All good things start with a solid plan. Developing a landscape plan saves you not only time and money, but it is more likely to result in a beautiful yard. A few generous local landscape architects donated their time and put together some landscape design templates of a typical front yard for our 505Outside subscribers.
Above is a look at an example landscape template for a south facing front yard. This design brings all those local native plants you see in the foothills into your landscape. It’s full of a mix of oaks, sages and grasses. Take a look and get inspired to recreate this in your own yard.
Author: Jill Brown, ASLA, is a landscape architect and owner of My Landscape Coach in Albuquerque. Have a question about the article? [email protected]
The Water Authority’s desert friendly xeriscape conversion incentive rebate has been around since the early ’90s and is still going strong. Millions of square feet of thirsty lawns have been converted to healthy xeriscapes that save billions of gallons of water. Although the rebate application process has a few more steps than our other rebates, our experts are here to help you along way. Remember to contact our xeriscape inspector, Carl Christensen, [email protected], before you stop caring for your lawn or start tearing it up.
Water Authority residential customers who convert their landscapes to desert friendly xeriscape and use drip irrigation can qualify for a $3 per square foot rebate.
The rebate area of your new landscape must have 50 percent coverage (at maturity) of qualifying low- to medium-water-use plants, and the soil between and beneath all plants must be covered with at least three inches of mulch (organic mulch, gravel, etc.).
If you are interested in participating, please don’t start removal your grass until you have applied online to the program and received an official notice to proceed.
Several conditions must be met to qualify for the rebate. Projects that have been started or completed are not eligible for the incentive, and other terms and conditions apply. After submitting your application online, your project will be screened to ensure it meets minimum requirements and an inspection will be scheduled. The visit may take up to three weeks or more to schedule during the busiest part of the season. Water Authority conservation rebate requirements are subject to change without notice. Rebates are limited to available funds.
Does Your Landscape Meet the Requirements?
Do you have an operating spray irrigation system on your site?
Do you have grass turf on your site?
If you answered yes to the above questions, then go to Step 1 below.
Have more questions? Call 842-9287 and choose option 4 to learn more or check out our xeriscape conversion web page for rebate requirements and more.
Step 1: Develop A Landscape Plan
Draw a simple landscape plan or submit a plan designed by a professional. Use the approved desert friendly plants from our Xeriscaping Guide plant list. List each plant (using the scientific name) and rebate allowance points on the application.
Step 2: Start Your Online Application
Click here to set up your online application. You will need to log in or create a Water Conservation Portal account.
Step 3: Schedule Your Initial Inspection
Be sure you have set up and filled out your online application. Then call (505) 289-3026 to schedule the initial inspection at your property. Initial inspections occur between 9:00am-2:30pm Monday through Friday. Please allow three weeks for availability.
Step 4: Proceed With Your Project
Once your online application has been approved, you may begin your project. Funding will be reserved for the anticipated amount of your rebate, and you will have six months to complete your project. If you need more than six months, you may apply for a project extension provided funds are still available.
Step 5: Schedule Your Final Inspection After Completing the Project
Have hard copies of material receipts or a contractor’s final paid invoice available for the final inspection. Following final inspection and application approval, the Water Authority will apply the rebate credit to your water bill. Your rebate should appear on your water bill one to two billing cycles after your form is processed.
Smoketree is a small accent tree grown for its whimsical cloudlike misty spring blooms and its year-round dark purple color. It is not native to New Mexico but does well in just about any soil. Locate in full sun and cover with 3-4 inches of shredded wood chip mulch. Water to a depth of 24 inches twice a month once established when hot and monthly throughout the year. This tree is great for patios and looks nice when planted with grey green plants like artemisia or sages.
This evergreen shrub loves extreme heat and sun. It looks beautiful mass planted. This species is male, therefore you’ll have fewer dropped seed heads. Leathery green leaves on the stems keep the plant looking full year-round. It’s long-lived, low maintenance and low water use, making it a win as an evergreen groundcover for the hot summer.
Inspiration for your yard can come from a multitude of places — neighbors’ yards, books, magazines or visits to plant nurseries and botanic gardens — but it can also come from experiencing nature. The greater Albuquerque area is surrounded by beautiful open space areas that provide recreation, conservation, education, heritage and design inspiration. The plants you see in these natural areas are likely to do well in yards in that same part of town. Plants that are growing near each other will make good combinations in yards as well.
Today, we are highlighting some beautiful natural areas to visit on the West Side of Albuquerque.
One of the largest petroglyph sites in North America is located right here. Petroglyph National Monument is a short drive from the center of town. It features designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400-700 years ago. According to the National Park Service, “These images are a valuable record of cultural expression and hold profound spiritual significance for contemporary Native Americans and for the descendants of the early Spanish settlers.”
The West Mesa escarpment, where the petroglyphs are located, is a 17-mile-long cliff of dark basalt boulders. It was created over 200,000 years ago by six volcanic eruptions. There is a thriving habitat of plants, birds, reptiles and insects here. Common plants include sand sage, four-wing saltbush, rabbitbrush, indigo bush, snakeweed, Indian ricegrass and a multitude of wildflowers. Above, you’ll find many bird species such as flycatchers, roadrunners, hawks, owls and turkey vultures.
There are five areas to visit, with four of them offering trails.
Visitor Center: The visitor center and park store are open daily. Staff are available to answer questions and provide information and brochures. On the patio, there is a self-serve information table stocked with brochures and trail guides. The short walk to the center offers a look at various labeled native plants that you may see on your adventures. No trails are available at the Visitor Center; these are all located 1-6 miles away.
Boca Negra Canyon: Access three short self-guided trails from this area: Mesa Point, Macaw and Cliff Base. These trails only take about an hour to walk but they pack a punch with over 100 petroglyphs to view. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the multiple shaded picnic tables, each offering a beautiful vista. This area is run by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division. For a trail map, click here.
Rinconda Canyon: The longest trail in the monument, this two-hour 2.2-mile round trip trail takes you past 200-300 petroglyphs. This hike goes deep into the canyon following the northern escarpment, a beautiful quiet escape from the city. For a trail map, click here.
Piedras Marcadas Canyon: Take one of the two short trails or combine them for a 2.5-mile round trip trail that takes you up onto the escarpment, offering expansive views of the city and the Sandia Mountains. View trail map here.
Volcanoes Day Use Area: You’ll find this trail up on the escarpment about 5 miles north of Interstate 40. Hike 1 or 4 miles on trails that take you up and around three cinder cones. Take a break at the shaded scenic overview which gives you views of the city, the Rio Grande Valley and many local mountain ranges. Experience large expanses of grasslands. Plan your visit with the map here.
