Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

Communities & CONSCIOUS Capitalism

Conscious capitalism is a business philosophy that emphasizes the importance of social and environmental responsibility alongside financial profit. Conscious businesses strive to create a positive impact on the world by treating their stakeholders fairly, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which they operate.

Communities play an important role in conscious capitalism. Conscious businesses are committed to supporting the communities in which they operate. They do this by creating jobs, investing in local businesses, and donating to charities and nonprofits.

Conscious businesses also work to protect the environment. They do this by using sustainable practices, reducing their emissions, and conserving resources.

Here are some examples of how conscious businesses support communities:

• Employee ownership: Some conscious businesses are employee-owned, which gives employees a stake in the success of the company and encourages them to be more engaged and productive.
• Fair wages and benefits: Conscious businesses pay their employees fair wages and provide them with good benefits. This helps to ensure that employees can earn a decent living and support their families.
• Local sourcing: Conscious businesses source their goods and services from local suppliers whenever possible. This helps to support the local economy and create jobs.
• Charitable giving: Conscious businesses donate to charities and nonprofits that support the communities in which they operate. This helps to fund important programs and services that benefit the community.
• Environmental protection: Conscious businesses use sustainable practices, reduce their emissions, and conserve resources. This helps to protect the environment and create a more sustainable future for all.

Here are some ways that communities can support conscious capitalism:

• Shop at conscious businesses: When you shop at conscious businesses, you are supporting businesses that are committed to making a positive impact on the world.
• Invest in conscious businesses: If you have the financial means, you can invest in conscious businesses. This helps to provide them with the capital they need to grow and succeed.
• Promote conscious capitalism: Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about conscious capitalism. Encourage them to support conscious businesses and invest in conscious businesses.

By working together, communities and conscious businesses can create a more sustainable and equitable world.

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #mountaingardenerpodcast, #Top10Gardener, #community, #nonprofit

Javelina Proof Gardens

Javelinas are wild animals that are native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are also known as peccaries and are related to pigs. Javelinas can be destructive to gardens, as they will eat a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

If you live in an area where javelinas are present, it is important to take steps to protect your garden. Here are a few tips:

• Choose plants that are not palatable to javelinas. Some plants that javelinas tend to avoid include cacti, succulents, and plants with thorns or prickles.
• Plant thorny or prickly plants around the perimeter of your garden. This will create a barrier that javelinas are less likely to cross.
• Install a fence or barrier to keep javelinas out of your garden. A fence should be at least 4 feet tall and have a gate that closes securely.
• Use motion-activated sprinklers or other deterrents to scare javelinas away.
• Remove any food sources that may attract javelinas, such as pet food or fallen fruit.
• Harvest your crops as soon as they are ripe to avoid attracting javelinas.

Here are some additional tips for creating javelina-proof gardens:

• Plant your garden in a location that is not attractive to javelinas. Avoid planting your garden near areas where javelinas like to feed, such as oak trees or mesquite trees.
• Keep your garden clean and free of debris. Javelinas are attracted to areas where there is a lot of food and shelter.
• Consider using a coyote decoy or other predator decoy to scare javelinas away.
• Contact Us at the Garden Center for more information on how to protect your garden from javelinas and a list of Javelina Resistant Plants

With a little planning and effort, it is possible to create a javelina-proof garden. By following these tips, you can enjoy your garden without having to worry about damage from javelinas.

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #mountaingardenerpodcast, #Top10Gardener, #Javelina, #gardenpests, #animals

A Woman’s Guide to Better Gardens

Gardening is a wonderful hobby for everyone, but it can be especially rewarding for women. Gardening has been shown to have a number of benefits for women, including reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing physical activity.

If you're a woman who's interested in gardening, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Choose the right plants. When choosing plants for your garden, consider your climate, soil type, and the amount of sunlight your garden receives. You should also choose plants that you enjoy looking at and caring for.
• Prepare your soil. Good soil is essential for healthy plants. Before you plant anything, be sure to test your soil and add any necessary amendments.
• Water your plants regularly. Plants need water to survive, but be careful not to overwater them. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.
• Fertilize your plants regularly. Fertilizing helps to give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label.
• Mulch your plants. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
• Deadhead your plants. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers.
• Protect your plants from pests and diseases. There are a number of ways to protect your plants from pests and diseases, such as using insecticidal soap or companion planting.

