Mountain Gardener with Ken Lain
By: Watters Garden Center - Ken Lain
Language: en
Categories: Leisure, Home, Garden
Gardening season is year-round with Watters Garden Center's Ken Lain. The Mountain Gardener shares his secrets on how to have the most beautiful, blooming Prescott landscape.
Episodes
How to Keep Blue Spruce Silvery Blue
Oct 27, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss how to keep blue spruce silvery blue. You'll discover tips for maintaining the stunning silvery-blue color of spruce trees before the first hard freeze. Plus, find out why Arizona gardeners prefer organic, slow-release fertilizers over typical winterizers.
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Spiritual Meaning of Houseplants
Oct 26, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, talks about the spiritual meaning of houseplants. Explore the spiritual meanings of houseplants like Chinese money plants, ivy, and Peace Lilies. Find out which plants bring luck, love, and prosperity, and why they make perfect gifts. Also, learn what triggers seasonal changes and how to prepare your garden as the outdoor season winds down.
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Birds and the Top 10 Feeding Mistakes
Oct 24, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about birds and the top 10 feeding mistakes. Get advice on maintaining bird feeders, selecting the best feed, and designing a garden that nourishes both local and visiting birds while keeping pests at bay. Learn how simple actions can have a big impact on our feathered visitors!
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10 Evergreens to Enhance Your Landscape
Oct 23, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about 10 evergreens to enhance your landscape. Explore a variety of evergreens and shrubs that add color, texture, and life through every season. Tune in to discover expert tips on selecting the right plants to enhance your landscape and solve common gardening challenges.
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Trees That Look Good All Winter Long
Oct 22, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott will discuss trees that look good all winter long. Find out their top picks for pines, spruces, and cypress perfect for the central highlands. Also, discover which varieties thrive in cold weather, how to choose the right size and color for your yard, and why fall is the best time to plant them.
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The Best Cedars for Mountain West Gardens
Oct 21, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about the best cedars for mountain west gardens. Discover which types might be right for your space and how to make them stand out. Whether you want towering statement trees or low-maintenance shrubs, find out which cedars can thrive and transform your outdoor space.
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How Low an Elevation Can Aspens Tolerate?
Oct 20, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss how low an elevation can aspens tolerate. They will also talk about managing aging Pampas grass, and explain why pine needles naturally brown and drop in the fall. Plus, get tips to keep your pines healthy and protected from pests!
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Top 7 Pine Trees for the Mountain West Landscape
Oct 19, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about the top 7 pine trees for the mountain west landscape. He will tell you what to plant, what to avoid, and why now is the perfect time to get them in the ground. Ken also reveals the best time to plant cold-weather crops and evergreens. Are your garden and trees ready for the first frost, or are you planting the wrong pines for Northern Arizona?
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Bird Feeder Mistakes
Oct 17, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about common bird feeder mistakes. Learn how to support hummingbirds and other migrating species with smart feeding tips and natural food sources like seed-heavy perennials. Plus, hear about the launch of AI-powered bird feeders, perfect for holiday gifting, and get expert placement tips using the 5-7-9 rule to keep backyard birds safe and healthy.
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Insider Secrets to Planting Majestic Spring Bulbs
Oct 16, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott gives insider secrets to planting majestic spring bulbs. You'll learn why fall is the only time to plant for vibrant spring color, how to choose top-quality bulbs, and when to plant favorites like iris, tulips, and daffodils. Plus, get tips for container planting and keeping pests like javelina at bay. Proper timing and bulb care now will lead to a stunning, low-maintenance garden come spring.
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Your Guide to a Healthier, Happier Garden
Oct 15, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott give you your guide to a healthier, happier garden. From using up extra tomatoes and cucumbers to documenting container combos, listen for smart seasonal tips. Learn why it’s time to pull tired annuals, plant cool-weather blooms, prep potted plants for indoor life, and feed trees before winter sets in.
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Why Autumn Fertilization is Best for Spring Plants
Oct 14, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about why autumn fertilization is best for spring plants. He shares why organic granular fertilizers are best, when to apply them, and how extras like humic acid and aluminum sulfate can boost root health and color. Get it done by Halloween for the biggest impact!
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Bringing Outdoor Plants Indoors for Winter
Oct 13, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss bringing outdoor plants indoors for winter. Additionally, learn about controlling stubborn horehound weeds and growing a Black Hills Spruce in a container. Whether you're renting or prepping for frost, these insights will help your garden thrive.
