪴

Are you tired of struggling with dim corners and gloomy spots? Ken and Lisa Lain are here, ready to brighten your shady yard with gorgeous shrubs.

Shade doesn't have to be dull! Embrace the cool tranquility with shrubs like the evergreen Daphne, boasting fragrant blooms, and Hydrangeas, offering stunning flowers in various shades.

Explore the elegant foliage of Hostas, which thrive in the shade and add texture and interest. And don't forget Camellias, with their glossy leaves and exquisite winter blooms.

For a unique touch, consider the graceful Heuchera or Coral Bells, a perennial that loves the shade and rewards you with tall, fragrant white flowers.

Remember, the key to successful shade gardening is choosing the right plants. Visit Watters Garden Center for expert advice and a wide selection of shade-loving beauties!

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