Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

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

 

 

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.

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #FruitTrees, #GardenBounty, #HomegrownFruits

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.

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #CompanionPlant, #Boxwood

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.

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #LandscapePlanning #TreeManagement

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.

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

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

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #SpringShrubLove, #NorthernAZGardening