Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

🌱 Insider Garden Happenings at Top 10 Gardener 🌱

Welcome to the vibrant world of gardening, where soil meets sunshine, and every leaf whispers secrets of growth. I’m Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, your friendly green-thumb guide, and together, we’ll explore the magic that unfolds right in your own backyard.

Why listen to me? Because I’ve got dirt under my fingernails, and my heart blooms with passion for all things botanical. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just dipping your toes into the compost, I’m here to demystify the green universe.

🍐 Peaches and Pear Wisdom 🌿 Imagine this: a peach tree over here, its branches heavy with promise. And then, just when it’s done showing off, another peach variety steps up, saying, “Hey, it’s my turn!” That’s the secret to stress-free harvests. By staggering ripening times, you won’t find yourself buried under five bushels of pears, wondering how to preserve them all.

🌳 Fruit Cocktail Trees 🌳 Last year, we introduced a game-changer: fruit cocktail trees. Picture this—multiple fruits on one tree! Apricots, plums, peaches—they’re all mingling, sharing branches like old friends. We sold out faster than a hummingbird sips nectar. But guess what? They’re back, fresh off the delivery truck. Now’s your chance to snag these fruity gems.

🌞 Don’t Wait, Cultivate! 🌞 Remember, gardening isn’t about waiting—it’s about doing. So grab your trowel, put on your sun hat, and let’s plant memories. Whether you’re a seasoned sage or a budding sprout, our garden classes are your passport to horticultural enlightenment. This Saturday, it’s all about fruit trees. Next week? Gardening for newcomers. Trust me, it’s worth the drive.

🌼 Your Backyard Adventure Awaits 🌼 So join me, Ken Lain, as we dig deep, laugh at weeds, and celebrate every blossom. Let’s turn soil into stories, and roots into resilience. And hey, if you ever spot me over the garden fence, wave—I’ll be the guy with dirt-smudged knees and a grin wider than a sunflower face.

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🌼 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

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Garden Tips for Newcomers this Spring

Welcome, fellow gardeners! I’m Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, your friendly green-thumb guide. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or just dipping your toes into the soil, I’m here to share practical tips, earthy wisdom, and a dash of neighborly advice.

🌿 Zone Check: First things first—know your gardening zone. For our Midwest friends, Prescott, Arizona, has its quirks. Our elevation plays tricks on plants. Take geraniums, for instance. They thrive in full sun here, but in California, they’d rather sip a cool drink in the shade.

🌞 Sun and Shade Dance: Now, let’s talk Japanese maples. You Californians adore them, and rightly so! But here’s the twist: in our high-altitude haven, they’re shade lovers. Our midday sun in June? Not their jam. Trust me, they’ll pout, their leaves scorched and grumpy.

🌳 Leafy Etiquette: Picture this: a Japanese maple strutting its stuff in LA, basking in full sun. But bring it to Prescott, and it sulks. Tiny leaves, brown tips—the whole drama. Solution? Give it a cozy spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. It’ll thank you with vibrant foliage.

🌄 Elevation Revelation: Why the fuss? Well, we’re a mile closer to the sun up here. Less atmosphere means more intense rays. So, my gardening comrades, adapt! Your green journey is about discovery. Embrace the nuances, learn your plants’ quirks, and let’s grow together.

 

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🌱  Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

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February Plant of the Month – Hellebore

Hello, fellow gardeners! I’m Ken Lain, your friendly gardening guru, and I’m here to share with you the Top 10 Gardener  February Plant of the Month - the Hellebore Lenten Rose!

🌿 Why Hellebore Lenten Rose? 🌿

• This perennial beauty is not a rose at all, but a hellebore hybrid that belongs to the buttercup family
• It blooms in late winter or early spring, often during the Lent season, hence the name.
• It has delicate, nodding flowers in a range of colors, from white to pink to purple, that add a touch of grace to your garden.
• It is hardy, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance and reliable choice.

🌼 How to Grow and Care for Hellebore Lenten Rose? 🌼

• Plant them in well-drained, rich soil, preferably in partial shade or full shade.
• Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering or soggy soil.
• Mulch them with organic matter to keep the soil moist and cool.
• Prune off any damaged or diseased leaves and stems, and remove faded flowers to encourage new growth.
• Enjoy their lovely fragrance and long-lasting blooms!

