Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

😊Why Gardening Makes Me Happy

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here, your friendly neighborhood gardener! After a busy holiday season, I'm back in the garden, and it feels great!

 

There's something truly fulfilling about getting my hands dirty, planting new life, and connecting with nature.

 

Whether I'm pruning, planting, or simply enjoying the fresh air and birdsong, gardening brings me joy and a sense of peace. It's a chance to nurture and care for something outside of myself, and watch it grow and thrive.

 

Gardening also keeps me active and engaged, both physically and mentally. It's a constant learning process, with new challenges and discoveries everywhere. And there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting fresh produce or enjoying the beauty of a blooming flower that I've nurtured from seed.

 

So, if you're looking for a way to boost your mood, reduce stress, and connect with the natural world, I encourage you to try gardening. It's a rewarding journey that brings happiness and fulfillment, one seed at a time.

 

😊Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🌾8 1/2 Steps for Better DIY Landscapes

Hey DIYers, Ken Lain here, ready to empower you to create the landscape of your dreams! Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing your garden.

 

I've got some tips to help you design a truly stunning landscape.

 

First, remember to include plants that shine in every season. Think vibrant spring bloomers like Forsythia and Lilacs, followed by summer showstoppers like Crape Myrtles and Roses.

 

Don't forget the fiery hues of fall with Maples and Aspens, and the year-round beauty of evergreens.

 

Create depth and visual interest by layering your flowers. Place taller plants like Snapdragons at the back and shorter ones like Pansies in the front. Combine the long-lasting beauty of perennials with the vibrant, non-stop blooms of annuals like Petunias and Geraniums.

 

And don't forget about foliage! Add interesting textures with plants like Nandina or Euonymus for year-round appeal. Remember to choose plants suited to our mountain climate and consider the intense sun at our higher elevation.

 

Finally, aim for a balanced mix of plants and non-living elements like patios and fences. Visit TopPlants.com to research plants and learn how they grow in our unique climate.

 

With a little planning and these simple tips, you can create a landscape that brings you joy for years to come. Happy gardening!

 

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🌾Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🍎Fun Fruit Trees for a Better Spring Harvest

Hey fruit tree fans, Ken Lain here with Lisa Watters Lain! Spring is just around the corner, and that means it's time to start thinking about planting fruit trees.

 

At Watters Garden Center, we're getting ready for our first truckload of the season, and I'm excited to share some of the unique varieties we'll be offering.

 

This year, we're featuring combination fruit trees, also known as cocktail trees. These innovative trees offer multiple varieties of fruit on a single tree, perfect for small spaces and diverse harvests. Imagine enjoying apples, pears, and plums all from the same tree!

 

We'll also have a fantastic selection of dwarf fruit trees, including peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These compact trees are ideal for patios, containers, and small gardens.

 

And don't forget about our fruit salad combo, a unique tree that features a mix of pitted fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines, all ripening at different times for a continuous harvest.

 

So, if you're dreaming of fresh, homegrown fruit, visit Watters Garden Center soon and choose your favorite varieties. Happy planting!

 

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🍎Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners

 

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🪴Winter Gem Boxwood Combination Plant of January

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Even though it's the middle of winter, your garden can still be a vibrant and colorful space. This January, I'm featuring the Winter Gem Boxwood and its perfect companion plants.

 

Winter Gem Boxwood is a fantastic evergreen shrub with glossy green foliage that looks great year-round. It's low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, making it a perfect choice for busy gardeners.

 

To create a stunning winter display, combine Winter Gem with other hardy plants that thrive in our mountain climate. The Red Clusterberry Cotoneaster adds a pop of color with its bright red berries, while the Mint Julep Juniper offers a contrasting texture with its silvery-blue foliage. For height and structure, include the Arizona Cypress and Austrian Pine.

 

These companion plants create a dynamic and beautiful landscape that will add interest to your garden throughout the winter months. Visit Watters Garden Center to see these beauties and get expert advice on planting and care.

 

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🪴 Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🌸Dealing with Plants that Block a View

Hey there, backyard buddies! Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here, to answer your gardening questions! It happens to the best of us - a once-loved tree or shrub now dominates your landscape and blocks that stunning view. But don't worry, there are solutions!

 

First, identify the culprit. Is it an overgrown evergreen or a sprawling shrub? Once you've pinpointed the problem, consider your options. Pruning can help manage size and shape, but sometimes removal is necessary.

 

When replacing the plant, choose wisely! Consider mature size and growth habits. Opt for varieties that complement your view instead of obscuring it.

 

Remember, framing a view is like composing a painting. Use columnar plants like Aspens to draw the eye, or create layers with shorter shrubs and perennials.

 

And if you're unsure about the best approach, visit us at Watters Garden Center! We're always happy to offer expert advice and help you create a landscape that showcases your views, not hides them.

 

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🌱 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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🎙️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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🌱Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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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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☕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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🎙️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

 

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🛒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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