Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

Mix, Mulch, Marvel: The Secret to Effortless Wildflower Beauty

Don't let winter lull your garden to sleep! This is the secret time to unlock a breathtaking display of wildflowers come spring. Top10Gardener Ken Lain reveals the magic:

✨ Nurture the native soul: Choose a wildflower blend that thrives in your local climate, attracting buzzing pollinators and showcasing nature's regional beauty.

✨ Embrace winter's kiss: January and February's freeze-thaw cycles act as nature's seed-awakening alarm clock. Sow your seeds now, mimicking this rhythm.

✨ Prepare the stage: Clear debris from your chosen area, letting sunlight reach the soil. Scatter your seeds generously, ensuring good contact with the earth.

✨ Nature's helping hand: Top it all with a light mulch of leaves or straw. This not only deters hungry birds but also retains moisture, aiding even germination.

Let winter work its magic. Come spring, witness your garden transform into a vibrant haven, teeming with life and color. Embrace the wildflower revolution - start sowing now!

Get in the know! Subscribe for Top10Gardener updates

🌿Ken Lain, the Top10Gardener

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #Wildflowers. #WildflowerWonder #NativeBlooms, #SeedToBloom

Gifts any Garden Valentine Loves

Hey there, garden pals! Top 10 Gardener Ken Lain here, ready to plant some love in your Valentine's Day plans! Forget the fleeting chocolates, why not gift something that keeps on giving: a blooming beauty for that special someone (or, let's be honest, yourself)?

Now, roses are classic, but have you considered the low-maintenance charm of a houseplant? They add life and personality to any space, and Watters has a gorgeous selection! The heart-shaped leaves of an antherium, which is actually the state flower for Hawaii, or the vibrant blooms of a bromeliads have that big beautiful flower that comes out of the center. It can be red, it can be pink, it can be yellow, Plus, they're practically gift-wrapped by nature!

For rose lovers looking for something unique, Watters has climbing varieties that'll transform a fence into a romantic archway. Joseph's Coat Cliny Rose. It's got the orange and yellows and pinks., while Double Delight is a white rose with a pink edge to it and it’s very fragrant. Imagine those morning strolls hand-in-hand, greeted by the sweet fragrance of love! Remember, roses crave sunshine and well-draining soil, so give them a happy home.

No matter your pick, a touch of greenery is the gift that keeps on growing. It shows you care, purifies the air, and brings a little piece of nature indoors. So ditch the store-bought fuss and head to Watters! They've got the perfect green valentine waiting to be discovered. Happy growing, and remember, love is always in bloom!

Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener. Subscribe now!

🪴 Ken Lain & Lisa Lain, Top10Gardners

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #ValentinesDayGifts, #GreenThumbLove, #HouseplantPower, #RoseRomance, #GrowYourLove

 

Whispering Winds: Capturing the Essence of Nature with Ornamental Grasses

Golden blades sway in the breeze, whispers of summer still clinging to their feathery tips.

A secret whispers from the farmer's wisdom: a rich, earthy cloak to nourish and revive.

Manure, a humble gift, transformed into liquid gold, awakens slumbering roots.

Blades drink deep, the transformation begins. Emerald hues return, vibrant and bold, dancing under the winter sun.

A testament to nature's alchemy, beauty reborn from forgotten treasures.

 

Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top10Gardener

- Ken Lain, Top10Gardner

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips,#MountainGardenerPodcast, #OrnamentalGrasses, #Manure

 

Peaches - Does it take more than one to fruit?

Howdy, fellow gardeners! Ken Lain here, ready to answer your peachy keen questions. Let's talk about everyone's favorite fuzzy fruit: peaches! Specifically, whether you need two trees to tango or just one to get that juicy goodness.

Well, the answer is a resounding Nope! Most peach trees are self-pollinating, meaning they have both the male and female parts needed to produce fruit all on their own. So, you can plant just one tree and bask in a bountiful harvest.

Now, there are a few exceptions. Some heirloom peach varieties are self-unfruitful, meaning they need a pollenizer from another tree (of a different variety) to set fruit. But these are less common these days, and most nurseries will clearly label if a tree needs a buddy.