Here are some additional tips for women gardeners:

• Find a gardening mentor. If you know someone who is experienced in gardening, ask them for advice and guidance.
• Join a gardening club or online forum. There are many gardening clubs and online forums where you can connect with other gardeners and learn from their experiences.
• Don't be afraid to experiment. Gardening is a trial-and-error process. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you and your garden.

Gardening can be a fun and rewarding hobby for women of all ages. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and healthy garden that you will enjoy for years to come.

Additional tips for women gardeners:

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Gardening can be a physical activity, so it's important to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that will protect you from the elements.
• Take breaks. Gardening can be hard work, so be sure to take breaks often to rest and hydrate.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're struggling with a particular task, don't be afraid to ask for help by stopping in at the Garden Center 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott AZ 86305.

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #mountaingardenerpodcast, #Top10Gardener, #gardeningbenefits, 

Tarantulas Good or Bad in the Garden?

Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders that are native to many parts of the world, including Arizona. They are often feared and misunderstood, but tarantulas can actually be beneficial to your garden.

Tarantulas are natural predators of many common garden pests, such as crickets, cockroaches, and beetles. They help to keep these pests under control, which can improve the health of your plants.

Tarantulas also help to aerate the soil as they burrow and search for food. This can improve drainage and root growth.

In addition, tarantulas are relatively low-maintenance creatures. They do not require a lot of food or water, and they are not known to damage plants.

Of course, there are also some potential downsides to having tarantulas in your garden. Tarantulas can be venomous, although their bites are rarely fatal to humans. Their venom is more potent than a bee sting, but it is usually not a serious medical concern.

Tarantulas can also be large and hairy, which can be frightening to some people. If you have small children or pets, you may want to reconsider having tarantulas in your garden.

Overall, tarantulas can be beneficial to your garden. They are natural predators of pests and they help to aerate the soil. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks before deciding whether or not to have tarantulas in your garden.

Here are some tips for coexisting with tarantulas in your garden:

• Be respectful of tarantulas and avoid disturbing them.
• Wear gloves when handling tarantulas, even if they are dead.
• If you have small children or pets, supervise them closely when they are in the garden.
• If you are concerned about tarantulas in your garden, you can consult with a pest control professional.

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #mountaingardenerpodcast, #Top10Gardener # tarantulas, #spiders

When to Mow Creeping Thyme Lawns

Creeping thyme lawns are a beautiful and low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass lawns. They are also very drought-tolerant, making them a great choice for water-scarce areas.

While creeping thyme lawns do not require regular mowing, it is a good idea to mow them once or twice a year to keep them looking their best and to encourage new growth. The best time to mow creeping thyme is in the spring, after the last frost, and again in the fall, after the flowers have faded.

To mow a creeping thyme lawn, use a sharp mower blade set to a high setting. Be careful not to mow the thyme too short, as this can damage the plants.

Here are some additional tips for mowing creeping thyme lawns:

• Mow on a dry day to avoid spreading fungal diseases.
• Mow in the direction of the thyme's growth.
• Avoid mowing when the thyme is in bloom.
• Water the thyme deeply after mowing to help it recover.

If you choose to mow your creeping thyme lawn more often than once or twice a year, be sure to set the mower blade to a very high setting and avoid mowing the thyme too short.

Here are some benefits of mowing creeping thyme lawns:

• It helps to remove dead leaves and stems, which can promote new growth.
• It helps to keep the thyme lawn looking neat and tidy.
• It can help to discourage weeds.
• It can help to encourage the thyme to spread.

Overall, mowing creeping thyme lawns is not necessary, but it can be beneficial to do so once or twice a year to keep them looking their best and to encourage new growth.

Top 10 Flowers for Fall Blooms

Fall is a beautiful time of year, with the leaves changing color and the air becoming crisp and cool. And what better way to enjoy the fall season than with a riotous display of flowers in your yard or garden?