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Why Roses Look Good Through Autumn
Oct 12, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discusses why roses look good through autumn. He covers timing around first frost, planting tips for cool-weather veggies and flowers, and why fall, not spring, is ideal for planting roses. Learn how to work with microclimates and make the most of the season’s cooler temps.
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Growing Plants by Seed or Cuttings - Which is Better
Oct 10, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares whether it is better to grow plants by seed or by cutting. Learn the critical difference between propagating plants through seed versus cuttings or grafting.
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Animal Proof Plants the Deer, Rabbits, and Javelina Leave Alone
Oct 09, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares animal-proof plants that deer, rabbits, and javelina will leave alone. An animal-resistant landscape can be key to a healthy garden and can be necessary when living in the Prescott area. What are some of the best animal-proof plants you should be planting? Ken provides a curated list of animal-resistant landscape plants that are generally avoided by the most common pests. Listen in to find out what they are!
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The Colors in the Autumn Gardens
Oct 08, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss the best colors in the autumn gardens. Fall is one of the most colorful seasons in the garden, and it's easy to plant gorgeous containers and garden beds that brighten your landscape and around your home. Master Gardeners Ken and Lisa share some beautiful fall flowers that brighten your fall, and how to care for them.
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Brightest Evergreens are Planted in Fall
Oct 07, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares the brightest evergreens that are best planted in the fall. Watters Garden Center is transitioning to fall and plants that love the winter months. New evergreens and holiday plants are beginning to hit the shelves! Fall is the perfect time to get your plants into the ground to allow them time to root out through the end of the year and set buds for the spring. What evergreens will you start to see at the garden center now, and which will bring brilliant green to your garden? Listen in to...
Duration: 00:05:59Can Yucca and Agave Grow in a Container?
Oct 06, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share if yucca and agave can grow in a container. Yucca and Agaves are great additions to the gardens, with beautiful and unique color and texture. Those who love to garden in containers might wonder if these plants can be successfully grown in containers or raised beds. Master Gardeners Ken and Lisa Lain answer these and additional garden questions in this segment.
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What to do with Azalea and Rhododendron in Fall
Oct 05, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares what to do with Azalea and Rhododendron in the fall. We are now fully in fall, but your spring-blooming plants still need care. While pruning should not be done this time of year, there are still other tasks you should do to ensure your plants remain healthy through the winter to bring a great spring bloom! What should you be doing with those spring-bloomers in the fall? Listen in to find out.
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Autumn Landscaping is All About Decorating
Oct 03, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses how autumn landscaping is all about decorating. Learn why fall is the perfect time to plant or prep echinacea, also known as coneflower. These are low-maintenance blooms that make a perfect addition to your garden. We cover care tips, planting advice, and why this resilient wildflower is a must-have for vibrant late-season landscapes.
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The Fall To Do List for a Healthy Landscape
Oct 02, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares the fall to do list for a healthy landscape. October is the ideal time to get ahead on key landscape tasks before winter arrives. Learn why garden cleanliness matters more than ever this time of year, how to winterize fountains and ponds, and what steps to take now to protect trees from pests like bark beetles and aphids. Plus, discover the importance of fall fertilizing and watering, even after the first frost, for healthier plants come spring.
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Duration: 00:10:04Purple Fall Flowers for Pretty Autumn Containers
Oct 01, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss purple fall flowers for pretty autumn containers. Learn how to create colorful, long-lasting arrangements that carry your containers through winter and into spring, and which plants are must-haves. Plus, get the scoop on an upcoming free gardening class with Lisa, featuring a live demo you won’t want to miss!
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The Grape Harvest: Get Better Berries This Year
Sep 30, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, talks about the grape harvest and how to get better berries this year. Learn how smart pruning right after fruiting for berries and in late winter for grapes can make all the difference. Plus, find out why fall fertilizing is crucial for setting the stage for next year’s harvest. Whether you’re growing blackberries, raspberries, or vineyard-ready grapes, these practical tips will help you boost yields and keep your plants thriving season after season.
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Top Evergreens to Replace That Dead Pinion Pine
Sep 29, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center talk about top evergreens to replace that dead pinion pine. Learn why fall is a critical time for feeding your landscape and how to support native plants through the seasonal change, as well as replacing a lost pine tree. Whether you're troubleshooting tree troubles or wondering when to cut back wildflowers, this episode is packed with timely advice for fall gardening in the high country.
