Top 10 Gardener the Ultimate Garden Blueprint with Ken & Lisa

🌱 What Happens When Plants Are Dormant

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain The Top 10 Gardener here! What happens when plants go dormant? It's like they're taking a long winter's nap to recharge for the next growing season!

 

Deciduous trees lose their leaves in a beautiful autumnal display, while evergreens slow down their growth and conserve energy. Beneath the soil, roots are also taking a break, but they're still alive and active. Think of it as a time of preparation for the burst of growth and blooms that await in spring.

 

Learn how to care for your dormant plants, including proper watering and protection from the cold. And don't forget to fertilize those spring bloomers like forsythia and lilac now to encourage a spectacular show! With a little understanding and care, you can help your garden thrive through the winter months and emerge even stronger in the spring.

 

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🌱Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 25 – 02 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

This January, embrace the diverse world of gardening, from nurturing your soil with coffee grounds to understanding the symbiotic relationship between cypress and companion plants. Learn how snow benefits wildflowers, discover strategies for gardening in harmony with local wildlife like deer and javelina, and find inspiration from 17 showstopping shrubs to enhance your landscape. Finally, cultivate your green thumb with free garden classes at Watters Garden Center.

Included in this week’s episode:

• Java Jolt: Are Coffee Grounds Good for Plants
• Nature's Trick: How Snow Helps Wildflower Seeds
• Arizona Cypress Perfect Partners Companion Planting in January
• Living in Harmony Gardening with Deer and Javelina in the Southwest
• 17 Showstopping Shrubs for Your Landscape
• Grow Your Green Thumb for 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.

 

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🎙️Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners

 

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📝Grow Your Green Thumb for Free Garden Classes at Watters Garden Center

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here, your friendly neighborhood gardener! We're excited to announce our upcoming free garden classes. We'll cover everything from houseplants to landscape design, so there's something for everyone.

 

In this week’s class, "Landscape Design Basics," we'll explore the principles of creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space. Next week, in "Wildflowers: The Perfect Addition to Your Garden," we'll discuss the best wildflowers for our region and how to plant and care for them.

 

All of our classes are free and open to the public. They will be held on Saturdays at 9:30 AM at Watters Garden Center. We hope to see you there!

 

📝Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🪴17 Showstopping Shrubs for Your Landscape

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener here. Want to add some wow-factor to your yard?

 

Shrubs are the backbone of any great landscape, bringing color, texture, and structure to your outdoor space. While I could talk about ALL 17 of my favorites, here are 7 show stopping shrubs that truly shine in the Central Highlands:

• Barberry: Versatile, colorful, and loves our sunny, dry conditions.
• Rose of Sharon: Enjoy the tropical beauty of hibiscus with this cold-hardy variety.
• Bluebeard: A low-maintenance butterfly magnet with beautiful blue flowers.
• Butterfly Bush: Attract pollinators with vibrant blooms and dwarf varieties for smaller spaces.
• Deer Grass: A native ornamental grass that adds texture and resists deer browsing.
• Ice Angel Camellia: A cold-hardy camellia with stunning winter blooms.
• Guilted Edge Silverberry: A fragrant native with silvery-blue foliage and a touch of gold.

Tune in the see the rest of the list.

 

These shrubs are all winners in my book, and they'll bring you years of enjoyment in your mountain garden. Happy planting!

 

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🦌Living in Harmony Gardening with Deer and Javelina in the Southwest

Hey garden lovers, Ken Lain here with Lisa Watters Lain! Living in the Southwest means sharing our gardens with some hungry critters like deer and javelina.

 

But don't despair! With a little planning and know-how, you can create a beautiful garden that both you and the wildlife can enjoy.

 

First, be aware of their habits. Deer are especially active in winter, browsing for food when other sources are scarce. Protect vulnerable plants with fencing or deer netting. Discourage browsing with repellents or by planting deer-resistant varieties like catmint and lavender.

