Top 10 Gardener the Ultimate Garden Blueprint with Ken & Lisa

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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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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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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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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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:

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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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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Top 10 Best Mountain Shrubs in the Southwest

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken Lain here! Looking for shrubs that thrive in our mountain climate? Here are 10 of my favorites that bring beauty, color, and texture to your landscape:

Tune in to 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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Hey bird lovers, Ken Lain here with Lisa Watters Lain! Want to turn your garden into a haven for feathered friends?

It's easier than you think! Birds are attracted to gardens that provide food, water, and shelter.

Instead of relying solely on bird feeders, create a diverse landscape with plants that offer natural food sources. Think berry-producing shrubs like Cotoneaster and Pyracantha, seed-bearing flowers like Salvia and Gaillardia, and native trees like Arizona Cypress and Junipers.

Add a water source like a birdbath or fountain, and provide shelter with a variety of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. With a little planning, you can create a bird-friendly paradise that brings joy and wonder to your backyard all year long.

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Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken Lain here! This month at Watters Garden Center, we're featuring a collection of companion plants that shine in the winter landscape.

These beauties not only look fantastic together, but they also thrive in our unique Central Highlands climate.

Imagine a backdrop of Arizona Cypress, a fast-growing native evergreen that provides privacy and wind protection. Pair it with the stately Austrian Pine, a cousin of the Ponderosa Pine, for a contrasting texture and shade of green.

Add in the versatile Japanese Yew, perfect for hedging or foundation plantings, and the vibrant Mint Julep Juniper with its refreshing minty hue.

For a pop of color, including the Red Clusterberry Cotoneaster, boasting bright red berries and glossy foliage.

Finally, anchor your design with the classic Winter Gem Boxwood, a versatile evergreen shrub that adds structure and year-round interest.

These companion plants create a dynamic and beautiful landscape that will thrive 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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Hey there, backyard buddies! Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here, to answer your gardening questions!

Planting a large evergreen pine can be a bit intimidating, especially when you see that burlap and twine around the root ball. But don't worry, it's easier than you think!

That burlap is there to protect the roots during transport and planting. Leave it on! The roots will grow right through it. Just be sure to cut any twine at the top of the root ball to prevent girdling as the tree grows. Then, backfill your planting hole with a mixture of native soil and Watters Premium Mulch for a happy, healthy tree

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