In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, explores how to care for garden topiary structures. Did you know that maintaining garden topiaries is surprisingly easy? They primarily require simple pruning of new growth as it emerges. Ken also talks about specific care tips for plant types, like pinching off soft candle growth on pines, and how the minimal upkeep makes topiaries less demanding than many other plants. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-...
Jun 03, 2025•6 min
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss the fast-growing shade trees as a Father's Day gift. In this segment, Lisa and Ken answer listener questions, including recommendations for fast-growing shade trees, and provide guidance on selecting plants for dry, shady spots. Finally, they address a common concern about peach trees dropping fruit. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook:...
Jun 02, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shared the top 10 plants that attract more butterflies into gardens. He also discusses the ideal planting season in Northern Arizona, emphasizing that soil temperature, not just frost dates, is the crucial factor triggering plant growth. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: https://www.instag...
Jun 01, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses growing hardy gardenia for garden fragrance. Listen in to learn how best to care for your gardenia plants and how to coax the most fragrance out of your blooms. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network/...
May 30, 2025•4 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses the bright blooming shrubs for your summer garden. There are some amazing bright blooming shrubs like the bluebeard, butterfly bush, and more. What other bright blooming shrubs should you consider for your summer garden? Listen in to find out. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: ht...
May 29, 2025•9 min
Ken and Lisa Lain talk today about the Top 10 Cactus & Desert Agave varieties that thrive in our mountain gardens. Many cactus and agave blooms also draw butterflies and hummingbirds. These spectacular cacti and agaves will make you the envy of your neighborhood as they thrive and bloom, and add texture to your landscape! Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow...
May 28, 2025•11 min
Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, takes a look at container gardens and shares how much they should be watered. Listen in to learn how much you should water those containers and more tips on container garden care. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network/...
May 27, 2025•7 min
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center answer your gardening questions with a focus on watering – our soil in the Central Highlands is varied and challenging, and how you water can be the difference in whether your trees and plants thrive or struggle! Additionally, learn about grubs, those hungry little white things that like to eat your aspens, and unfortunately, those grasshoppers are already out and hungry! Learn how to control those hungry critters this summer. Listen to Moun...
May 26, 2025•11 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares how to grow crape myrtle for a brighter summer. Listen in to learn how to best grow crape myrtle. Do they like sun, what type of soil, and how much should you water them? Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network/...
May 25, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about what's pretty for this weekend's gardening. Learn about three lovely plants that will bring gorgeous color to your garden. Purple fountain grass, Canas, and Mandevilla are the stars of this episode. Learn what beneficial features each plant will bring to your garden. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Foll...
May 23, 2025•4 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, interviews Bill Jones, a representative for Fertilome/Hi-Yield, a company formed as a co-op by independent garden centers. Bill shares his expertise on their products and addresses plant health issues like bugs, weeds, and nutrient deficiency. Listen in for expert tips on how to conquer common plant health issues. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook...
May 22, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss the best fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Listen in as they highlight several drought-hardy plants, then turn the discussion to flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies just love. Should you plant tubular flowers or flatter flowers? Depends on what type of pollinator you want to attract! Listen in to learn more. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-garde...
May 21, 2025•9 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares how to grow butterfly bush for more pollinators. Learn how the butterfly bush became what we know today, making it one of the top pollinator plants throughout the summer and fall. Also, learn about how to bring the flower power to attract our favorite pollinators to the garden. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11A...
May 20, 2025•6 min
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share insider tips for growing terrific tomatoes. The two also discuss why rosebuds might be failing to open. Then they identify that striking tree with purple blossoms. Finally, they provide two key tips for growing abundant tomatoes. What should you do to get a great yield this year? Listen in to find out. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook:...
May 19, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken Lain The Mountain Gardener, discusses the evergreens for privacy that screen prying eyes. He also emphasizes the benefits of planting red salvia and great shade and fruit tres to plant now. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network/...
May 18, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, enthusiastically introduces the clematis, calling it the "queen of the garden." This beautiful, easy-to-grow plant is great for the less experienced gardener, even in challenging climates like the mountains of Arizona. Listen in to learn about the preferred conditions for this plant, along with proper fertilization needs, and more. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow ...
May 16, 2025•4 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, interviews Mike Neenan of J. Frank Schmidt & Son nursery. This long-standing, family-owned tree nursery is committed to quality tree growing and emphasizes the importance of proper tree care. Listen in for key advice on newly planted trees, especially during the first year. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follo...
May 15, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss the best flowers for non-stop blooms. These flowers can bring some gorgeous blooms to the garden. With their bright colors and ability to attract pollinators like hummingbirds, these flowers are perfect. Learn about incredible plants like the Suncredible sunflower, So Cool Pale Blue salvia, foxglove, and more! Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Foll...
May 14, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses the difference between bare-root roses and containerized roses. Which type of rose is the better purchase? Listen in to find out. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network/...
May 13, 2025•6 min
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss holding hills with honeysuckle and more. Factors like watering and summer monsoon storms can wreak havoc on hillsides, and it's important to use the right plants for erosion control. Is honeysuckle a good option? Listen in to find out. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instag...
May 12, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, talks about preparing old containers & raised beds for new flower plants. We're in the peak of planting season in the Prescott area. Did you properly prepare the soil? Are you going to use the right watering techniques and tools to ensure a healthy growing season? Listen in to find out what you should know. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: h...
May 11, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares how to make flowers bloom all season long. Now is the perfect time to plant various flowers! Learn the difference between annuals and perennials, how to ensure your flowers bloom all season long, and more. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_ne...
May 09, 2025•5 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats with Chris Shipley, owner of Civano Nursery in Tucson. Chris shares about his family's nursery and the low-maintenance, hardier native plants they provide to garden centers across the country. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network/...
May 08, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss growing better vegetables and herbs in containers. There are times when planting in containers rather than traditional garden plots can be beneficial. What are some key factors gardeners should consider when planting in containers? Listen in to find out. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on...
May 07, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, talks about three types of tomatoes and their benefits. Learn the basic types of tomatoes that are popular for home gardening as the planting season begins. Learn about the plant sizes, canning varieties, best tomatoes for container gardening, and more. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: ht...
May 06, 2025•6 min
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott chat about raised bed gardens and all you should know. How much sun should they get? What is the best soil for roses to thrive and bloom? Listen in to learn this and more! Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network/...
May 05, 2025•11 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses insider garden tips to grow more vegetables this season. Learn the importance of buying plants, especially less common varieties, as soon as they are available. It is also important to consider soil quality and what to add to your plant's soil to ensure a healthy plant and a great growing season. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https:...
May 04, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares what he loves most about gardening, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits as a way to manage stress and find joy. He also touches on the impact of recent moisture on plant growth as well as how the climate of our area can affect plant growth. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: https:/...
May 02, 2025•4 min
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats with Douglas Forest, a plant expert of Armstrong Growers. The conversation highlights Armstrong Growers' unique structure as an employee-owned company that prioritizes partnerships with independent garden centers. Listen in as these two plant experts talk about the process of trialing new plant varieties before bringing them to market and touch on essential planting advice. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-...
May 01, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss updated container style with spring flowers. Are you looking to update your container garden? What can you do to revitalize your old pots and make them look fresh with spring flowers? Listen in to find out. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_pod...
Apr 30, 2025•10 min
