Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

Fun Fruit Trees for a Better Spring Harvest

Embrace the joy of spring with fruit trees that promise a bountiful harvest! Imagine savoring a crisp apple from your own McIntosh tree or enjoying the lush sweetness of a homegrown Santa Rosa plum. Not only do these trees provide delicious fruits, but they also add beauty to your garden with their blossoms. For success, ensure they're planted in well-draining soil and receive plenty of sunshine. A little care goes a long way, and soon, you'll be delighting in the fruits of your labor, literally! Join the fruitful journey and make each spring a season of abundant harvests.

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Companion Plants of January – Winter Gem Boxwood

In the heart of winter, the Winter Gem Boxwood stands as a beacon of enduring green, its robust leaves defying January's chill. This steadfast shrub pairs beautifully with the vivid hues of pansies or the robust texture of frost-tolerant kale, creating a harmonious blend in your garden. These companion plants not only enhance each other's beauty but also foster a thriving, diverse ecosystem even in the colder months. Embrace the serene beauty of winter by welcoming these resilient plant friends into your garden, and watch as they transform your space into a vibrant tapestry of life, defying the frost with their collective strength.

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Dealing with Plants that Block a View

Tackling a towering Deodar Cedar that obstructs your scenic views can indeed be challenging. These majestic trees, native to Lebanon and used historically in significant constructions, can grow up to a staggering 200 feet, perpetually encroaching upon your view. While topping the tree might offer a temporary fix, it often leads to unsightly results and can even attract negative attention from neighbors. A more strategic approach involves replacing it with shorter, view-friendly alternatives like junipers or Arizona cypress. Planning your landscape with future growth in mind is crucial to maintaining unobstructed, picturesque views from your garden.

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What Happens When Plants are Dormant

When plants go dormant, particularly in a four-season climate, it's a rest period essential for their health and vitality. This dormancy phase, often misunderstood, especially by those from tropical climates accustomed to year-round greenery, is not a time of inactivity but rather a crucial preparatory stage.

Underneath the ground, plants are not entirely inactive during dormancy. Instead, they are in a state of stasis, conserving energy and preparing for the vigorous growth and blooming that occur in spring. This period allows plants to endure the cold and shorter days of winter. Forsythia, for example, one of the first shrubs to bloom in spring, showcases a burst of golden yellow flowers. This magnificent display of blooms, followed by foliage, requires a significant amount of energy. After such an intense blooming period, these plants need time to recuperate and rebuild their energy reserves.

The dormancy phase is crucial for plants like lilac, rose of Sharon, forsythia, and peonies, which thrive in a four-season climate. They rely on this period of rest, characterized by short days and cold nights, to ensure their survival and prepare for the explosive growth and blooming in the spring. This cycle of rest and rejuvenation is a fundamental rhythm of nature, ensuring the health and beauty of these plants year after year.

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17 Best Landscaping Shrubs for Spring in Northern Arizona: A Ken Lain Guide

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:

• Are Coffee Grounds Good for Plants
• Can Wildflowers Be Seeded Over Snow
• Companion Plants of January - Arizona Cypress
• Gardening with Deer and Javelina
• 17 Best Landscaping Shrubs of Spring
• Free Garden Classes at Watters Garden Center

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.

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

 

Free Garden Classes at Watters Garden Center

Hey there Green Thumb Squad,

Spring fever gettin' your trowel twitchy? Well, hold onto your hats, 'cause Watters Garden Center's got free classes every Saturday at 9:30 AM that'll make your backyard bloom like a botanical bonanza!

Next week, we're unleashing the wild side of gardening with a class on growing your own riot of wildflowers. Learn how to prep the soil, choose the best seeds, and create a haven for pollinators that'll have your neighbors buzzing with envy.

And that's just the tip of the trowel! We've got classes on everything from coaxing the juiciest fruits from your trees to mastering the art of container gardening. So ditch the guesswork and get the know-how, all for free!

