Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

🍀How to Tell When Spring Arrives

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken Lain here! Spring fever is in the air, and even though the calendar might say it's still winter, there are telltale signs that the season of growth and bloom is upon us.

 

Here in the mountains of Arizona, we experience a unique progression of seasons. We're currently in early spring, a time of bright days and chilly nights when winter's grip starts to loosen, and the first signs of life emerge. Daffodils and other early spring bulbs are pushing through the soil, hellebores are in full bloom, and trees and shrubs are starting to leaf out. You might even see some early blossoms on fruit trees! Honeybees are out and about, foraging for nectar and pollen, and birds sing their hearts out.

 

So, while we might still have a few weeks of winter weather ahead, spring is definitely on its way. Get out in your garden, enjoy the signs of new life, and start planning for a beautiful and productive growing season!

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 25 – 07 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

This week, we're covering a variety of topics to help you create a thriving and productive garden. We'll explore how to prune damaged trees, discover the proper spacing for fruit trees, and learn the secrets to growing a lush Calgary Carpet Juniper. Plus, I'll share tips on planting bare root roses and choosing the perfect fruit trees for your landscape, including those amazing fruit cocktail trees! Let's get growing!

Included in this week’s episode:

• Pruning for Recovery - Repairing Broken Tree Branches
• Space to Thrive - Guidelines for Planting Fruit Trees
• Mastering the Green Carpet - A Guide to Growing Calgary Carpet Juniper
• Blooms Ahead! Unleash the Power of Spring-Planted Fiber Roses
• Unlocking Nature’s Bounty - Grow Perfect Fruit Trees
• Unbox a Garden - Explore the Wonder of Fruit Cocktail Trees

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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🍐 Unbox a Garden - Explore the Wonder of Fruit Cocktail Trees

Hey fellow gardeners, Ken Lain here! If you dream of a bountiful harvest of fresh fruits but have limited space, fruit cocktail trees are the answer! These unique trees offer a multitude of benefits, making them a perfect choice for today's gardens.

 

Imagine the convenience of growing multiple varieties of fruit on a single tree! This not only saves space but also extends your harvest season as different fruits ripen at other times. Plus, with self-pollinating varieties, you don't need multiple trees to ensure a successful harvest.

 

At Watters Garden Center, we offer a variety of fruit cocktail trees, including popular combinations like apples, pears, and plums. Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect trees for your climate and preferences.

 

Don't miss out on the opportunity to create a mini-orchard in your backyard! Visit Watters Garden Center today and discover the magic of fruit cocktail trees.

 

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🍎 Unlocking Nature’s Bounty - Grow Perfect Fruit Trees

Hey fruit tree lovers, Ken Lain here! Want to harvest your own delicious apples, peaches, and pears? Then, you need the right trees for our unique mountain climate!

 

Here in the Central Highlands, we experience late frosts that can damage early bloomers. Choose varieties with a longer chilling requirement (650-700 hours) to ensure they bloom later and avoid those frosty mornings.

 

We also need to consider our alkaline soil and intense sun. Select trees adapted to these conditions and amend your soil with compost and mulch for optimal growth.

 

At Watters Garden Center, we specialize in fruit trees that thrive in our region. We offer a wide variety of apples, pears, peaches, plums, and more!

 

Remember our unique cocktail trees! These multi-grafted trees offer multiple varieties of fruit on a single tree, perfect for small spaces and those who want a diverse harvest.

 

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🌹 Blooms Ahead! Unleash the Power of Spring-Planted Fiber Roses

Hey, rose lovers, Ken and Lisa Lain here! Spring is just around the corner, and that means it's time to get those roses in the ground!

 

At Watters Garden Center, we've got a fantastic selection of fiber pot roses, ready to burst into bloom and fill your garden with color and fragrance.

 

Fiber pot roses are a great option for spring planting because they're already well-rooted and ready to take off. Unlike bare root roses, which can be finicky and prone to transplant shock, fiber pot roses have a higher success rate and will bloom beautifully in their first year.

 

We have a wide variety of roses to choose from, including new and exclusive varieties like the fragrant yellow 'Quest for Zest' and the striking 'Midnight Fire' with its purple and orange blooms. We also have classic favorites like Double Delight and Chrysler Imperial, as well as climbing roses like 'Golden Opportunity' and 'Rock 'n' Roll'.

