Garden & Landscape

Stillness and ease are at the heart of a Japanese garden, evoking an awareness of the present moment. 

Strolling through secret pathways of raked white sand and wooden bridges over koi ponds offer a place of pure tranquility in a Japanese garden. 

There is a brilliant concept in the Japanese culture, mono no aware. It is a term that encapsulates the fleeting beauty of the natural world. The falling autumn leaves, the bursting beauty of cherry blossoms, or the dew drops on a lotus leaf. We witness these soft and sweet expressions for what seems only a moment in time. 

Houseplants are a quick and easy way to spruce up your decor. When it comes to the kitchen, growing plants indoors has some practical applications. The right plants purify inside air, add splashes of color, and provide fresh produce. 

These nine houseplants are the ideal place to start in your kitchen. 

Choosing the right lavender can be overwhelming, with more than 17 mountain-hardy varieties sold at Watters Garden Center. With this simple guide, you will be a garden expert on this fragrant mountain herb.

Adaptogens are group of herbs and roots that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine around the world. In India, a system known as Ayurveda incorporates many adaptogens as a way of balancing doshas. Similarly, Traditional Chinese Medicine has revered adaptogen plants for over 2000 years. The term “adaptogen” is much newer, coined in the 1940’s by toxicologist Nikolay Lazarev who specialized in researching industrial toxins. 

John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than (she) seeks.” The quiet and cohesive ways of the woods are full of curiosities, including a hidden world right under our feet.

Summer has arrived and for plant enthusiasts in Prescott, it’s the perfect time to think about beautifying outdoor spaces. Whether you’re contemplating a serene green haven or a vibrant flower garden, understanding the right plants for your landscape is key.

Butterfly bush thrives in Arizona gardens, for good reason. Our abundant mountain sunshine is just what these bloom-loving plants crave. They soak up those rays and produce a profusion of nectar-rich flowers butterflies adore.

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.