Head over to wattersgardencenter.com for a peek at the full schedule, then grab your gardening gloves and join us! It's time to make your green thumb even greener, one free class at a time. Let's get growing!

See you Saturday!

🌼 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

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

17 Best Landscaping Shrubs of Spring

Hey there, garden gurus!

It's your friendly neighborhood plant whisperer, Ken Lain, back with some spring shrub wisdom for our neck of the woods. We're not just talkin' winter beauties here, folks. These are the plants that'll be bustin' out the blossoms and flauntin' their foliage as soon as Valentine's Day whispers goodbye. Think daffodils, forsythia, and winter jasmine leadin' the floral charge, followed by these stunners.

1. Barberry: This knee-high champion thrives in our sunshine, wind, and even that pesky alkaline soil. Bright, shiny leaves and a bonus pollinator flower (butterflies and bees love it!) make it a driveway island dream.
2. Rose of Sharon: Forget your tropical hibiscus cravings! This Midwest marvel boasts hundreds of blooms (think baseball-sized, not hand-sized) on one plant. It's tough as nails, surviving down to -40 degrees, and a butterfly magnet to boot.
3. Bluebeard Shrub: Low-maintenance beauty is the name of the game here. This hip-high stunner rocks vibrant blue flowers and the same color as Russian sage (minus the weediness). Plus, butterflies adore it!
4. Butterfly Bush: We grow 'em better than anyone here, and for good reason! Monarchs and other winged wonders use our state as a pit stop, and your butterfly bush will be their welcome wagon. Newer varieties are shorter and brighter, so ditch the overgrown monstrosities of your grandparents' yard.
5. Deer Grass: Don't underestimate the power of grass! Deer grass (miscanthus) comes in two native varieties that flaunt pink plumes in summer and fall. Deer tend to leave it alone, and it's a haven for pollinators. Bonus: Check out our greenhouses for a mind-blowing variety right now!
6. Ice Angel Camellia: This winter-blooming evergreen shrub thrives in shade and cooler spots. Think patios, containers, and the east or north side of your house. Imagine a camellia that laughs at cold snaps – that's Ice Angel!
7. Gilted Edge Silverberry: Ditch the disease-prone, maintenance-hogging red tip photinia! Silverberry is a native superstar that grows taller than you, boasts thick evergreen foliage, and requires practically zero watering. It's a native plant dream come true.
8. Spirea and Sumac: Time's a-tickin', so I'll speed things up! Grab the full list at the garden center for all 17, but trust me, these two natives (low sumac and spirea) are worth checking out.
9. Salvia or Heatwave: This autumn sage (or Greggie's eyes, if you prefer) outsells even Russian sage! It's knee-high with vibrant red, pink, purple, and even apricot blooms (new color this year!). Hummingbirds go gaga for it, and it's super easy to care for. Sun, wind – no problem!
10. Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo): This West Coast favorite is an evergreen stunner with delicate bamboo-like leaves (but don't worry, it's not invasive!). Deer, rabbits, and even rambunctious kids won't bother it. Super flexible, hardy, and looks great in containers or out in the yard.
11. Yucca and Lilacs: We finish strong with these two beauties. Lilacs thrive here, minus the Midwest's disease drama, and our high altitude is a yucca paradise. So go forth and plant some!

Remember, folks, these are just a taste of the spring shrub smorgasbord waiting for you at Watters Garden Center. Come on down, grab the full list, and let's get your yard lookin' like a springtime masterpiece!

Happy planting, and don't forget to ask me anything! I'm always here to help your green thumb grow.

Your plant pal,

🐝 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

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Gardening with Deer and Javelina

Hey there, plant peeps! Got furry neighbors with a taste for your green goodness? Deer and javelina can turn a gardener's dream into a nibbled nightmare. But don't despair! With a few clever tricks and the right plant picks, you can create a haven that thrives, even with these critters munching around.

