Hot Tips & Cool Ideas for Landscaping

Water-saving landscaping practices
Xeriscaping is a must in communities concerned about water conservation, not just in times of drought, but in anticipation of future water needs. The term xeriscape is derived from the Greek word xeros meaning dry, combined with landscaping, thus xeriscaping. The goal of a xeriscape is to create a visually attractive landscape that uses plants selected for their water efficiency. Properly maintained, a xeriscape can easily use less than one-half the water of a traditional landscape. Knowledgeable staff at your local nursery, garden center, and landscaping firms will help you design a beautiful yard or garden and select the right plants that conform to water-saving xeriscape principles.

Designing with rock and stone
Rock and stone are important components of any attractive landscape in New Mexico, and they require no water! A wide variety of materials, colors, size and texture allow you to "paint" your yard using earth materials and design beautiful groundcovers that contrast with the planted elements of your yard in interesting ways. Sculpture-like "character stones" can be placed in key locations as striking counterpoints to trees and bushes. Landscaping services, garden centers, and rock suppliers will help you find the perfect blend of stone and rock for your yard.

Drip your way to greener landscapes
When designing and installing your yard or garden, drip irrigation is a "must" in New Mexico. Drip systems are in the "win-win" category: you will grow larger, healthier plants while consuming less water. By delivering the right amount of water to the base of each plant in your yard, drip systems eliminate waste through evaporation and run-off, and they save you precious time. Drip systems can be installed by the weekend do-it-yourselfer or a specialized landscape contractor.