Spring in the high country can be a wild ride, can't it?

One day you're soaking up the sunshine, convinced spring is finally here, and the next morning—surprise!—two inches of snow and a biting, cold wind greet you. That's springtime in Prescott!

Right now, my tulips are ready to put on a vibrant show, and everything else is waking up beautifully. That fresh, magical mix of vibrant greens and warm bronzes never fails to inspire me.

Before we dive into the April gardening checklist, here's a quick heads-up: brace yourself for some freezing temperatures coming our way this week! Frost fabric is key here, but in a bind you can use old sheets (just be sure to pull them off during the warmth of the day so they don't crush young plants.  Protect those tender plants and don't get ahead of yourself by planting anything too sensitive just yet.
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Just the other day, I was convincing myself that I should go ahead and get my Dahlia tubers in the ground because it was so nice.  Then reason set in and I decided to wait just a tiny bit longer.  They don't do well in freezing temps, and now I'm glad I put it off a bit.

The good news? April's to-do list is refreshingly lighter than March's—assuming you tackled everything last month, of course!

My biggest advice this month is similar to March's: resist the urge to plant your tender annuals and young perennials too soon. Even though the warm days might tempt you, remember our last frost date around Prescott usually falls around Mother's Day. Patience is key to gardening success here!
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Happy Spring!  Tomorrow is the Spring Equinox,  also known as the Vernal Equinox.  That beautiful time of year when day and night are nearly equal, gently shifting us toward brighter, warmer days.

Historically, cultures worldwide have celebrated this moment as a period of renewal, growth, and reconnection to the earth. Here in the Southwest, indigenous communities traditionally mark this season with ceremonies honoring the land's fertility and the rejuvenation of life.

For me, the Spring Equinox symbolizes fresh starts and the quiet joy of observing nature awakening around us. It’s the ideal moment to pause, reflect, and thoughtfully welcome the new season into our homes and gardens.

Here are TEN beautifully simple ideas for celebrating the arrival of spring here in Prescott.  

After working with a client to design and create a gorgeous garden or landscape, I love staying connected to see it flourish! Early on, I check in frequently, and then gradually less often as everything starts to settle in during that first year.


Creating a thriving landscape isn’t just about the excitement of installation (though that’s definitely a highlight!). Success comes from pairing a fantastic design with consistent care over time. With the right attention each month, your garden can become even more beautiful and rewarding as the years go by. 🌱✨
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While we don’t offer garden maintenance at The Whiskey Porch, I wanted to make it easier for you to keep your landscape looking amazing. That’s why I’ve put together a series of garden-keeping checklists! Whether you’re rolling up your sleeves to tackle it yourself or bringing in a maintenance crew, these monthly guides are designed to help you stay on track—perfect for anyone gardening in and around Prescott, AZ. 🏡🌼

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It’s starting to feel like Autumn, and there’s something so magical about this time of year. November brings shorter days, a touch of frost, and—if we’re lucky—more of that crisp, sunny fall weather we love. 🍁✨


Here in the high country, autumn lingers well into December, painting the garden in warm yellows and oranges. It’s a quieter time in the garden—less watering, fewer chores—a chance to slow down and soak in the beauty of the season.


As I wander through the garden, I find myself dreaming of what could be next: a better spot for that one plant, new additions I’ve been imagining, or ways to make things even more delightful next season. Lately, I’ve started jotting down these little ideas in my garden journal—a cozy ritual for these cooler days. When winter truly settles in, and I’m curled up indoors with a cup of tea, these notes will guide me as I plan for what’s ahead.


For now, it’s still prime Porch Sittin’ season. There’s nothing quite like wrapping up in a wool blanket and savoring the crisp air while the world begins its gentle shift toward winter. 🪑🍂💛

I've got your November Checklist here for you - give it a look and see if there's a few good reminders or new tasks to add to your routine.  Keep reading...

Late summer continues and just gets better and better here in the high country.

This year, we are still experiencing those crazy warm days but it's perfect in the mornings and evenings.  That means that I am still not adjusting my irrigation schedule just yet, as I write this post. 

But in a week or so, hopefully we'll be back to more normal October temps which means I'll tweak my system down to 80% and then continue to bring it down over the next few weeks until we begin to get those consistent freezes and chilly day-times. 

That's when you will want to power down and drain your drip and irrigation systems for the winter.

I'm beginning to receive all my perennial plant orders for my autumn planting - and I've still got a list of a few things I'm going to source and order this week.  

Mostly I'm just spending as much time outside to enjoy the pefection of the landscape and this season.  Here's to lotsa porch sittin'!

I've got your detailed October Checklist for you here - to help you get organized and stay on track.  Keep reading...
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Happy fall equinox to you,
​~Miriam

Love the idea of living with the seasons?  Looking for more inspiration?

You might enjoy 14 Ways to Embrace the Shorter Days of Autumn, an in-depth look at some inspired ways to jump into the season with all your heart.

This is a fun little bit of news to share.

The local garden club here in Prescott is Alta Vista Garden Club, and they have been here in town since 1951.   

One of the many activities they do is recognizing local gardens each season of the year, which they call "Garden of Merit".  

And for autumn this year, my gardens here at Juniper Hill Cottage were selected!

This is a group of very skilled and capable gardeners who care deeply about the local community and they work hard to provide value and resources to this area. 

I am grateful for this honor and hope you've seen the advertising around town recently as well as in the local paper.  

September for us here in Prescott isn't really autumn at all yet.  It's just "late summer"!  

It's time to relax and enjoy the garden and landscape.  Everything is at it's best now (with any luck) and you've survived the worst of the heat of summer. 

This is the beginning of my favorite time of year.

Time for some afternoon gatherings, a lot of porch sittin', and gazing at the garden and busy birds.

Okay, well, yes... there are a few to do's which I've pulled together, but nothing too heavy.