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Why October is the Most Important Feeding of the Year
Sep 28, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, talks about why October plant food is the most important feeding of the year. This feeding sets the stage for both vibrant fall color and an eruption of full, healthy blooms the following spring. Monsoon rains can wash away essential nutrients, and Ken shares how to keep your plants healthy despite this challenge. From soil care to smart feeding strategies, tune in to learn how a few simple steps now can lead to a thriving, colorful garden come spring.
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Duration: 00:09:58Grapes 4 Good
Sep 26, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, talks about Grapes 4 Good event. This lively garden party features wine, food, and music, all to support local schools and summer reading programs. Want to continue learning about plants, catch the complimentary garden classes at Watters Garden Center every Saturday.
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Creating a Home with Curb Appeal
Sep 25, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain discusses creating a home with curb appeal and value with smart landscaping strategies inspired by realtors and research. This episode explores how trees, native plants, lighting, fencing, and thoughtful hardscaping can enhance beauty, save money, and improve energy efficiency, all while creating a welcoming, well-maintained look.
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Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Pretty Grasses
Sep 24, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center explain why fall is the best time to plant pretty grasses. Fall is the optimal time for shopping and planting ornamental grasses because they are fully mature, allowing gardeners to accurately gauge their size and appearance. Learn about these low-maintenance grasses that bring year-round interest and wildlife benefits.
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3 Fall Flowers for Winter Long Color
Sep 23, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain discusses how fall planting offers a chance to revitalize your garden with 3 fall flowers for winter long color. Learn how to make the most of this season by filling empty spaces and planting trees and shrubs that establish roots before winter. Plus, find out why region-specific advice is essential for success in the Arizona mountains.
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How to Prepare Garden Beds for Fall Planting
Sep 22, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share how to prepare garden beds for fall planting. Fall gardening has begun, and it's time to ensure your garden bed soils are ready for planting. Learn how to prepare your soil for planting after summer crops have been harvested. Also, learn how to amend the soil in your raised beds and what you should do differently for your in-ground beds. Bonus: get a little info on pruning fruit trees and why you should wait until winter.
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Duration: 00:10:05Autumn Irrigation Adjustment for Fall Plant Health
Sep 21, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, "The Mountain Gardener," discusses autumn irrigation adjustments to maintain plant health for the fall. Lain stresses the importance of not stopping irrigation too early, as this could harm plants that continue to root through October. When should you reduce watering as the temperatures start dropping? Going into autumn with an understanding of these adjustments will set you up for gardening success!
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Stunning Container Gardens
Sep 19, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares some stunning container garden ideas. Ken's passion for plants stems from their ability to enhance an environment and engage all five senses. A well-designed garden, much like good graphic design, can transport individuals and foster an appreciation for the subtle details of life. Check out the upcoming garden class at Watters Garden Center focusing on container gardens for your space.
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Top 10 Plants of Autumn and Why
Sep 18, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, covers the top 10 plants of Autumn and why. Autumn is an underappreciated optimal season for planting, offering several advantages for gardeners. The cooler temperatures and warm soil reduce transplant shock, allowing new plants to establish roots more easily and grow more vigorously in the spring. Listen in the find out those top plants of autumn and why this is a great season for planting.
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The Most Beautiful Autumn Perennials in the Gardens
Sep 17, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center offer insight into the most beautiful autumn perennials in the gardens. Learn about bright plants like the Pink Pearl Agastache, Sweet Sandia Coneflower, and other late-season bloomers that attract pollinators. Also, learn about fall vegetables to get in the ground now to take advantage of our third growing season, allowing for fresh produce through the holidays.
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Trending Garden Products Better than the Rest
Sep 16, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, covers trending garden products that are better than the rest. Learn what trending products are worth purchasing. Learn about "Woollets" an organic fertilizer made from sheep's wool that improves soil structure, aeration, and moisture retention, offering an excellent solution for dense clay soils. What other trending products does Ken highlight? Listen in to find out.
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Top 10 Groundcovers that Hold Hillsides
Sep 15, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss the top 10 groundcovers that hold hillsides. Learn about hardy groundcovers like junipers, honeysuckle, and Mahonia that love sunny hillsides. What other plants make the list, and what features do they bring? Listen in to find out.
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Why Bees and Butterflies Receive All the Attention as Pollinators
Sep 14, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses why bees and butterflies receive all the attention as pollinators. There are so many pollinators beyond the commonly celebrated bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Listen in to learn about fascinating creatures like the beneficial leafcutter bee, as well as various types of flies that are significant pollinators. Also, learn about the critical importance of autumn flowers and bird feeders in supporting migrating birds and other wildlife as they prepare for colder months.