 

Remember, a diverse landscape offers natural protection. Include a variety of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers to provide shelter and food sources for both wildlife and beneficial insects.

 

With a bit of planning and a touch of earthy wisdom, you can create a harmonious garden where everyone thrives.

 

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🦌Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners

 

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🌲Arizona Cypress Perfect Partners Companion Planting in January

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken Lain here! This January, I'm highlighting the Arizona Cypress and its perfect companion plants. These beauties not only thrive in our Central Highlands climate, but they also create a stunning winter landscape when planted together.

 

Imagine the silvery-blue foliage of the Arizona Cypress contrasting with the deep green of an Austrian Pine. Add in the vibrant Mint Julep Juniper and the colorful Red Clusterberry Cotoneaster for a tapestry of textures and hues. Finally, anchor your design with the classic Winter Gem Boxwood for year-round structure and elegance.

 

These companion plants offer a dynamic and beautiful landscape that will flourish in your garden for years to come. Visit Watters Garden Center to see these beauties in person and get expert advice on planting and care.

 

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🌲 Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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❄️Nature's Trick: How Snow Helps Wildflower Seeds

Hey there, backyard buddies! Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here, to answer your gardening questions!

 

This week, we're exploring the fascinating way snow helps wildflower seeds germinate.🌸

 

Did you know that those icy flakes act like nature's sandpaper? The freeze-thaw cycle of winter gently breaks down the tough outer coating of wildflower seeds, allowing them to sprout more easily come spring. It's a natural process called Scarification, and it's essential for many native wildflowers.

 

So, if you're planning a wildflower meadow, scatter those seeds on top of the snow and let Mother Nature do her work! For best results, mix the seeds with Watters Premium Mulch to deter hungry birds and ensure even distribution.

 

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❄️Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners

 

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☕Java Jolt: Are Coffee Grounds Good for Plants

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain The Top 10 Gardener here! Let’s brew up some knowledge about coffee grounds in the garden!

 

While a few grounds sprinkled around your plants can provide some benefits, like a touch of nitrogen and acidity, they're not a substitute for fertilizer.

 

Think of coffee grounds as a mild soil amendment. They can help improve drainage and attract earthworms and acid-loving plants like hydrangeas and camellias will appreciate the lower pH. But for optimal growth, your plants need a balanced fertilizer like our 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food.

 

So enjoy your morning coffee, and then toss those grounds in the compost or sprinkle a few around your acid-loving plants. Just remember, a little goes a long way!

 

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☕Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 25 – 01 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken and Lisa Lain here! This week, we're covering various topics to help you create a thriving indoor and outdoor garden. We'll explore the best time to transplant and repot your houseplants, learn how to handle burlap when planting a large evergreen pine tree, and discover the best companion plants for January. Plus, we'll share tips on attracting more birds to your garden and highlight the top 10 mountain shrubs for the Southwest. Let's get started!

Included in this week’s episode:

• When to Transplant and Repot Your Houseplants
• Dealing with Burlap when Planting a Large Evergreen Pine Tree
• Best Companion Plants of January
• How to Attract More Birds into the Garden
•  Top 10 Best Mountains Shrubs in the Southwest
• Shop Plants Online at Top 10 Plants

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.

Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!

🎙️Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #KenLain, #kedj, #Houseplants, #EvergreenPlanting, #CompanionPlanting, #BirdAttracting, #MountainShrubs

🛒Shop Plants Online at Top 10 Plants

Hey plant lovers, Ken Lain here! Want to explore our incredible selection of plants from the comfort of your home? Head over to Top10Plants.com, our online nursery!

 

You'll find a wide variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, and everything in between, all with detailed information on size, water needs, and growing conditions specific to our Central Highlands climate. Whether you're looking for inspiration or ready to purchase, Top10Plants.com is your one-stop shop for gardening success.

 

Remember to visit us in person at Watters Garden Center for even more personalized advice and a truly inspiring garden experience.