Here are some additional tips for peachy success:

• Pick a sunny spot: Peaches love to soak up the rays, so choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Plant at the right time: In most areas, plant your peach tree in late winter or early spring, when the danger of frost has passed.
• Give them some space: Dwarf varieties need about 15-20 feet of space, while standard trees need 20-25 feet.
• Water deeply and regularly: Especially during the first few years, give your tree about 1 inch of water per week.
• Prune for perfection: Pruning helps open up the canopy for better airflow and sunlight penetration, which can lead to more and better fruit.

So, there you have it! With just one peach tree and a little TLC, you can be enjoying delicious homegrown peaches in no time. Happy planting!

Get in the know! Subscribe for Top10Gardener updates

🪴 Ken and Lisa Lain, Top10Gardners

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #PeachHarvest, #BackyardOrchard, #FruitTreeCare, #SelfPollination

 

 

 

Awaken Your Garden: Spring Planting Guide

Hey there, green thumbs! Spring is springing (pun intended!), and you know what that means?

Time to get dirty! Before the flowers get all show-offy, let's dig in and prep our gardens for maximum awesomeness.

Think happy soil – load it up with yummy organic stuff (but get started early, or your seedlings might get grumpy).

Want a veggie jumpstart? Sow some seeds indoors before March and be the envy of the block.

Remember, real gardeners dig all seasons, not just Mother's Day. Let's celebrate the whole growing journey and enjoy the delicious rewards!

Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener. Subscribe now!

🌱 Ken Lain, Top10Gardner

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #SpringGardening, #SpringPlanting

The Best Time to Plant Wildflowers

Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! In this episode, we're exploring the wonders of gardening in Arizona's unique mountain regions. Whether you're just starting to cultivate your green thumb or you're a seasoned gardening veteran, we've got insights and tips that will enrich your gardening journey. Join us as we delve into the specifics of mountain gardening, from selecting the right plants to mastering care techniques suited for our distinctive climate. So grab your favorite brew, settle in, and let's embark on an adventure of growth and discovery right in your own backyard. Let's grow together!

Included in this week’s episode:

• How to Prepare a Garden for Spring Planting
• When Can Spring Planting Begin
• Ornamental Grass Beautified by Manure
• Houseplants for a Better Nights Rest
• Best Time to Plant Wildflowers
• Garden Seed and Houseplants

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.

 

🪴Ken Lain, the Top10Gardener

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips,#MountainGardenerPodcast,

 

Garden Seeds and Houseplants

Embark on your 2024 gardening journey with Ken Lain's, the Top10Gardener, treasure trove of fresh seeds and houseplants.

From a gardener's perspective, timing and quality are key. Always check the seed packet for freshness and opt for high-germination seeds, ensuring a bountiful growth. Embrace the transformative power of houseplants to fill the void in your living space, creating a vibrant, fragrant ambiance.

With Ken's expert guidance, immerse yourself in the world of gardening, turning your backyard into a flourishing oasis.

Remember, gardening is not just about planting; it's about nurturing life and watching it blossom beautifully around you.

🪴Ken Lain, the Top10Gardener

 

Be the first to know! Click to join the Top10Gardener gardening community

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #Houseplants, #GardenSeeds

The Best Time to Plant Wildflowers

January & February are the prime months for sowing wildflowers; this offers a unique opportunity for gardeners. Ken Lain, the Top10Gardener, advises that for a flourishing wildflower meadow, start by choosing a native blend suited to your local climate. These seeds, varying in texture and size, require the freeze-thaw cycles of early months to break open and germinate. Simply prepare your soil by scraping away debris, ensuring seed-to-soil contact. Mixing your seeds with a light mulch not only disguises them from birds but also maintains moisture, ensuring a more evenly spread and successful germination. Embrace this process now, and watch your wildflower haven burst into life, attracting a symphony of nature's wonders to your garden.

🌿Ken Lain, the Top10Gardener

Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top10Gardener

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #Wildflowers. #WildflowerWonder #NativeBlooms, #SeedToBloom

Houseplants for a Better Nights Rest

Transform your home into a serene sanctuary with houseplants that not only beautify but purify.