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The Seasonal Changes Found at a Garden Center
Sep 12, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about the seasonal changes found at Watters Garden Center. Garden centers in four-season climates experience seasonal changes in their plant inventory which mean the products offered shift dramatically throughout the year. As we shift into fall, what types of plant can you expect to find at Watters? Listen in to find out.
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When Rain is Not Enough for the Gardens
Sep 11, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener shares what to do when rain is not enough for the gardens. Experiencing warmer temperatures and unpredictable rainfall, gardeners in the north country must adapt their plant choices and irrigation methods to ensure successful landscapes. What can you do to ensure the success of your garden? Listen in to find out.
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Ornamental Grass and the Showy Landscape
Sep 10, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss ornamental grass and the showy landscape. Lisa advocates for the underrated beauty and utility of ornamental grasses in landscaping, particularly for late summer and fall interest. They highlight several key advantages, including drought-hardiness, low-maintenance needs, and ability to add texture and movement to the garden. What ae some other benefits? Listen in to find out.
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How to Turn Yellow Plants Green for Better Fall Color
Sep 09, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares how to turn yellow plants green for better fall color. Autumn is an optimal time for vibrant garden displays. Cooler temps and reduced pest pressure often lead to longer-lasting, more abundant blooms. What are some steps you should be taking to ensure your plants remain happy and healthy as we enter into fall? Listen in to find out.
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How to Force Pampas to Show More Blooms
Sep 08, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott share how to force pampas to show more blooms. Fertilization is one important step, but what else should you do? Also, learn how to address yellowing maple leaves also known as chlorosis, indicating a pH imbalance in your tree.
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The Best Flowers of the Year Are Planted in Autumn
Sep 07, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares the best autumn flowers of the year. Autumn is an ideal season for planting in northern Arizona due to cooler temperatures and ample rain, which encourage significant root growth. This a great foundation for perennials, plants that return annual and offer years of enjoyment. Some of the best autumn perennials include hibiscus, crocosmia, and more! What other perennials should you consider? What is the difference between annuals and perennials? Listen in to find out.
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Duration: 00:09:49Stopping Leaf Spot on Purple Leaf Plums
Sep 05, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares how to stop leaf spot on purple leaf plums. Excessive rain often leads to leaf spot diseases on trees, causing blemishes, holes, or tearing on foliage - signs of plant stress. While typically not fatal for mature trees, these bacterial infections thrive in humid, warm conditions and are spread by birds and insects. How do you stop leaf spot from spreading? Listen in to find out.
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Javelina Proof Your Garden
Sep 04, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares how to javelina-proof your garden. Known for digging up soil and eating easy food sources, javelina can cause major damage to your garden. What can you do to prevent them from hurting your plants? Listen in to find out!
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The Brightest Perennial Flowers of Autumn
Sep 03, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share the brightest perennial flowers of autumn. This is the ideal time for planting perennials in the garden. Check out the unique selections like white bleeding heart, the versatile heuchera, vibrant coneflower, and more! What other autumn perennials should you plant, and what are the unique qualities they can bring to your garden? Listen in to find out.
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The Brightest Flowers of the Year are in the Autumn Garden
Sep 02, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener of Prescott, shares the brightest flowers of the year in the Autumn Garden. Beautiful Autumn Joy Sedums, Crocosmia, mums, and other fiery plants take over the garden this time of year. What is the full list of these vibrant, blooming beauties? Listen in to find out.
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When Do I Plant Fall Vegetables?
Sep 01, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott answer the question, "When do I plant fall vegetables?" Getting a great fall veggie harvest is a great reward for lots of work, but timing is important to ensure the growing conditions are right. Listen in to find out when you should be planting those veggies. Ken and Lisa also take a moment to address a burnt lawn, dealing with a wormy apple crop, and more!
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H2-Whoa! A Guide to Quenching Your Garden's Summer Thirst
Aug 31, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares a gardener's guide to quenching your garden's summer thirst. He gives practical advice emphasizing plant maintenance and common summer plant issues. He also addresses two major summer problems: heat stress and chlorosis. What can you do to help quench summer thirst in the garden? Listen in to find out.
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Preventing Green Tomato Worms in the Gardens
Aug 29, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses preventing green tomato worms in the gardens. Learn the lifecycle of the tomato hornworm and the sphinx moth, while a beneficial pollinator, lays eggs that hatch into these destructive green caterpillars. These caterpillars are notorious for rapidly stripping garden plants, especially tomatoes and peppers, often going unnoticed due to their camouflage. Listen in to learn about the practical solutions you can use to protect your plants from these plant-destroying pests.