First things first, fence it up, but strategically. A 6-foot fence might deter deer, but javelina can squeeze under in a flash. Consider an L-shaped fence with the bottom buried 6 inches deep, or opt for a double fence with an inner electric wire (remember, safety first!).

Next, plant smart. Deer tend to be browsing nibblers, while javelina root and dig. Choose thorny beauties like barberry and prickly pear cactus to discourage chomping. Opt for strong-smelling herbs like lavender and rosemary – their pungent aromas confuse critters and keep them at bay.

Remember, a diverse garden is a resilient garden. By mixing up textures, scents, and tastes, you create a confusing smorgasbord for hungry critters, making your precious plants less appealing.

For even more tips and tricks, check out our handy guide on gardening with deer and rabbits. It's packed with plant lists, fencing ideas, and more to help you outsmart those munching marauders.

So, chin up, plant pals! Deer and javelina don't have to be garden goblins. With a little planning and the right plant picks, you can create a beautiful, thriving oasis that even the furriest foodies will respect.

Happy planting, and don't forget to share your critter-proof garden pics with us!

🦌 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #DeerResistantGarden #JavalinaGardening

Companion Plants of January - Arizona Cypress

Hey there, mountain landscape pals! Sun beating down, wind whipping sand across your yard? Don't let the heat get you down, because a tough, handsome evergreen thrives in just these conditions: the mighty Arizona Cypress!

Think of this beauty as a sculpted sentinel, standing tall and proud with its symmetrical pyramidal form. Its compact branches are clothed in handsome blue-gray foliage, adding a touch of cool serenity to your sun-drenched landscape.

But this isn't just a pretty face, folks. The Arizona Cypress is a drought-tolerant champ, once established, it'll shrug off Arizona's dry spells like a champ. And for those windy days? No worries! Its dense growth acts as a natural windbreak, shielding your smaller plants and keeping your yard feeling calm and collected.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Sounds great, Ken, but will it fit in my yard?" Well, friends, the Arizona Cypress is surprisingly versatile. It grows quickly, reaching a mature height of 20 to 25 feet, with a spread of 10 to 12 feet. But here's the secret: plant it in a group! These beauties love to play well together, creating a lush, evergreen screen that defines your space and adds a touch of privacy.

So, if you're looking for a low-maintenance, high-impact evergreen that can handle the heat, wind, and occasional dust devil, look no further than the Arizona Cypress. It's a true mountain landscape hero, ready to transform your yard into a cool oasis.

Happy planting, and don't forget to share your Arizona Cypress adventures with us!

 🌲 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #ArizonaCypress, #GardenLove, #DroughtTolerantHero, #WindbreakBeauty

Can Wildflowers Be Seeded Over Snow

Hey there, fellow plant peeps! Snow got you dreaming of spring blooms? Well, grab your gloves and wildflower seeds because there's a secret weapon hiding in your winter wonderland: the snow itself!

That's right, you can sow wildflower seeds right on top of the snow! Mother Nature does the heavy lifting for you. As the snow melts, it gently tucks the seeds into the soil, and the freeze-thaw cycles work their magic, pushing them down even deeper. Think of it as winter's built-in seed planter!

But here's a pro tip from your friends at Watters Garden Center: mix your seeds with some of our Premium Mulch. This creates a "hydro-mulch" that not only protects the seeds from frost, but also throws hungry winter birds off their scent. Win-win!

So, don't wait for spring to burst forth. Turn your snowy landscape into a canvas for wildflowers with this simple trick. Just remember, patience is key. Your colorful reward will arrive when the sun warms the land, and trust me, it'll be worth the wait!

Happy planting, and don't forget to share your wildflower magic with us!

🌱 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

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

Are Coffee Grounds Good for Plants

Hello, plant pals! Coffee break got you thinking' about those leftover grounds and their garden potential? Hold on to your mugs, because we're about to brew up some truth about coffee and your green friends!