Ken Lain and Lisa Lain, the Top10Gardeners, recommend easy-care, air cleansing varieties perfect for brightening up your bedroom or office.

Aloe Vera, known for its healing properties, also cleanses the air and thrives with minimal water. Dracaenas, a diverse family with attractive foliage, adapt well to varying light conditions and require little water. English Ivy, a prolific air purifier, flourishes in most settings but prefers not to be overwatered.

Embrace these natural air purifiers and witness how they not only enhance your space aesthetically but also contribute to a healthier, more productive environment.

🪴 Ken Lain & Lisa Lain, Top10Gardners

Get in the know! Subscribe for Top10Gardener updates

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #CleanAirPlants

 

Ornamental Grass Beautified by Manure and How

Elevate your ornamental grasses like Pampas, Fescues, and Miscanthus to showstoppers this season!

Ken Lain's wisdom: Trim them back early (knee-high for Pampas, ankle-high for others) to avoid a mix of brown and green hues. These resilient beauties, once pruned, crave nourishment. A generous helping of manure and 7-4-4 all-purpose plant food, rich in bird guano and cottonseed meal, will fuel their rapid growth and vibrant plumes.

Treat each grass as a treasured child in your garden family, ensuring uniform growth and beauty. Embrace the elegance and movement of ornamental grasses, transforming your garden into the envy of the neighborhood.

- Ken Lain, Top10Gardner

Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener. Subscribe now!

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #OrnamentalGrasses, #ManureMagic

When Can Spring Planting Begin

As spring whispers its arrival, it's time to start thinking about your garden. Ken Lain, the Top10Gardener.  guides you through the essentials: Know your zone and frost dates, and plan accordingly. Zone 7 gardeners, gear up! Early spring invites pansies and vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, while fruit trees and lilacs can also take root. Remember, the right time to plant varies; locals mark Mother's Day as the cue for summer blooms like tomatoes. Need guidance? Take photos of your space and visit us; we'll help tailor your garden to your unique slice of sunshine.

🪴 Ken and Lisa Lain, Top10Gardners

Click or Tap To View Future Episodes of Top10Gardener

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #SpringGardening, #GardenPrep, #PlantingSeason

How to Prepare a Garden for Spring Planting

Spring is knocking, and it's time to embrace the gardening season! Before the first buds bloom, dive into soil preparation and pruning – your garden's foundation for a lush season. As Ken Lain, the Top10Gardener, advises, enrich your soil with organics and manures, but start early to let it settle and prevent seedling burn. Begin indoor seedlings before March to enjoy early spring vegetables. Don't wait for Mother's Day; true gardeners savor every season's bounty.

🌱 Ken Lain, Top10Gardner

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #SoilPreparation, #SpringPlanting

8 1/2 Steps for Better DIY Landscapes

Hey there, garden geeks! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here with your ticket to year-round landscape magic. We're coming into planting season, and with it, a whole lotta choices! So, whether you're a newbie navigating your first spring or a seasoned pro, let's break down the secrets to a four-season stunner.

Step 1: The 20% Rule: Ever feel like something's missing in your yard? Maybe it's because you haven't mastered the 20% rule! Here's how it works:

• 20% spring bloomers: Lilacs, forsythias, wisterias – those showstoppers that scream, "Winter's gone, baby!"
• 20% summer bloomers: Crape myrtles, rose of Sharon, even roses – keep the party going when spring fades.
• 20% fall color: Maples, aspens – those fiery masterpieces that remind you nature's an artist.
• 20% winter evergreens: Don't let the cold leave you feeling stark! Evergreens provide year-round structure and life.

Step 2: Think Layers, Not Lawns: Ditch the boring flower bed and embrace raised beds! Plant tall blooms like snapdragons in the back, shorter beauties like pansies up front, and mix in perennials with annuals for year-round interest. Perennials are your anchors, coming back year after year, while annuals like petunias, geraniums, and zinnias add nonstop, riotous bursts of color.