 

So, if you're dreaming of a rose-filled garden, visit Watters Garden Center today and choose your favorites. Our expert team can help you select the perfect roses for your landscape and provide you with tips on planting and care.

 

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🌿 Mastering the Green Carpet - A Guide to Growing Calgary Carpet Juniper

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen groundcover that thrives in our mountain climate? Look no further than the Calgary Carpet Juniper!

 

This versatile evergreen forms a dense, vibrant green carpet that's perfect for replacing lawns, covering slopes, or adding texture to rock gardens. It's also incredibly hardy, tolerating drought, heat, and even our cold winters.

 

Calgary Carpet Juniper requires minimal care. Simply plant it in well-drained soil, water regularly during the first year, and fertilize annually. It's also deer-resistant, a big bonus for those of us who share our gardens with hungry wildlife.

 

At Watters Garden Center, we have a great selection of Calgary Carpet Junipers ready to add life and texture to your landscape. Stop by and let our expert team help you find the perfect spot for this versatile ground cover.

 

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🍒 Space to Thrive - Guidelines for Planting Fruit Trees

Hey fruit tree enthusiasts, Ken and Lisa Lain here! Planting fruit trees is rewarding, but proper spacing is crucial for their health and productivity. Here's the lowdown on spacing your trees for optimal growth and a bountiful harvest.

 

Standard-size trees: Typically grow 20-30 feet tall and need about 20 feet of space between them. This allows for ample sunlight, air circulation, and room to work in your orchard.

 

Semi-dwarf trees: These smaller trees, reaching 15-20 feet tall, can be spaced closer together, around 15 feet apart. This is a great option for smaller yards or those who want to maximize their planting space.

 

Consider the type of tree: Some trees, like apples and pears, tend to grow larger than others, so adjust spacing accordingly.

 

Pruning and training: If you're willing to prune and train your trees regularly, you can potentially space them closer together.

 

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𖣂 Pruning for Recovery - Repairing Broken Tree Branches

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Spring is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to assess any damage your trees may have suffered during the winter. Those heavy snows can wreak havoc on branches, so let's talk about pruning for recovery.

 

If you find broken or damaged branches, it's important to prune them cleanly. Make your cut at the branch collar, the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk. This encourages faster healing and prevents decay. For larger branches, use a three-step cut to avoid tearing the bark.

 

Don't worry about under-pruning – it's better to be conservative. You can always remove more later if needed. And remember to fertilize those pruned trees to encourage vigorous new growth. With a little TLC, your trees will recover quickly and return to their majestic selves in no time.

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 25 – 06 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken and Lisa Lain here!

 

This week, we're diving into a variety of topics to help you navigate the winter gardening season and prepare for a successful spring. We'll explore the effects of

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📝Insider Garden Happenings at Top 10 Gardener

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken Lain here! Want the inside scoop on what's happening at Watters Garden Center? Spring has sprung, and we're buzzing with excitement as new plants arrive daily!

 

This week, we welcomed a fresh batch of Lenten Roses (Hellebores), those delightful winter bloomers that add a touch of magic to your garden. We also received our first shipment of lilacs, bursting with fragrant buds and promising a colorful spring.

 

And for those of you with smaller gardens, we've expanded our selection of cocktail trees – fruit trees grafted with multiple varieties for a diverse harvest in limited space. These are flying off the shelves, so don't miss out!

 

Want to learn more? Join us for our FREE garden classes every Saturday at 9:30 AM. This week, we have a special class for newcomers on February 17th. See you there!

 

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👨‍🌾Garden Tips for Newcomers this Spring

Fellow Prescott gardeners! It's that time of year when we start dreaming of spring blooms and planning our gardens. I'm excited to share some tips tailored specifically for our Prescott area gardeners.

 

Zone-Specific Gardening

We're in zone 7, which means we can expect temperatures to dip below freezing. This affects what we can grow and when. It's crucial to choose plants that are hardy enough to withstand our winters.

 

Our Unique Climate

Besides the zone, our altitude, dry climate, and wind play a role in how plants thrive here. It's why some plants that do well in other parts of Arizona might struggle here. Understanding these factors will help you make informed choices about what to plant.

