Top 10 Gardener the Ultimate Garden Blueprint with Ken & Lisa

Hey, garden friends! Ken Lain here, the Top 10 Gardener and let me tell you, the garden center is buzzing with the excitement of fall. The maples are ablaze with color, the ornamental grasses are putting on their finest show, and the perennials are bursting with blooms.

Now's the perfect time to plant those stunning shade trees and evergreens you've been dreaming of. We've got the healthiest selection I've seen in years! And don't miss the grasses - from feathery switchgrass to majestic pampas grass; they're all ready to add movement and texture to your landscape.

Remember, gardening is a dance with the seasons. Each one brings its own unique beauty and opportunities. So come visit us at Watters, stroll through the vibrant displays, and let's discover the perfect plants for your fall garden.

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We have a special guest, Wendi Lancy, Chairperson of the Prescott Frontiers Rotary's Grapes 4 Good event. This is the party of the year, happening right here at the garden center on September 29th from 5 to 8 pm! 

Wendi and her team are passionate about serving the community; this event is a testament to their dedication. It's a night of delicious food, fine wines, live music, and exciting auctions, all for a fantastic cause.

Proceeds from the event support crucial programs like the Prescott School District's summer school program, the Boys & Girls Club, a generous scholarship at Yavapai College, and the Imagination Library, which provides free books to children across Yavapai County. 

So mark your calendars, grab your friends, and get ready for a memorable evening! Tickets and donations can be made at prescottfrontierrotary.com. Let's raise a glass to making a difference together! 

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Ornamental Grasses: The Showy Backbone of Your Fall Landscape

Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here, and I'm excited to share the magic of ornamental grasses with you.

These beauties add texture, movement, and year-round interest to your landscape, especially when everything else starts to fade. Imagine the wind whispering through feathery plumes of Switchgrass or the sun setting behind the graceful arch of Ivory Feathers Pampas Grass.

Whether you have a sunny spot or a shady corner, there's a grass that will thrive. Try the low-maintenance Blue Fescue for edging or the striking Porcupine Grass for a vertical statement. Even deer and javelina leave them alone! So, head to Watters, and let's add some life to your landscape.

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Hey there, fellow gardeners! Ken Lain from Top 10 Gardener here. It's not too late to get your plants looking their best for fall!

Here's the secret: fertilize now and adjust the pH of your soil.

For Flowers & Veggies: Use a balanced all-purpose plant food like our 7-4-4. It has the nutrients they need to bloom bigger and brighter, plus it helps lower the pH of your soil, making those colors pop! For container gardens, use a water-soluble fertilizer like Flower Power every other week.

For Trees & Shrubs: If your maples, aspens, or other deciduous trees look a little yellow, they likely need a pH adjustment. Use soil sulfur to make the soil more acidic. This will unlock the nutrients they need to turn a vibrant green, setting the stage for spectacular fall colors.

For Evergreens: Want those blue spruces and cedars to shine? Apply aluminum sulfate. It will lower the pH and add aluminum to the soil, bringing out those silvery-blue hues.

Remember, gardening is all about working with nature. By understanding your plants' needs and giving them the right care, you can create a stunning fall display in your own backyard!

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Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here. Today's question is about pampas grass and how to get it to bloom more.

If your pampas grass looks a little lackluster, it's likely not getting enough nutrients. These beauties are heavy feeders and must be fertilized at least three times a year: Easter, Independence Day, and Halloween.

Use a balanced all-purpose plant food like 7-4-4 and a handful of superphosphate (0-18-0) each time you fertilize. The superphosphate will encourage those big, fluffy plumes that make pampas grass so striking.

Remember, consistent watering is also key for healthy growth and abundant blooms. Don't let your pampas grass get too thirsty!

With a little extra care, your pampas grass will be the envy of the neighborhood!

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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here. Autumn in northern Arizona is when the landscape truly shines. After the windy spring and scorching summer, fall's cooler temperatures and gentle rains create the perfect growing conditions. This is when perennials – those plants that return year after year – put down strong roots, setting the stage for abundant blooms next spring.

Perennials for Years of Enjoyment

Perennials are a wise investment, offering long-lasting beauty with minimal upkeep. Think of peonies, with their massive, fragrant blooms; echinacea, attracting pollinators with their vibrant colors; and wildflowers like blanket flowers (gaillardia), adding a touch of untamed beauty to your garden.