Watters Garden Center has a wide variety of flowers that bloom in the fall, so you're sure to find the perfect ones to add color and excitement to your landscape. Here are our top 10 picks:

1. Mums (Chrysanthemums) are quintessential fall flowers, and for good reason. They come in a wide variety of colors and bloom shapes, so you're sure to find the perfect ones to match your style.
2. Asters are another popular fall flower. They produce clusters of small, daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, blue, and white.
3. Pansies are a great choice for fall gardens because they can tolerate cooler temperatures. They come in a wide variety of colors, including bright yellow, orange, and purple.
4. Violas are similar to pansies, but they tend to be smaller and more delicate. They're also very cold-hardy, making them a good choice for late fall blooms.
5. Sedums are low-maintenance plants that thrive in almost any garden. They produce clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and yellow.
6. Gaillardia is a perennial with a long bloom period from late spring through autumn. The bright, daisy-like flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.
7. Marigolds are another long-blooming flower that is perfect for fall gardens. They come in a variety of colors, including bright yellow, orange, and red.
8. Salvias are a diverse group of plants that includes many fall bloomers. Some popular varieties include Russian sage, Mexican sage, and pineapple sage.
9. Snapdragons are a cool-season flower that can bloom from spring until frost. They come in a variety of colors, including bright yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple.
10. Alyssum is a low-growing flower that produces clusters of small, sweet-smelling blooms in shades of white, pink, and purple.

Fall is a great time to plant flowers, so head to Watters Garden Center today and pick up a few of these top bloomers!

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #top10gardener, #fallflowers

The Fall To- Do List for Healthy Gardens

Fall is a great time to prepare your garden for the winter ahead. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your plants are healthy and strong next spring.

The Brightest Shrubs of Autumn

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, with its vibrant leaves and crisp air. And one of the best things about autumn is the bright shrubs that add a touch of color to the landscape.

In this video, we'll share our top picks for the brightest shrubs of autumn, as well as tips on how to care for them.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Burning Bush: This shrub is known for its fiery red leaves in the fall.
• Japanese Maple: Japanese maples come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, and yellow.
• Virginia Creeper: This vine is a great way to add color to walls or fences.
• Red Twig Dogwood: This shrub has red stems that are especially vibrant in the winter.
• Winterberry: This shrub produces bright red berries in the fall and winter.
• Barberry: Barberry shrubs come in a variety of colors, including red, purple, and yellow.
• Sumac: Sumac shrubs produce clusters of red or orange berries in the fall.
• Golden Spirea: This shrub has yellow leaves that turn orange or red in the fall.
• Euonymus: This shrub is known for its winged stems and bright red autumn foliage.

Tips for caring for the brightest shrubs of autumn:

• Plant them in the right location. Most autumn shrubs prefer full sun to partial shade.
• Water them regularly. Even though the weather is cooler in the fall, your plants still need water. Be sure to water them deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is dry.
• Fertilize them in the spring. A balanced fertilizer will help your plants to produce more leaves and flowers.
• Mulch around them. Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil and protect the roots from the cold.
• Prune them regularly. Pruning helps to control the size and shape of your shrubs, and it also removes any dead or diseased branches.

Visit Watters Garden Center for all your autumn shrub needs! We have a wide selection of autumn shrubs, as well as fertilizers, mulch, and other gardening supplies. Our staff is always happy to help you choose the right products for your garden and answer any questions you may have.

The brightest shrubs of autumn: tips from Watters Garden Center, the top 10 gardener podcast.

#autumn, #fall, #shrubs#, brightestshrubsofautumn, #burningbush

The Fall To- Do List for Healthy Gardens

Fall is a great time to prepare your garden for the winter ahead. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your plants are healthy and strong next spring.

In this video, we'll share our top 10 tips for a healthy fall garden:

1. Clean up your garden beds. Remove any dead or diseased plants and weeds. This will help to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden.
2. Fertilize your plants. A balanced fertilizer will help your plants to store nutrients for the winter.
3. Water your plants regularly. Even though the weather is cooler in the fall, your plants still need water. Be sure to water them deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is dry.
4. Protect your plants from frost. If you live in a cold climate, you may need to protect your plants from frost. You can do this by covering them with a tarp or sheet on cold nights.
5. Mulch your garden beds. Mulch will help to insulate your plants' roots and protect them from the cold.
6. Plant spring bulbs. Spring bulbs are planted in the fall and will bloom in the spring. This is a great way to add color and interest to your garden early in the season.
7. Divide your perennials. Perennials are plants that come back year after year. If they have become overgrown, you can divide them in the fall. This will help them to stay healthy and bloom more profusely next spring.
8. Prune your shrubs and trees. Pruning will help to control the size and shape of your shrubs and trees, and it will also remove any dead or diseased branches.
9. Clean your garden tools. Before you put your garden tools away for the winter, be sure to clean them thoroughly. This will help to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
10. Take a break! Gardening can be hard work, so be sure to take some time to relax and enjoy your garden in the fall.