I hope you’ll join me in celebrating this wonderful plant, and give it a try in your own garden. You’ll be amazed by its charm and resilience. Remember, fellow gardeners, gardening is not just a hobby; it’s a way of life. So let’s get growing, and make the world a greener place! 🌿🌸🌱

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🌸Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

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Best Companion Plants Best Planted in February

🌱 Ken Lain’s Green Thumb Wisdom: 🌱

Welcome to the Top 10 Gardener community, where soil-stained hands and curious minds unite! I’m Ken Lain, your friendly gardening guru, and I’m here to help you cultivate your own Eden, one petal at a time.

🌿 Best Companion Plants Best Planted in February 🌿

1. Lenten Rose (Hellebore): These hardy beauties defy winter’s chill with their delicate blooms. Plant them in well-drained soil, and they’ll reward you with early spring flowers. Their nodding heads whisper secrets of resilience.
2. Lily of the Valley: Fragrance wafts from these dainty bells, inviting fairies to dance. Find a shady nook, tuck them in, and watch their emerald leaves unfurl. They’re like whispered promises of renewal.
3. Peony: Ah, the queen of the garden! These lush blooms demand patience but deliver opulence. Give them sun, rich soil, and room to stretch. Their ruffled petals hold stories of romance and endurance.

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 🌿 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

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Are New Fruit Tree Planting in Danger from Winter Snows

🌿 Snow on Fruit Trees: Friend or Foe? 🌿

Let’s chat about the delicate dance between snow and our beloved fruit trees as winter blankets our orchards. Picture this: a fresh layer of snow draping the branches like a cozy quilt. But is it a warm embrace or a frosty foe?

Let’s explore:

• Surprisingly, snow plays the role of a natural insulator. 
• If your tree has already sprouted leaves, snow won’t harm much. But if it’s still in the budding stage, tread carefully. Heavy snow can weigh down branches, causing them to bow or break. So, keep an eye on those baby buds.

 Snow isn’t just frozen water; it’s a silent partner in our orchard symphony. So, sip your tea, watch the snowflakes dance, and let’s nurture our green dreams! 🌲❄️

🍎 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

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The Good Bad and Ugly Reasons to Love Snow in the Gardens 🌨️❄️

Dive into the enchanting world of winter gardens with Ken Lain, the Top10Gardener, your guide to uncovering "The Good, Bad, and Ugly Reasons to Love Snow in the Gardens."

Ken shares his earthy wisdom, revealing how a blanket of snow benefits your plants, insulating them like a cozy quilt against the chill. Yet, he doesn't shy away from the challenges - weighty snow can break branches, and the thaw-reveal can be a mixed bag of surprises.

With Ken's practical advice, learn how to protect your green oasis and embrace the beauty and hurdles of the snowy season.

Discover the magic hidden beneath the snow and prepare your garden for a vibrant spring awakening.

🪴Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #WinterGardening, #SnowBenefits      

 

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

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:

• Awaken Your Garden: Spring Planting Guide

• Peaches - Does it take more than one to fruit?

• Whispering Winds: Capturing the Essence of Nature with Ornamental Grasses
• Gifts any Garden Valentine Loves
• Mix, Mulch, Marvel: The Secret to Effortless Wildflower Beauty
• Dive into Spring Gardening: Free Weekly Classes at Water's 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.

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

🪴Ken Lain, the Top10Gardener

 

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Dive into Spring Gardening: Free Weekly Classes at Water's Garden Center

Feeling the spring itch? Join Watters Garden Center for their FREE weekly gardening classes, starting this Saturday! Every Saturday at 9:30 AM, Ken Lain, the Top 10 gardener, will guide you through essential gardening tips and tricks.

Here are some of our exciting upcoming classes:

• Mountain Fruit Trees: Grow your own delicious fruit with expert tips on choosing varieties and maximizing your harvest.
• Gardening for Newcomers: Get started on the right foot with this comprehensive guide to planting, zones, and more.
• Evergreens that Bloom Early: Discover beautiful evergreens that add color and cheer to your winter landscape.

Don't miss out! Classes are held in the back greenhouse, but seating is limited, so bring your own chair.

For more details and the full class schedule head to https://wattersgardencenter.com/events/

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🪴Ken Lain, the Top10Gardener

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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!

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🌿Ken Lain, the Top10Gardener

 

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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

 

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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.

 

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- Ken Lain, Top10Gardner

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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!

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🪴 Ken and Lisa Lain, Top10Gardners

 

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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

 

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