First things first, coffee grounds aren't magic beans, but they do pack a punch of nitrogen, good for leafy growth. Toss them straight in the soil, though, and you might create a bitter brew for your plants. The grounds must first break down, like old newspapers in a compost pile.

Worms and microbes will turn those grounds into plant-friendly gold over time. So, toss them in your compost bin, layer with leaves or grass clippings, and let nature's recyclers work their magic. In a few months, those grounds will be a delicious compost treat for your veggies and flowers.

But hey, some plants like a quick caffeine fix! Sprinkle spent grounds around acid-loving beauties like blueberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas. The grounds can lower soil pH, making them feel like royalty in your garden. Just don't overdo it – too much acidity can be a buzzkill for other plants.

So, remember, coffee grounds are best enjoyed brewed into compost or as a light sprinkle for acid-lovers. They're not a miracle cure, but a fun, free way to give your garden a little extra pep!

Happy planting, and keep those questions coming!

🪴Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #CoffeeGroundsGardening, #CompostTips

 

Best Mountain Shrubs in the Southwest

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:

• Healthier Houseplants in 6 Steps or Less
• Dealing with Burlap when Planting.
• January Companion Plants
• Attract More Birds into the Garden
• Best Mountains Shrubs in the Southwest
• Shop shrubs Online Top10Plants.com

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.

 

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

Shop shrubs Online Top10Plants.com

Hey plant pals, Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener here, ready to dig into something new and exciting! We're all about making your green dreams a reality, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting to sprout. And speaking of sprouting, we're growing our online presence like crazy at Watters Garden Center!

Plant Power at Your Fingertips:

That's right, folks! Check out Top10Plants.com, your one-stop shop for all things leafy and lovely. It's like having the entire garden center in your pocket, bursting with vibrant photos, detailed descriptions, and even real-time inventory updates. No more wondering if that perfect purple petunia is waiting for you!

But wait, there's more! We're not just throwing pretty pictures online. We're working hard to bring you the most accurate and localized plant info out there. Forget those generic Google searches that leave you scratching your head in the desert sun. We're talking Arizona-specific wisdom, folks!

Know Before You Grow:

Imagine knowing exactly how big your maple tree will get in Prescott's dry air, how much water your cactus craves in Prescott Valley, or which birds your Hillside haven will attract. That's the power of Top10Plants.com! We're constantly tweaking and testing, tailoring our info to match the magic of our central highlands.

Join the Garden Groove:

And let's not forget the human touch! We love seeing your smiling faces at the garden center, wandering the aisles and soaking up the green vibes. So come on down, chat with our friendly experts, and let's get your garden growing like a rockin' bluegrass band!

Grow with Us:

But hey, the digital world is here to stay, and we're embracing it with open arms (and trowels!). We're upping our podcast game, shooting weekly videos, and even partnering with radio stations across Northern Arizona. We're all about spreading the gardening love, and your engagement helps us bloom!

So here's the deal: Subscribe to our Podcast, leave a comment on Top10Plants.com, share your planty love on social media – every little bit helps! And, of course, swing by the garden center for those face-to-face chats and hands-on advice.

Planting season is just around the corner, and we're here to make it your greenest, happiest one yet! So grab your gloves, tune in, and come on down to Watters Garden Center. Let's make Arizona an Eden, one leaf at a time!

P.S. Don't miss our free garden classes starting this weekend! Houseplants, design tips, wildflowers – We’ve got it all covered. Check out WattersGardenCenter.com for the full schedule and come learn, grow, and share your passion with fellow plant pals!

See you soon, happy planting!

- Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #Top10Plants.com

Best Mountains Shrubs in the Southwest

Greetings, plant enthusiasts! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here to guide you through ten fantastic shrubs that'll thrive on your sun-drenched Southwestern slopes. These beauties aren't just as tough as cactus boots; they'll reward you with stunning blooms and lush foliage that'll leave you saying, "Yeehaw!"