Visit Watters Garden Center for all your fall gardening needs! We have a wide selection of plants, fertilizers, and other gardening supplies. Our staff is always happy to help you choose the right products for your garden and answer any questions you may have.

Fall gardening tips from Watters Garden Center: the top 10 gardener podcast!

#fallgardening, #autumngardening, #falltodolist, #healthygardens, #whattodoinfalllforgarden,

#wattersgardencenter, #top10gardenerpodcast,

Lisa’s 3 Autumn Flowers that also Bloom Through Winter

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, with its vibrant leaves and crisp air. But as the days get shorter and the nights get colder, many flowers begin to fade.

However, there are a number of autumn flowers that also bloom through winter, adding a touch of color and beauty to your garden even during the darkest months.

In this video, we'll share our top picks for autumn flowers that bloom through winter, as well as tips on how to care for them.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Pansies and Violas: These cheerful flowers come in a variety of colors and bloom throughout the fall and winter.
• Snapdragons: Snapdragon flowers have a unique shape that resembles a dragon's mouth. They come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, pink, and purple.
• Chrysanthemums: These hardy flowers bloom in late fall and early winter, and come in a variety of colors and shapes.
• Butterfly Bush: Butterfly bush is a flowering shrub that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. It comes in a variety of colors, including red, purple, pink, and white. Butterfly bush prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
• Ornamental Grasses: Ornamental grasses add height and movement to your garden. They are also a good choice for attracting wildlife.
• Abelias: Abelia is a flowering shrub that produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white. Abelia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.

Tips for caring for autumn flowers that bloom through winter:

• Plant them in the right location. Most autumn flowers that bloom through winter prefer full sun to partial shade.
• Water them regularly. Even though the weather is cooler in the fall and winter, your plants still need water. Be sure to water them deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is dry.
• Fertilize them regularly. A balanced fertilizer will help your plants to produce more flowers.
• Protect them from frost. If you live in a cold climate, you may need to protect your plants from frost. You can do this by covering them with a tarp or sheet on cold nights.
• Mulch around them. Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil and protect the roots from the cold.

Visit Watters Garden Center for all of your autumn flower needs! We have a wide selection of autumn flowers that bloom through winter, as well as fertilizers, mulch, and other gardening supplies. Our staff is always happy to help you choose the right products for your garden and answer any questions you may have.

Autumn flowers that bloom through winter: tips from Watters Garden Center, the top 10 gardener podcast.

#plantingflowers, #fallgardening, #wintergardening, #flowercare

Insider Tips To Bluer Blue Spruce and Silver Conifers

Blue spruce and silver conifers are beautiful trees and shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any landscape. However, their blue color can fade over time, especially if they are not properly cared for.

In this video, we'll share our insider tips on how to keep your blue spruce and silver conifers looking their best.

Here are a few of our top tips:

• Plant them in the right location.
• Water them regularly.
• Fertilize them annually.
• Mulch around them.
• Protect them from pests and diseases.

Visit Watters Garden Center for all of your blue spruce and silver conifer needs! Our staff is always happy to help you choose the right products for your garden and answer any questions you may have.

#bluespruce, #silverconifers, #insidertips, #wattersgardencenter, #top10gardenerpodcast

When to Cut Back Peony

Peonies are beautiful flowers that are known for their large blooms and long-lasting fragrance. However, they can be a bit tricky to care for, especially when it comes to cutting them back.

In this video, we'll share our tips on when to cut back peonies and how to do it properly.

When to cut back peonies:

The best time to cut back peonies is in the fall, after the foliage has turned yellow and died back. This usually happens in October or November.

How to cut back peonies:

To cut back peonies, simply use a sharp pair of shears to cut the stems down to about 1 inch above the ground. Be careful not to damage the crown of the plant, which is the thick, fleshy area at the base of the stems.

Why cut back peonies:

Cutting back peonies helps to remove any diseased or damaged foliage, which can prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden. It also helps to promote new growth the following spring.

Tips for cutting back peonies:

• Use a sharp pair of shears to make clean cuts.
• Cut the stems down to about 1 inch above the ground.
• Be careful not to damage the crown of the plant.
• Remove any dead or diseased foliage.

Visit Watters Garden Center for all of your peony needs! We have a wide selection of peony plants, fertilizers, and other gardening supplies. Our staff is always happy to help you choose the right products for your garden and answer any questions you may have.

Peony care tips from Watters Garden Center, the top 10 gardener podcast.