 

🛒Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🌱Top 10 Best Mountains Shrubs in the Southwest

Top 10 Best Mountain Shrubs in the Southwest

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken Lain here! Looking for shrubs that thrive in our mountain climate? Here are 10 of my favorites that bring beauty, color, and texture to your landscape:

• Barberry: These versatile shrubs come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they love our sunny, dry conditions.
• Rose of Sharon: Enjoy the tropical flair of hibiscus with this hardy variety that blooms all summer long.
• Bluebeard: Attract pollinators galore with this butterfly magnet, boasting beautiful blue flowers.
• Deer Grass: This native ornamental grass adds texture and movement to your garden, and it's deer resistant!

Tune in to see the rest of the List.

 

These shrubs are all winners in my book, and they'll bring you years of enjoyment in your mountain garden. Happy planting!

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🌱Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🐦 How to Attract More Birds into the Garden

Hey bird lovers, Ken Lain here with Lisa Watters Lain! Want to turn your garden into a haven for feathered friends?

 

It's easier than you think! Birds are attracted to gardens that provide food, water, and shelter.

 

Instead of relying solely on bird feeders, create a diverse landscape with plants that offer natural food sources. Think berry-producing shrubs like Cotoneaster and Pyracantha, seed-bearing flowers like Salvia and Gaillardia, and native trees like Arizona Cypress and Junipers.

 

Add a water source like a birdbath or fountain, and provide shelter with a variety of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. With a little planning, you can create a bird-friendly paradise that brings joy and wonder to your backyard all year long.

 

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🐦Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners

 

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🪴 Best Companion Plants of January

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken Lain here! This month at Watters Garden Center, we're featuring a collection of companion plants that shine in the winter landscape.

 

These beauties not only look fantastic together, but they also thrive in our unique Central Highlands climate.

 

Imagine a backdrop of Arizona Cypress, a fast-growing native evergreen that provides privacy and wind protection. Pair it with the stately Austrian Pine, a cousin of the Ponderosa Pine, for a contrasting texture and shade of green.

 

Add in the versatile Japanese Yew, perfect for hedging or foundation plantings, and the vibrant Mint Julep Juniper with its refreshing minty hue.

 

For a pop of color, including the Red Clusterberry Cotoneaster, boasting bright red berries and glossy foliage.

 

Finally, anchor your design with the classic Winter Gem Boxwood, a versatile evergreen shrub that adds structure and year-round interest.

 

These companion plants create a dynamic and beautiful landscape that will thrive in your garden for years to come. Visit Watters Garden Center to see these beauties in person and get expert advice on planting and care.

 

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🪴 Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🌲Dealing with Burlap when Planting a Large Evergreen Pine Tree

Hey there, backyard buddies! Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here, to answer your gardening questions!

 

Planting a large evergreen pine can be a bit intimidating, especially when you see that burlap and twine around the root ball. But don't worry, it's easier than you think!

 

That burlap is there to protect the roots during transport and planting. Leave it on! The roots will grow right through it. Just be sure to cut any twine at the top of the root ball to prevent girdling as the tree grows. Then, backfill your planting hole with a mixture of native soil and Watters Premium Mulch for a happy, healthy tree

 

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🌺When to Transplant and Repot Your Houseplants

Hey indoor gardeners, Ken Lain here! Is your houseplant bursting at the seams? Knowing when to repot is key to keeping your leafy friends happy and healthy.

Here are a few telltale signs it's time for a bigger home:

• Root Bound: Check those drainage holes! If roots are poking out, it's time to move on up.
• Slow Growth: Has your plant's growth slowed or stalled? It might be root bound and craving more space.
• Soil Drying Quickly: If the soil dries out super fast, the roots may have filled the pot, leaving little room for water retention.

Spring is the ideal time to repot, but you can transplant throughout the year if needed. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one and use a quality potting mix. With a little TLC, your houseplants will thrive in their new digs!

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