Step 3: Foliage Fun: It's not just about blooms! Nandina, heavenly bamboo, euonymus, and cotoneaster offer stunning foliage that changes with the seasons, keeping your landscape dynamic. Remember, elevation matters! Do your research to ensure you're choosing plants that thrive where you live.

Step 4: Annuals vs. Perennials: Not all heroes wear flowers! Sedums, agaves, and yuccas can be annual or perennial depending on your elevation. So, check before you plant to avoid winter wipeouts. Red fountain grass, for example, might be a perennial elsewhere, but it's an annual at higher elevations.

Step 5: Hardscape vs. Greenscape: Landscape lingo alert! Hardscape covers non-living elements like patios, fences, and ponds, while greenscape is all about the plants. Aim for a 60/40 ratio – 60% greenscape for that balanced, beautiful feel. Too much hardscape makes it feel lunar (think dusty and incomplete), while too much greenscape can smother things.

Step 6: Grassy Goodness: Don't underestimate the power of grasses! Native options like pampas grass add motion, drama, and texture, even in the slightest breeze. They're like landscape superheroes, especially at higher elevations where cacti won't cut it.

Step 7: Fruity Bonus: Fruit trees are quadruple threats – spring blooms, summer foliage, fall color, and delicious treats! They're nature's all-in-one design packages.

Step 8: Sun Savvy: Remember, higher elevations mean more intense sun. Plants like Japanese maples that thrive in full sun elsewhere might need midday shade here. Geraniums, known for their sun-loving ways, will bloom longer and better with a bit of afternoon respite.

Bonus Tip: Play with textures! Combine smooth foliage with rough, tall with short, light with dark. Your landscape will become a living masterpiece, a testament to your gardening superpowers.

So, there you have it, folks! Your eight and a half steps to a four-season landscape that rocks. Remember, gardening is a journey, not a destination. Experiment, have fun, and let your green thumb flourish!

Don't forget to check out my YouTube Channel for more tips and tricks, and share your own landscape victories in the comments below! Happy planting, everyone!

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #Landscapes, #DIYLandscape

Why Gardening Makes Me Happy

Gardening is more than just a hobby; it's a source of deep joy and satisfaction.

Digging in the soil, nurturing plants, and watching them bloom and thrive connects us to the earth and the rhythm of life. It's a peaceful, grounding experience that enriches the soul and clears the mind. Whether it's the pride in harvesting your own vegetables or the tranquility of a flower-filled garden, gardening brings a unique happiness, a blend of accomplishment, serenity, and a touch of nature's magic. Join me in the garden, and let's cultivate joy together!

WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #SpringGardening, #HappyGardening

8 1/2 Steps for Better DIY Landscapes

Hey there, garden geeks! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here with your ticket to year-round land-scape magic. We're coming into planting season, and with it, a whole lotta choices! So, whether you're a newbie navigating your first spring or a seasoned pro, let's break down the secrets to a four-season stunner.

 

Here are the Highlights. Tune in for the full story.

 

Step 1: The 20% Rule

Ever feel like something's missing in your yard? Maybe it's because you haven't mastered the 20% rule! 

 

Step 2: Think Layers, Not Lawns

Ditch the boring flower bed and embrace raised beds!

 

Step 3: Foliage Fun

It's not just about blooms!

 

Step 4: Annuals vs. Perennials

Not all heroes wear flowers!

 

Step 5: Hardscape vs. Greenscape

Hardscape covers non-living elements like patios, fences, and ponds, while greenscape is all about the plants.

 

Step 6: Grassy Goodness

Don't underestimate the power of grasses!

 

Step 7: Fruity Bonus

Fruit trees are quadruple threats – spring blooms, summer foliage, fall color, and delicious treats! They're nature's all-in-one design packages.

 

Step 8: Sun Savvy

Remember, higher elevations mean more intense sun.

 

Bonus Tip: Play with textures!

 

So, there you have it, folks! Your eight and a half steps to a four-season landscape that rocks. Remember, gardening is a journey, not a destination. Experiment, have fun, and let your green thumb flourish!

 

Don't forget to check out my YouTube Channel for more tips and tricks, and share your own landscape victories in the comments below! Happy planting, everyone!

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #Landscapes, #DIYLandscape