Now that we are in fall season, with some days feeling like winter, I am amazed at how much color still exists on in my mostly drought tolerant landscaped yard. This was the first year that I spent a lot of time planting, seeding, and gardening my yard and the aesthetic payoff has lasted months beyond expectation. So I thought I'd post a bit about the "wonders" of gardening a Southwest-inspired-by nature-landscape.
Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, anyone will tell you how dry it can get. And although it is imperative that we drink enough water everyday to keep our bodies healthy and hydrated, it does not have to be the case for our outdoor landscape. It only makes sense to plant trees and other vegetation that are native to the desert Southwest. Here are some things to keep in mind when we kick the Kentucky Bluegrass habit, plant some Buffalo and Blue Grama grass instead, and go the sustainable green path towards drought tolerant landscaping.
When most people think of the word "xeriscape" they conjure up images of a "zero-scape" yard: gravel, a cactus here or two, gravel, gravel, one boulder perhaps, and more and more gravel. Xeriscape has gotten a bad rap. Because it really just means creating a landscape which honors native vegetation.
Not only does drought tolerant landscape help to conserve our precious water supply, it is also easier to maintain and saves us money. (Who doesn't want to help save the planet, have more time to do what we love, and have extra bills in our pocket?) Xeriscaping supports the surrounding natural environment, by not only conserving water but also when you plant vegetation which is native to your particular area, your garden supports native wildlife too. Let your plants go to seed and provide feed for wild birds. Grow plants with purple, red, and yellow colors to attract and support butterflies and bees. So not only do you create a desert oasis of colorful, low-water vegetation, you also get to walk outside and be ssurrounded by our winged companions
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