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Gardening with Javelina and other Backyard Animals
Aug 28, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses gardening with javelina and other backyard animals. Javelina can bring a challenge to caring for a healthy garden. They root around seeking out roots, grubs, and other subterranean food sources, wreaking havoc on your garden's health. What steps can you take to protect your garden from wildlife? Listen in to find out.
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Duration: 00:09:42
Best Fall Plants for Autumn Long Flowers, Color, and Blooms
Aug 27, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share the best fall plants for Autumn long flowers, color, and blooms. Fall is fast approaching, and the gardens are getting ready to sleep away the winter! But take heart, there are plenty of plants and flowers that will create a colorful show all the way through the fall. Master Gardeners Ken and Lisa Lain share what varieties of plants and flowers thrive through the fall season with great color and blooms, and how to care for them.
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Duration: 00:09:30How to Save Money at a Garden Center
Aug 26, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about how to save money at a garden center. Garden centers offer significant discounts on plants during seasonal transitions, specifically in late summer and early fall, as they clear out existing inventory to make room for new fall and winter varieties. Watters' monster monsoon sale is an excellent opportunity for gardeners to save money on landscaping projects by purchasing spring and summer plants that are no longer blooming but are still perfectly healthy.
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Duration: 00:06:04What's Better as a Privacy Screen Arizona Cypress or Deodar Cedar?
Aug 25, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss whether the Arizona Cypress or Deodar Cedar makes a better privacy screen. A green and healthy living screen can add beauty and privacy to your landscape. Master gardeners Ken and Lisa help you to pick the best screens for your landscape, and this segment will discuss the benefits of Arizona Cypress and Deodar Cedar for your living privacy screen.
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Late Summer Pruning for Winter-Long Beauty
Aug 24, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares info on late summer pruning for winter-long beauty. Late summer garden maintenance is important for your garden's health. Not just for now, but also going into the next season. Late summer pruning done right will bring beautiful autumn blooms and prepare your garden for a healthy winter.
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From Newbie to Garden Pro in Arizona
Aug 22, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares how to go from newbie to garden pro in Arizona. Watters Garden Center offers some wonderful classes all summer long, and in August, those classes continue, where you can learn all the best information to garden with confidence in Prescott, Arizona. Learn all you need to know about planting in the summer and start planning for fall. Plus, get a sneak peek at the Sip and Shop event coming up on August 26th!
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Duration: 00:04:43Four Garden Blunders to Avoid at All Cost
Aug 21, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares four garden blunders to avoid at all costs. There are four common mistakes that gardeners often make, including overwatering and incorrect composting practices. What are the other common garden blunders, and what can you do to avoid them? Listen in to find out.
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The Biggest Perennial Flowers of Summer
Aug 20, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share the biggest perennial flowers of summer. Hear all about some beautiful bloomers, including the fragrant Saffron Echinacea, the hummingbird-attracting Salvia, and the vibrant Rudbeckia Prairie Sun, along with a mention of Echibeccia. What other great plants and timely gardening advice with you get in this episode? Listen in to find out.
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The Cost of Travel to Your Gardens
Aug 19, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses the cost of travel to your gardens. After returning from a business trip, Ken recounts that some of the costs of travel are the inevitable stress or loss of plants at home, despite pre-trip preparations. He illustrates this point by sharing the unfortunate demise of a cherished flower basket due to overwatering by a house-sitter focused on pets. While plant loss may be an aftereffect of travel, it is often outweighed by the joy of travel and seeing family. Luckily, replacing a plant is pretty easy to do.
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Duration: 00:05:58Which is the Better Tree Aspen or Birch?
Aug 18, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott answer the question: Which is the better tree, Aspen or Birch? They also chat about common plant issues, emphasizing the importance of consistent care and targeted treatments. They address how to prevent tomatoes from cracking, rose care, and aphid control. Then they dive into a comparison of aspen and birch trees. Which is better? Listen in to find out!
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Hot Weather Blooms for Vibrant Prescott Gardens
Aug 17, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses hot weather blooms for vibrant Prescott gardens. He shares timely advice for maintaining vibrant gardens, emphasizing the importance of removing heat-stressed plants that are no longer blooming to encourage new growth and improve garden aesthetics, even suggesting using a lawnmower for large patches of wildflowers. What else can you do to ensure a vibrant summer garden in Prescott? Listen in to find out.