1. Berry Bonanza: Barberry shrubs boast dazzling clusters of red, orange, or purple berries that explode with color in fall, attracting feathered friends and adding a vibrant touch to your landscape.
2. Blooming Beauties: Rose of Sharon bursts into a summer spectacle of hibiscus-like blooms in white, pink, purple, or red, providing a feast for your eyes and the local hummingbirds.
3. Bluebeard Brilliance: Spike your garden with the regal elegance of Bluebeard. Tall and statuesque, it produces captivating spikes of sapphire blue flowers that will make your neighbors green with envy.
4. Dancing Grasses: Swaying in the breeze like emerald waves, Deer Grass adds a touch of movement and texture to your slopes. Deer might munch elsewhere, but butterflies will come for a fluttery fiesta.
5. Camellia Elegance: Southern charm personified, camellias offer glossy evergreen leaves and a wintertime explosion of delicate, rose-like blooms in shades of white, pink, and red. Hummingbirds will thank you with cheerful chirps.
6. Silvery Wonders: Silverberry lives up to its name with shimmering, silvery-grey foliage that adds a touch of cool sophistication to your desert oasis. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it's a garden gem!
7. Spirited Spirea: Spirea comes in a symphony of colors and forms, from cascading fountains of white or pink blooms to vibrant clusters of red or purple. Deer may politely decline, but butterflies will flock to the floral feast.

• Butterfly Bush, Low Grow Sumac, Autumn Sage, Nandina, and Lavender round out the list.

Remember, plant enthusiasts, these are just a few brushstrokes on the canvas of possibilities! Do your research, find the shrubs that sing to your soil and sunshine, and watch your Southwestern slope transform into a vibrant masterpiece.

Happy planting, you all!

- Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

P.S. Don't forget to mulch! It keeps weeds at bay, conserves moisture, and nourishes your soil – happy plants, happy gardener!

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Attract More Birds into the Garden

Hey, bird buddies! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, chirping in with tips to turn your backyard into a feathered frenzy! We all love those colorful flashes of life flitting through the trees, singing sweet melodies and keeping pesky bugs at bay. But how do we lure these feathered friends to our green havens? Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy, with the right tricks and treats!

Food Glorious Food: Birds crave variety, just like us! Set up a buffet of bird feeders filled with different delights. Sunflower seeds are a classic crowd-pleaser, attracting cardinals, chickadees, and finches. Offer suet cakes for high-energy fuel in winter, and don't forget the nectar-loving hummingbirds with a brightly colored feeder filled with sugar water (recipe below!). Remember, keep feeders clean and well-stocked, especially during harsh weather.

Bird feeder filled with sunflower seeds

Water Works Wonders: Birdies gotta stay hydrated! Provide a fresh, clean water source like a birdbath or shallow tray. Place it away from predators and direct sunlight, and top it up regularly, especially during hot days. Bonus points for moving water, like a trickling fountain, which birds find irresistible!

Shelter from the Storm: Birds need cozy nooks to escape bad weather and raise their young. Plant dense shrubs and evergreens for natural hideaways, or hang nesting boxes specifically designed for different bird species. Check your local Watters Garden Center for expert advice on the best nesting boxes for your area.

Safety First: Keep cats indoors or build a cat-proof enclosure around your feeders. Place feeders away from windows and fences to prevent collisions, and avoid using pesticides that could harm birds and their food sources.

Remember, attracting birds is a journey, not a destination. So experiment, have fun, and watch your garden become a vibrant sanctuary for our feathered friends. Enjoy the songs, the colors, and the joy of sharing your backyard with these amazing creatures! Happy birding, everyone!

Bonus Tip: Want to attract specific bird species? Research their favorite foods and plants! Watters Garden Center has a wealth of resources to help you create the perfect avian oasis.

See you next time in the garden!

— Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

 

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

#MountainGardenerPodcast, #BirdGarden