Mountain Gardener with Ken Lain

In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott share why we use poinsettias to celebrate the holidays. Explore the surprising origins, a bit of old folklore, and how a certain someone helped turn this plant into a seasonal superstar. Tune in to learn simple indoor care tips that can make the difference between a long-lasting holiday centerpiece and a disappointing wilt.  L...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, shares when to plant poinsettias and Christmas cactus outdoors. Learn why some store-bought beauties fail almost immediately, while others keep blooming for months, and the simple but crucial mistake many people don’t realize they’re making the moment they walk out of the shop. With practical tips on how to keep these seasonal favorites happy throu...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott explain how to grow a better holiday poinsettia. Learn surprising tips for keeping local plants healthy through the cold, including what not to do with specific desert natives, how to protect popular seasonal bulbs, and a little-known watering habit that can make all the difference for new plantings. Tune in to hear the practi...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, talks about preparing gardens with ponds for winter. From tackling one surprisingly stubborn pest to protecting both newly planted beds and backyard water features from winter damage, this segment reveals the often-overlooked moves that can make or break your spring garden. Tune in to hear the practical fixes, the pitfalls to avoid, and the winter...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, shares the story of holiday gift cards at Watters Garden Center. Learn how the team built a sophisticated online gift-card system complete with custom designs, scheduled delivery, and personal messages. Explore why this upgraded system fulfills a long-held dream and opens the door to a new level of convenience. Also, they hint at a new feature on t...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, helps you deck the halls with holiday plant history. Explore tales that stretch across cultures, continents, and centuries. From ancient legends to unexpected historical influences, each tradition carries more meaning than most people realize. Tune in to uncover the surprising roots of these festive favorites and the mysteries tucked into their blo...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott share the top 10 year-end garden tasks for a better yard. From refreshing an outdated yard to tackling the sneaky winter weeds that can take over fast, they share insights that might change how you look at your landscape. By the end, you may see just how minor updates today can shape a healthier, more beautiful yard for season...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, shares a true story of why customer service failed at Verizon. He explains why his own business takes a very different approach, and how that choice has become a surprising competitive edge. It’s a candid, unfiltered look at what’s breaking and what still works when it comes to caring for people.  Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss the most popular holiday tree and how to plant it. From unexpected tree troubles to choosing a holiday centerpiece that lives on long after the season, the conversation uncovers insights every gardener can use. Tune in to hear the simple steps that can make all the difference, and the common mistakes you’ll want to avo...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, shares why this cool season is prime time for planting evergreens. Is the secret to next year’s best garden hiding in the coldest months? Explore a few surprising winter conditions that can give your landscape a significant head start, if you know how to take advantage of them. Plus, you’ll hear why overlooking this season could mean missing your b...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, shares a favorite part of digital gardening. Explore the excitement of continual improvement, from embracing new technology to launching innovative ways for customers to shop. Tune in for an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at leadership, growth, and the passion that keeps a small business moving forward. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: http...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, talks about holiday-decorated evergreens you can plant in winter. Discover how certain hardy varieties can be enjoyed indoors for the season and then planted outdoors to thrive in the long term. You’ll also hear surprising advice on winter watering habits and what to look for in the best landscape-ready cultivars. Tune in to learn which evergreens...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talk about when and how to repot your houseplants. Explore the key signs that your houseplants are ready for a new home, why choosing the right soil and pot size matters, and which containers help specialty plants truly thrive. Whether your greenery is top-heavy, rootbound, or drying out too fast, this episode offers practical...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, discusses why your vegetable plants turn black in autumn. Learn how to recognize the key signs that warm-weather plants have reached the end of their cycle and why the first cold snap matters more than you think. Tune in to discover what to do with your garden now, and which resilient plants are ready to take center stage as the cooler months begin...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott share the best time to prune blooming shrubs in your landscape. Learn which beloved backyard trees struggle to produce at higher elevations and the often-overlooked timing that can make or break your success when pruning frost-damaged shrubs. Tune in to hear simple adjustments that can dramatically improve the health of your l...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, explains why pine trees drop brown needles in autumn. Explore what this shift really means for your landscape, and how recent conditions may be playing a bigger role than you think. Also, learn about a simple fall habit that could shape your garden’s success next year! Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, shares how to irrigate plants through winter. Discover why keeping your plants watered, even during dormancy, can prevent winterkill and winter burn, and learn which species are most vulnerable. Tune in to learn how often you should water your plants during the cold winter months ahead.  Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mou...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, shares the top 10 deer & rabbit proof plants and repellents. Learn which plants are more resistant and the subtle strategies that make your landscape less appealing to hungry animals. Tune in to discover the key methods for keeping your garden thriving despite hungry visitors. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-g...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss trees that stay stunning in winter. They'll share which varieties stand out for hardiness, growth, and visual appeal, while offering insider tips from certified nursery professionals. Tune in to discover which evergreens are perfect for winter landscaping and why now is the ideal time to plant them. Listen to Moun...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, provides information on when to prune these top 10 shrubs. He discusses which popular shrubs in high-elevation gardens make the list and explains how timing affects their health and blooming. The episode also covers essential seasonal care, from clearing out summer vegetables to protecting plants from frost. Tune in to discover expert strategies th...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss how to plant evergreen vanderwolf pines in poor soils. They'll tackle listener questions about gardening in Northern Arizona and share essential tips for tree planting, pruning, and wildflower care that could transform your garden this season. Tune in to uncover expert strategies and surprising solutions that many...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, answers the question: what do yellow leaves mean in autumn? Delve into the secrets behind why some plants shed their leaves while others remain green year-round. He shares key tips that could change how you care for your garden, especially in Arizona’s unique climate. Tune in to discover the crucial timing, hidden cycles, and little-known practices...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, shares why fall is the best for planting evergreen privacy hedges. Discover how selecting the right evergreens and caring for them during the colder months can create a lush “living green wall” and promote vigorous growth in spring. Tune in to discover expert tips that ensure your hedges thrive year after year. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11...

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, provides a guide to growing vegetables year-round. Ken will explain which crops thrive in summer versus winter, share tips on planting cool-weather vegetables and flowers, and highlight hardy perennials that provide year-round beauty. Tune in to learn how timing your plantings correctly can make all the difference in your garden’s success. Listen t...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss new shrubs that look better in winter. Dive into how evergreen shrubs can keep your garden vibrant throughout the winter, and learn about several unique, hardy varieties that bring color, texture, and interest during the colder months. Tune in to discover which plants can transform your winter landscape. Listen to Moun...