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See the Gardens Live through Social Media
Aug 15, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, reflects on the significant shift in marketing from traditional methods like magazines and large corporate events to the influence of social media. He reflects on how the rise of social media management has influenced new company roles and methods to engage viewers and potential customers. He takes a look at the upcoming "Grapes for Good" event and recognizes the invaluable contributions of talented individuals who have leveraged their time and talent to support this event, showcasing how social media has become a powerful tool.
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Duration: 00:04:19Euphorbia in the Easy to Grow Perennial Garden
Aug 14, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about euphorbia in the garden. Euphorbia is a remarkably robust and easy-to-grow perennial plant that is ideal for various garden settings. It brings its own natural defense that is pest-resistant, loves intense sunlight, and is low-maintenance. Listen in to learn more about Euphorbia.
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Pretty Blooming Trees Best Planted in Summer
Aug 13, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss pretty blooming trees best planted in summer. From ornamental pears to crabapple and redbud, there are so many trees that bring beautiful blooms and love to be planted in the summertime. Listen in to hear the list of trees that you can put in your garden right now.
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Top Plants with Really BIG Flowers
Aug 12, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about the top plants with really big flowers. Rose of Sharon, crepe myrtle, smoke bush, and other great plants bring huge blooms to the garden. They offer different benefits and colors, bringing visual interest and meeting just about any gardening type. Listen in to hear the full list and all about the plants.
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Monsoon Weeds and Erosion Control
Aug 11, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss monsoon weeds and erosion control. So far this year, the monsoon hasn't been very active, but there is still the possibility of monsoon rains and with the extra moisture comes weeds and erosion. Using weed control strategies like timely pulling, weed prevention, and targeted spraying can help. What about erosion control? What can you do to stop erosion? Listen in to find out!
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Why Grubs Attract Death into the Gardens
Aug 10, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares why grubs attract death into the gardens. Grubs can pose a significant problem for the garden as they eat plant roots, which can severely stress or kill plants by inhibiting their ability to absorb water and nutrients. Listen in to find out what to do about those grubs and to save your garden.
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Plants for the Lunchtime Special
Aug 08, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about plants for the lunchtime special. Hear about the "Sip and Shop" event success and the positive feedback received. The event featured specialty plants like pitcher plants and rare monsteras, which were exclusive to attendees. Listen in to learn about upcoming events and gardening classes that Watters Garden Center is hosting.
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Fast Growing Groundcovers for Hills and Rock Lawns
Aug 07, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener of Prescott, discusses fast-growing groundcovers for hills and rock lawns. It is important to understand the soil type you have in your yard for irrigation purposes. An inch of rain can penetrate varying depths depending on whether the soil is heavy clay (4 inches) or sandy/granite (6-7 inches). Even significant rainfall can fail to meet plants' full watering needs. Lain shifts into fast-growing ground covers for erosion control and landscape beautification. Listen in the learn all about ground covers and soil type.
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Duration: 00:10:07Slim Sentinels: The Elegance of Narrow Trees
Aug 06, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center chat about those Slim Sentinels and the elegance of narrow trees. Listen in as they focus on specialized plants for unique garden needs. There are some amazing tall, slender trees that work for tight spaces, property lines, or to provide height without significant width. Learn about the sweet gum and spirit oak for their deciduous fall color, as well as evergreen options like the blue arrow juniper and columnar blue spruce.
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What to Do When Plants Die in the Garden
Aug 05, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares what to do when plants die in the garden. Do you have a persistent problem with plants dying in a specific garden spot despite efforts like replacing soil and clearing roots? You might find the real culprit when digging into the soil: numerous white grubs. Grubs, which are the larval stage of beetles, devour plant roots, leading to the plants' sudden collapse. Should you abandon planting in that trouble spot? How can you eradicate the grubs? Listen in to find out.
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Duration: 00:06:25Shady Shrubs for Shady Gardens
Aug 04, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss shady shrubs for shady gardens. There are great evergreen shrubs for shady garden corners, including holly, spreading yew, daphne, gardenia, hydrangea, and hostas, just to name a few. They also dive into topics like how to help a gopher-damaged maple tree and using gypsum for new plantings.
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Javelina to Hornworms: Your Guide to a Pest Free Garden
Aug 03, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares a guide to a pest-free garden. In this segment, learn about pest management, specifically addressing an aphid infestation on his watermelons and cucumbers, as well as whiteflies on a sage plant. He covers his strategy to protect his plants. Listen in to see how a gardening expert protects his plants.