 

Helpful Resources

If you're looking for more detailed information, here are a few resources:

 

WattersGardenCenter.com

https://wattersgardencenter.com/gardening-for-newcomers-to-mountain-landscapes/

 

https://wattersgardencenter.com/preparing-for-spring-essential-february-garden-tasks/

 

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🌺February Plant of the Month Hellebore

Hey Houseplant Lovers, Ken Lain here with Lisa Watters Lain! February may be a chilly month, but it's also a time of anticipation for spring's arrival. And what better way to celebrate than with the enchanting Hellebore, our featured Plant of the Month?

 

Hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses, are winter-blooming marvels that bring a touch of magic to the garden when most other plants are dormant. Their delicate, bell-shaped flowers come in a wide array of colors, from deep purples and burgundies to soft pinks, yellows, and even white.

  

These hardy perennials are incredibly versatile. They thrive in shady spots and add a touch of elegance to borders, containers, and even woodland gardens. They're also deer-resistant, making them a welcome addition to gardens frequented by hungry wildlife.

  

At Watters Garden Center, we have a stunning selection of Hellebores in bloom right now, including the Ice N' Roses series with its unique variegated foliage. Stop by and discover the beauty and resilience of these winter wonders!

 

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🪻Best Companion Plants Best Planted in February

Ah, February, the month of anticipation! It's the perfect time to start thinking about spring blooms and adding some early color to your garden. Three standout plants that are both beautiful and resilient are hellebores, lily of the valley, and peonies.

 

Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, are a favorite of mine. Their delicate, bell-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors, from deep purple to bright yellow. They're tough and adaptable, making them perfect for adding a touch of spring cheer to your garden.

 

Lily of the valley is another early bloomer that's sure to brighten your day. Its fragrant, bell-shaped flowers are a welcome sight in the spring. These plants are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in partial shade.

 

Peonies are a must-have for any spring garden. Their large, showy blooms come in a rainbow of colors, from deep pink to bright white. Peonies are long-lived and will return year after year, providing you with years of enjoyment.

 

All three of these plants are available at your local garden center in February. They're sure to add beauty and joy to your spring garden.

 

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🍑Are New Fruit Tree Plantings in Danger from Winter Snows

Hey there, gardening friends! Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here to answer your questions about gardening in the Central Highlands.

 

Ah, the joys and challenges of winter gardening! You're right, it's definitely a busy time for us gardeners, even with the snow. Remember when we talked about the importance of staking trees? It's especially crucial during these snowy months to prevent them from leaning and potentially damaging the roots.

 

Don't worry about those fruit trees! A light dusting of snow can be beneficial, providing insulation and protecting them from extreme temperatures. However, heavy snowfall can be a concern, so it's a good idea to shake off excess snow to prevent breakage. And if you're worried about ice buildup, keep an eye on your plants and gently remove any ice that forms.

 

Those beautiful ornamental grasses can take a beating in winter weather. It's perfectly fine to cut them back now, and they'll bounce back in the spring. Just be sure to cut them back to a manageable height and fertilize them to encourage new growth.

 

Speaking of pruning, we touched on that earlier, too! Remember, it's best to prune roses and other fruit trees in the dormant season before they start to bud out in spring. This will help prevent them from being damaged by late frosts.

 

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

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Today, we're tackling the good, the bad, and the ugly of snow in the garden. While it may seem like a nuisance at times, snow plays a vital role in the health of your plants.

 

The good news is that snow acts as a natural reservoir, slowly melting and releasing moisture into the soil, which is especially beneficial during dry winter months. It also acts as a blanket, protecting plants from harsh winter temperatures and frost. As a bonus, snow can help to kill insect eggs and larvae, reducing pest pressure come spring.

 

However, heavy snow can damage plants, especially young trees and shrubs. It's essential to shake off excess snow to prevent breakage. Ice buildup can also be harmful, so gently remove it from delicate leaves and stems if necessary. And finally, the ugly side of snow: it can create a moist environment that encourages mold growth. Keep an eye on your plants and remove any moldy debris.

 

Overall, the benefits of snow in the garden outweigh the drawbacks. By taking a few precautions, like shaking off heavy snow and monitoring mold, you can ensure that your plants emerge from winter healthy and ready to thrive.

 

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