Garden & Landscape

It’s not hard to love the ambiance and tranquility of a thriving garden. The scents and sounds of nature have a way of easing our hearts and minds. Fresh herbs and flowers, a bird’s song, and breath of the trees combine to convey what it’s like when nature speaks. I love the smell of freshly turned compost! A healthy soil is rich in minerals and is a pillar in the art of Permaculture.

Bill Mollison and David Holmgren co-developed Permaculture in the 1970s as a holistic collaboration between humans and nature, one that harmonizes rather than imposing upon. The approach aligns with the inherent intelligence of nature’s patterns, from the macro to the micro.

Gorgeous hydrangeas! These showstoppers bring a burst of color to any garden. From classic Bigleaf to the climbing Miranda, there’s a hydrangea for every space. Bigleaf hydrangeas change color with your soil’s pH–blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline. Climbing hydrangeas add vertical interest, while Oakleaf dazzles with its fall foliage. Peegee hydrangeas can even be trained into trees! Smooth hydrangeas like Annabelle are known for their massive blooms. Remember, pruning depends on whether they bloom on old or new wood. Hydrangeas thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of compost, preferring bright shade in our Arizona climate.

As wedding season approaches, many couples in Prescott and the surrounding areas dream of saying their vows surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of northern Arizona. Whether you’re planning an intimate backyard ceremony or an elegant outdoor celebration, your landscaping can set the stage for unforgettable moments. At Yavapai Landscaping, we specialize in creating stunning outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with nature and make your special day truly extraordinary.

Outdoor weddings provide a natural, serene, and often cost-effective alternative to traditional indoor venues. However, transforming an outdoor space into the perfect wedding setting requires careful planning and design. From lush greenery to colorful blooms, the right landscaping elements can enhance the atmosphere, create visual interest, and provide functional areas for dining, dancing, and mingling.

At Yavapai Landscaping, we work closely with clients to bring their wedding vision to life.

Lilacs… just the word conjures up memories of Grandma’s garden, right? That unforgettable fragrance, those beautiful blooms … lilacs are a classic for a reason. And here in Prescott, they thrive like nowhere else with our mountain air and sunshine.

Here’s a little secret: the best time to plant your perfect lilac is right now, before they start leafing out. You get the pick of the litter. We’ve got all the classics, from the deep purples of “Charles Joly” to the unique blooms of “Sensation.” Plus, I’ve hand-picked some varieties perfect for Prescott’s unique climate, like the warm-winter-loving “Lavender Lady” and the late-blooming “Miss Kim.”

This spring, find the perfect lilac to fill the garden with fragrance and beauty. Here are my Top 10 Lilacs for a more fragrant garden and my grandmother’s Lilac Jelly recipe.

We can trace the history of chocolate back to the Olmec, Aztec, and Mayan civilizations of southern Mexico. The creation of the universally loved candy bar, originating with the beans of a cacao tree (known as Theobrama Cacao), is a beautiful and fascinating cultural discovery, one that connects us to ancient traditions and the botanical world.

The Theobroma Cacao tree produces large, multi-colored fruit pods, filled with as many as 40 cacao beans in each. Cacao beans are husked and roasted, then referred to as “cocoa” vs. “cacao.” Long before marshmallow-topped hot cocoa became a winter tradition, there was once a very different style of chocolatey drink.

Prescott, famously known as Arizona’s Christmas City, has long been celebrated for its festive holiday spirit and stunning light displays. This year, Yavapai Landscaping is thrilled to introduce a new service to its beloved community: Christmas City Lighting, powered by Yavapai Landscaping. This innovative service aims to bring the magic of holiday lighting to your home, making the season even more special and stress-free.

Bringing the outdoors in with lush greenery is an excellent way to spruce up your sweet home. Extra care is needed for your indoor plants if you have furry friends roaming around. We want our pets to be happy and healthy, but some common houseplants can cause anything from mild irritation to a full-blown pet emergency. Keep your pet paradise toxin-free and choose plants that won’t make our four-legged pals do a double take.

Fortunately, many “pawsitively perfect” pet-friendly plants can add life and beauty to your home without posing a risk to your beloved animals. Here are a few of the best choices, along with tips on how to grow them indoors:

The Three Sisters demonstrates a beautiful harmony of companion planting, also considered a style of permaculture. Each of these plants possesses a unique gift, much like each of us. The corn stalk is tall and strong, the eldest sister who leads the way. Next the climbing bean; she is flexible and resourceful. Lastly, the youngest of the sisters is the squash. Grounded and relaxed, she provides much needed comfort to the other sisters.

Though the sisters are all very different, they love each other dearly. The Three Sisters show us ways that we can support those around us with friends, family, and community. They represent a bond, one that doesn’t seek to compete, but to achieve success as unit. The beauty and wisdom of the Three Sisters reminds us that we all have a gift to share. When we embrace those qualities within ourselves, we can offer them to the world and be stronger as a whole.

At Yavapai Landscaping, we understand that a well-designed outdoor space is more than just a yard—it’s an extension of your home, a place where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy life. This belief was at the heart of our work with Scott Kann, a Prescott Valley homeowner with a clear vision and a passion for perfection.

Scott, who proudly calls himself a “landscaping snob,” had specific ideas for his new home’s yard. He wanted something that would stand out and reflect his unique style. From the outset, Scott and his wife were deeply involved in the design process. They collaborated closely with our team, refining their initial concepts to include distinctive features like a geometric turf design and a meticulously crafted hardscape.

There are no silly questions when it comes to gardening. We are on this journey together; some have more experience than the rookies just starting out. That’s why two decades of garden articles, radio programs, and podcasts exist. Gardening is learned by making mistakes. I want to ensure you make mistakes in the right direction, never going backward.

Let’s start with the obvious. If something is alive in your home, it will need water. Houseplants most likely need a deep soak every 10 to 14 days. Succulents, cacti, and plants in dark rooms need water less often, probably every 2 to 3 weeks. Dogs and cats should not eat your houseplants; it’s not good for them.

Over and over again, I see these common mistakes. Eliminate even one, and you become a better plant parent and gardener.

Summer evenings in Prescott are magical. The sun sets over the mountains, the temperatures cool down, and the sky is painted with hues of orange and pink. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night with family, a well-designed outdoor space can enhance these moments. Here are some tips for creating an inviting outdoor area perfect for those magical summer evenings.

he easiest gardening is in containers. Tall plants turn ordinary container gardens into living art, adding height, variety, and drama. My designer rule for stylish containers is “thriller, spiller, then fillers.”

Combine a tall, “thrilling” focal point with plants spilling over the sides of your container to soften the edges. Filler plants bridge the space between. Very little potting soil should be visible when your design is complete. Plants will be touching foliage-to-foliage.

Start with a tall “thrilling” plant, and the rest of your job is easy. Here is my go-to list of tall plants that thrive in container gardens.