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You May Have Purchased the Wrong Plant
Aug 01, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares why you may have purchased the wrong plant. Is your plant dying? Do you struggle with keeping plants alive? There is a possibility that the plant you are trying to grow is the wrong plant for the environment. Lack of knowledge and impulse purchases can result in the wrong plant in the wrong place. How can you ensure you are getting the best plants for your spaces? Visit Watters Garden Center, where they will take the time to learn about where you want plants and direct you to the perfect...
Duration: 00:04:22Plants Impossible to Kill Even if You Try
Jul 31, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about plants that are impossible to kill. Listen in for a practical guide for novice gardeners or those who struggle to keep plants alive. There is a plant selection that you can add to your garden that are low-maintenance and robust like Silver Lace Vine, Prescott Blaze Maple, and various cacti and yuccas. What other varieties can you plant that are tough enough to survive? Listen in the find out.
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Impossible to Kill Perennials New for the Gardens
Jul 30, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center chat about impossible-to-kill perennials that are new to the gardens. Summer is here, and despite what you may think, you can still plant in your garden. The current conditions are perfect for heat-tolerant and drought-hardy perennials that thrive in this weather. Check out some new and improved perennial varieties like dwarf Catmint, compact Black-Eyed Susans, smaller Red-Hot Pokers, vibrant Coneflowers, and unique Sedums that are perfect for your garden.
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What are Black Bumblebees Doing on My Hibiscus?
Jul 29, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, describes an encounter with a black bumblebee while setting up a garden display featuring hibiscus plants on antique cars. These unique insects, also known as cutter bees, are distinguished by their solid black appearance and their habit of creating perfectly round, dime-shaped holes in the leaves of plants. Despite their "cutting" behavior, cutter bees are docile and gentle pollinators, crucial for the health of flowers and vegetables.
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How to Grow Better Berries in the Landscape
Jul 28, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share how to grow better berries in the landscape. Ample sunlight and proper planting techniques are crucial to avoiding crown rot and growing plants that will produce the best berries. What else can you do to ensure you can grow better berries? Listen in to find out.
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What Does Pinching My Flowers Mean?
Jul 27, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares what it means to pinch flowers. He delves into the importance of "pinching" or "deadheading" flowers, especially perennials and wildflowers. By removing spent flowers, gardeners can force the plant to produce new blooms, resulting in a longer flowering period.
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Healing Drought-Stressed Gardens
Jul 25, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain The Mountain Gardener, chats about healing drought-stressed gardens. When plants are severely impacted by unfavorable weather, consider removing and replacing them rather than waiting for recovery. For newly planted or struggling specimens, it's crucial to prepare the soil to ensure proper nutrition and aeration. What else can you do to help drought-stressed plants? Listen in to learn more.
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Fast-Growing Plants for Thick Privacy Screens in the Landscape
Jul 24, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain The Mountain Gardener, discusses fast-growing plants for thick privacy screens in the landscape. Living walls in landscapes bring beauty to your landscape while also providing privacy. Check out the benefits of planting Arizona Cypress, Deodar Cedar, Colorado Spruce, and more.
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Best Summer Flowers for Perennial Gardens
Jul 23, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center, share the best summer flowers for Perennial Gardens. Check out the great blooms including Shasta daisies, agastache, coreopsis, and more. Learn which plants hummingbirds love and which are great for animal resistant. Listen in to learn which bring bright color, elegant white blooms, and those that love the summer heat.
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How to Keep Tiny Black Ants Out of Your Kitchen and Home
Jul 22, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain The Mountain Gardener, shares how to keep tiny black ants out of your kitchen and home. We've entered monsoon season and with the increase in moisture, you may notice an increased presence of tiny black ants. Learn some great tips in this episode listen in to learn how to make those ants disappear forever!
The speaker begins by highlighting the current rainy season and its influence on both plants and pests, specifically mentioning the increased presence of tiny black ants. Before delving into ant control...
Duration: 00:06:11Top Shade Trees for the Verde Valley
Jul 21, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center cover the top shade trees for the Verde Valley. Summertime is here and the weather is hot but having some great shade in the yard can make a world of difference. Locust, elm, and ash are just part of the list! What else made the list? Listen in to find out.
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Organically Control Snails, Slugs, and Ants the Easy Way
Jul 20, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain The Mountain Gardener, shares how to organically control snails, slugs, and ants the easy way. From starting with healthy plants to the best pest control products, Ken Lain shares all you need to know about eliminating pests without harming desirable garden life or the environment.