#peonies #cuttingbackpeonies #peonycare  #wattersgardencenter #top10gardenerpodcast

Top 10 Garden Tasks of Autumn

Autumn is a great time to prepare your garden for the winter ahead. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your plants are healthy and strong next spring.

In this video, we'll share our top 10 garden tasks of autumn:

1. Clean up your garden beds. Remove any dead or diseased plants, and weeds. This will help to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden.
2. Fertilize your plants. A balanced fertilizer will help your plants to store nutrients for the winter.
3. Water your plants regularly. Even though the weather is cooler in the fall, your plants still need water. Be sure to water them deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is dry.
4. Protect your plants from frost. If you live in a cold climate, you may need to protect your plants from frost. You can do this by covering them with a tarp or sheet on cold nights.
5. Mulch your garden beds. Mulch will help to insulate your plants' roots and protect them from the cold.
6. Plant spring bulbs. Spring bulbs are planted in the fall and will bloom in the spring. This is a great way to add color and interest to your garden early in the season.
7. Divide your perennials. Perennials are plants that come back year after year. If they have become overgrown, you can divide them in the fall. This will help them to stay healthy and bloom more profusely next spring.
8. Prune your shrubs and trees. Pruning will help to control the size and shape of your shrubs and trees, and it will also remove any dead or diseased branches.
9. Clean your garden tools. Before you put your garden tools away for the winter, be sure to clean them thoroughly. This will help to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
10. Take a break! Gardening can be hard work, so be sure to take some time to relax and enjoy your garden in the fall.

Visit Watters Garden Center for all of your fall gardening needs! We have a wide selection of plants, fertilizers, and other gardening supplies. Our staff is always happy to help you choose the right products for your garden and answer any questions you may have.

Fall gardening tips from Watters Garden Center, the top 10 gardener podcast.

How to Keep Mosquitos and Flies Away from Garden Parties

Mosquitos and flies can ruin a garden party, but there are a few things you can do to keep them away. Here are a few tips from the Top10 Gardener Podcast:

• Choose the right location for your party. Avoid areas with standing water, as this is where mosquitoes breed. If you must have your party in an area with standing water, try to eliminate as much of it as possible.
• Use fans. #Mosquitos and flies are weak flyers, so fans can help to keep them away. Place fans around the perimeter of your party area and in any areas where people are congregating.
• Plant mosquito-repelling plants. Certain plants, such as citronella, lavender, and rosemary, emit aromas that repel mosquitoes and flies. Plant these plants around your party area to create a natural barrier against pests.
• Use mosquito repellent. There are a variety of mosquito repellents available, including sprays, lotions, and candles. Choose a repellent that is appropriate for the age and health of your guests.
• Encourage your guests to wear long sleeves and pants. This will help to protect them from mosquito bites.

Here are a few additional tips from Wattersgardencenter.com:

• Serve food and drinks in covered containers. This will help to prevent #flies from landing on the food and drink.
• Clean up spills immediately. Don't let food and drink sit out for too long, as this will attract flies.
• Use citronella candles or torches. These can help to repel mosquitoes and flies.

By following these tips, you can create a mosquito- and fly-free environment for your next garden party.

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #Top10GardenerPodcast, #insects

Top 10 Flowers for Riotous Autumn Blooms and Color

Fall is a beautiful time of year, with the leaves changing color and the air becoming crisp and cool. And what better way to enjoy the fall season than with a riotous display of flowers in your yard or garden?

In this episode of the Top 10 Gardner Podcast, we'll be talking about the top 10 flowers for riotous autumn blooms and color. We'll discuss each flower in detail, including its blooming time, growing requirements, and best uses in the landscape.

We'll also share some tips on how to create a beautiful and colorful fall garden. So whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned pro, you're sure to learn something new from this episode.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the flowers we'll be discussing:

• Chrysanthemums
• Asters
• Pansies
• Violas
• Sedums
• Gaillardia
• Marigolds
• Salvias
• Russian Sage
• Snapdragons
• Alyssum

 If you're looking to add some color and excitement to your fall garden, then you won't want to miss this episode of the Top 10 Gardener Podcast. Be sure to tune in to learn more about the top 10 flowers for riotous autumn blooms and color!

Subscribe to the Top 10 Gardner Podcast today and never miss an episode! You can find us on iTunes, Google, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio.

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #Top10GardenerPodcast, #fallplanting