Autumn Showstoppers

Fall perennials rival annuals in terms of color and impact. With its tropical-looking blooms, the newly arrived hibiscus will transport you to warmer climes. Crocosmia, with its fluorescent orange flowers, is a hummingbird magnet. And don't forget the new coral bells (heuchera) with their striking black foliage, providing a dramatic backdrop for any brightly colored flowers.

Container Gardens and Fall Crops

Fall is also the ideal time to refresh your container gardens. Fill them with colorful mums, cheerful pansies, and even cool-season vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, and cauliflower.

Remember: Garden Mums vs. Greenhouse Mums

When choosing mums, look for hardy garden mums that can withstand the cold and return year after year. On the other hand, greenhouse mums are not hardy and are best enjoyed indoors.

Visit Watters Garden Center!

See all the vibrant colors and textures of fall at Watters Garden Center. We've got a vast selection of perennials, annuals, fall crops, and mums to help you create a stunning autumn landscape.

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Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! It's time to quench your summer-parched plants and prepare for autumn's bounty! From planting fall vegetables to showcasing the year's brightest flowers, your garden has plenty to do. We'll also dive into practical tips to protect plants from pesky javelinas and common ailments like leaf spot. Let's get started!

Included in this week’s episode:

• H2-Whoa! A Guide to Quenching Your Garden’s Summer Thirst

• Stopping Leaf Spot on Purple Leaf Plums

Ken and Lisa are eager to hear from you! They'll be answering listener questions about gardening in Arizona's high country, so don't hesitate to share your queries and experiences.

Ready to catch Ken and Lisa's gardening bug? They're brimming with knowledge and passion for growing beautiful things, and they're excited to share it all with you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gardening game!

Subscribe to The Top 10 Gardener Podcast today and get your hands dirty with their expert tips and tricks. It's available on all your favorite podcast platforms.

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Hey there, plant pals! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here with some fall foliage wisdom from Watters Garden Center.

Those recent showers can bring unwanted guests to your trees – leaf spot!

Here's what to look for:

• Tiny Holes: Think "shotgun blast" through the leaves. This is bacteria munching on sugar in the foliage. Don't panic! Young trees might show it more, but as they mature, they build resistance.

What to Do?

• Monitor, Don't Panic: Usually, leaf spot won't kill your tree. In most cases, you can simply keep an eye on it.

Remember: Autumn's falling leaves are nature's way of cleaning house. Don't worry if leaf spot leads to earlier coloring.

Need Help? We're plant doctors at Watters! Bring a picture or sample of your affected leaves, and we'll diagnose the problem and recommend solutions.

Let's keep your plum tree (and all your other trees!) happy and healthy this fall!

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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Those pesky javelinas are back, wreaking havoc in our gardens! But don't worry, I've got some tricks up my sleeve to keep your plants safe.

First, understand that javelinas are opportunistic feeders. They love bulbs like tulips (think candy!), veggies, and anything easy to dig up.

The best defense is a good fence, especially around your veggie patch.  But for those open areas, here are some plants they tend to avoid:

Herbs: Rosemary, lavender, oregano - their strong scents deter javelinas.

Grasses: Ornamental grasses like pampas grass and native grasses are usually left alone.

Tough Shrubs: Manzanita, lilacs, and the vibrant Red Hot Poker are all javelina-resistant.

Groundcovers: Try Vinca or Mexican primrose for a colorful, low-maintenance option.

Remember, some experimentation might be needed. Try planting a "test victim" to see if the javelinas leave it alone before committing to a larger planting.

And don't forget, fall is a fantastic planting season! Get those javelina-proof plants in the ground now and enjoy a beautiful, pest-free garden!

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Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Fall's Here at Watters: A Burst of Color for Your Yard!

Don't let the "end of season" fool you! Arizona's cooler weather makes fall prime planting time. Here's why you should head to Watters now:

• Blooming Beauties: The perennial house is overflowing with gorgeous flowers! From the striking new white bleeding heart to the vibrant neon orange echinacea (Sombrero Flamenca), there's something for every sunny or shady spot.

Not sure where to start? Watters has plenty of resources to help!

• Ken's Social Media: Follow Watters on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for gardening tips and videos, including a deep dive into agastache varieties.

Fall is a time for renewal in the garden. Let Watters be your partner in creating a vibrant, wildlife-friendly space you'll love!

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