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Garden Classes and Events at Watters Garden Center
Jul 18, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses upcoming events and educational opportunities offered at the Garden Center. He talks about upcoming gardening classes in July and August and the Sip and Shop event on July 24th. Listen to hear about the upcoming events happening at Watters Garden Center.
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Civano's Nursery Owner Joins the Conversation
Jul 17, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, interviews Chris Shipley, owner of Civano's Nursery, one of the largest growing operations in the Southwest. They discuss Civano's commitment to quality, emphasizing their long-lasting hanging baskets, flowers that attract butterflies, fruit trees, and the amazing supply of drought-hardy plants.
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Planting Summer Herbs in the Garden
Jul 16, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss planting summer herbs in the garden. The hot summer is a great time to plant herbs like basil and tarragon, and the timing is perfect as fresh, new plants are arriving now. They also take some time to look at the heat-loving crape myrtle plant that brings vibrant late-summer color to the yard.
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Common Issues in Vegetable Gardens
Jul 15, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, describes common issues encountered in vegetable gardens. Learn how to handle a lack of fruit set in plants like cucumbers and gourds, and blossom end rot in tomatoes.
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Are Aphids Attacking My Plant?
Jul 14, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center answer how to tell if aphids are attacking a plant. Learn how to identify and defeat aphids, what signs plants might give off if they are under attack. Plus, learn which varieties of lavender grow best in this area.
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Simple Steps to Heal Your Sick Garden
Jul 13, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares simple steps to heal your sick garden. He covers why a plant might be showing signs of stress and what to do to help it thrive. He also delves into the vital concept of growing zones, explaining how areas are classified based on winter low temperatures to determine plant hardiness.
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Sip & Shop Invite: July 24!
Jul 11, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, sends out a Sip and Shop Invite for July 24th! This event promises sangria, exotic plants like pitcher plants and constellation monsters, and complimentary flowers, aiming to offer a unique shopping experience.
Sip & Shop will offer the opportunity to shop while enjoying your drink but also will be collecting donations for "Grapes for Good," a fundraiser benefiting schools. Sip & Shop is on July 24th from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm.
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Plants that Grow with Less Effort
Jul 10, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about plants that grow with less effort. Low-maintenance plants are great solutions for areas with challenging conditions, particularly the Arizona Mountains. Various sumac varieties offer hardiness and visual interest while silverberry and Cotoneaster bring effective, easy-care privacy screens. Learn all about the best plants for a low-effort garden and the features they offer.
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The Best Sedums of Summer
Jul 09, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share the best sedums of summer. There are various perennials and succulents that are ideal for summer gardens, especially in the hot, sunny climates of Northern Arizona. Check out some great plants like Salvia Gregii (Autumn Sage), Rudbeckia (Amarillo Gold), and Echinacea (Coneflowers). The learn about some great sedum and succulents that work great in those challenging, hot garden spots.
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The Secret to Forcing Plants to Bloom Again
Jul 08, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares the secret to forcing plants to bloom again. As the season progresses, your plant's blooms with start to fade. What can you do now to help your plants bloom again this season? What can you do in the fall to help set your plants up for successful future growth and beautiful blooms? Listen in to find out.
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Arborist Guide to Healing Really Big Trees
Jul 07, 2025In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott give an arborist guide to healing really big trees. Aphid infestations can be especially problematic for large trees. So, what can you do to help heal those large trees? Are organic sprays useful? How about systemic soil drenches? Listen in for tips on how to heal those large trees.
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Why Plants Need Summer Food to Thrive
Jul 06, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares why plants need summer food to thrive. During Northern Arizona's harsh summer conditions, characterized by dryness, wind, and heat, plants often exhibit stress like burnt tips or stunted growth. To combat this, Ken emphasizes the critical importance of fertilizing plants in the summer to encourage a new flush of growth and revitalize struggling greenery.
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What Caused My Flowers to Stop Blooming and Disappear?
Jul 04, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares what might cause your flowers to stop blooming. Learn about common garden pests that can affect your blooms and the best solutions to stop each kind. Listen in to learn how to recognize if you have caterpillars, budworms, grape leaf skeletonizers, hornworms, and more, and the best way to combat them all!
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Lush Lavender Secrets to Keep Them Blooming All Season
Jul 03, 2025In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares lush lavender secrets to keep them blooming all season long. Check out the beautiful lavender varieties available at Watters Garden Center and rely on the expertise of the staff to learn how to grow lush lavender. As part of your lavender pre-order, be sure to snag a lavender success kit, complete with planting instructions and product recommendations for any type of garden.
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