All About Sedona Landscaping
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Designing with Native Plants in Sedona: Myths, Misunderstandings & Smart Strategies
In Sedona’s striking high desert landscape, an increasing number of homeowners express an interest in creating gardens that feel “natural,” “native,” or “low-water.” While these goals are admirable, they often come with some misconceptions. As a landscape designer specializing in the Sedona area, I’d like to address some common misconceptions about native plants and provide…
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Finding Your Perfect Landscape Privacy Solution
Because “good fences” come in many forms—some leafy, some solid, and some completely custom. 1. Evergreen Hedges & Living “Walls” What they are: Dense rows of shrubs or small trees (think Photinia, Glossy Leaf Privet or Junipers) clipped or allowed to grow informally. Pros Cons • Soft, green year‑round screen • Excellent sound absorption • Supports…
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Hummingbird Plants for Sedona
Hummingbirds are fascinating birds that seem to mesmerize us while they suddenly buzz into our garden and search out suitable flowers to feed on nectar. They hover like winged insects suspended in the air, grasping at minuscule gnats in the air, but also require the nectar from flowers. This act of feeding on the flowers…
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Hummingbird Garden Design Tips and Ideas for Sedona
Now that you have a list of suitable hummingbird-friendly plants that will grow in the Sedona area (USDA Zone 7), the plants you use will depend on basic design principles based on the plant’s form and purpose. If you are looking to create a hummingbird garden, don’t focus solely on which plants to buy; instead,…
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Landscape Guidelines for Wildfire Protection
Landscaping to Reduce Wildfire Risk: A Firewise‑Inspired Guide for Homeowners Wildfire protection scientists keep repeating one big takeaway: what burns a house is usually the yard immediately around it, not the distant flames you see on TV. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) calls this the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) and breaks it into three rings that you can actively…
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Sedona Native Plants: A Beautiful, Sustainable Choice for Your Landscape
When it comes to creating a thriving, low-maintenance landscape in Sedona, nothing beats the beauty and resilience of Sedona native plants. Whether you’re a full-time resident or a seasonal homeowner, embracing Sedona native plant landscaping is one of the most intelligent ways to design a garden that complements the local environment, conserves water, and requires…
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Why Hiring a Landscape Designer First is the Smartest Move for Your Outdoor Project
By John Stuart Leslie, JSL Landscape Design, Principle Senior Designer When homeowners begin planning an outdoor transformation—whether it’s a simple garden refresh or a full backyard makeover—there’s often a temptation to go straight to hiring a contractor, mason, or plant installer. But before any stone is laid or soil turned, one key professional should come…
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Restoring a Landscape After a Distressing Event
🏡 By John Stuart Leslie, JSL Landscape Design 🔧 The Challenge: A Yard Cut to the Bone Not long ago, I was contacted by a homeowner in a state of distress. Their insurance company had refused to renew their policy unless all trees and shrubs within 10 feet of the house were removed. In response,…
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Landscape Designer: The Key to Outdoor Transformation
When homeowners begin planning an outdoor transformation—whether it’s a simple garden refresh or a full backyard makeover—there’s often a temptation to go straight to hiring a contractor, mason, or plant installer. But before any stone is laid or soil turned, one key professional should come first: the landscape designer. In this blog post, we’ll explore…
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The Hidden Headaches of a Second Home Landscape
Owning a second home can feel like a dream come true—a retreat from everyday life, nestled in a scenic locale. But when it comes to landscape and garden maintenance, that dream can quickly turn into a second home landscape headache. The reasons for owning a second home usually fall into one of these categories: One…