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.
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.
A popular question we get at 505Outside is “Where should I go to get plants for my yard?” We’re highlighting our local nurseries and the uniqueness of each of them.
Every yard has its own unique environment that includes things like sun and wind exposure, soils, drainage, climate, bugs, orientation, views, weather conditions and elevation. And certain species of plants like certain types of conditions. Nurseries pride themselves in getting plants that are specifically grown for your area. And the only way to ensure that you get a plant that is well-suited for your yard is to go to a local nursery. Plants that are grown in your region for your region are going to do much better in your yard.
Local nurseries have very knowledgeable staff experienced in dealing with all the variables of yards just like yours. But remember, they have limited time so go prepared with a list of questions. Make sure you note all the conditions of your space so the nursery staff can steer you in the right direction.
Check out some local nurseries below, listed in alphabetical order:
This plant nursery located along Alameda NW near Fourth Street is best known for its thousands of vegetable seedlings, making it a must-stop for all your vegetable needs. Of course, they also carry a ton of other plants like perennials, annuals, groundcovers, trees, roses and more — but go for the vegetables.
As the name suggests, this North Valley nursery specializes in aquatic plants and fish. However, they also carry a wide variety of locally grown perennials, trees and shrubs. You’ll want to linger as their garden offers a very pleasant shopping experience.
Located in the South Valley bosque of Albuquerque, this off-the-beaten-path farm and nursery specializes in edibles and resilient and native trees and shrubs, alongside egg-laying ducks and orchards. Grown onsite, you can find underrepresented trees and shrubs that grow well in the harsh New Mexico climate.
The shop is mostly known for home décor but walk towards the back of the store and you’ll find a well-stocked nursery with a good selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, succulents, houseplants and vegetables. They also carry a host of garden supplies and are easily accessible, being located along San Mateo NE near Interstate 25.
From a location near Balloon Fiesta Park, Jericho provides some unique items not found at other nurseries in town. Of course, they have the usual annuals, perennials, natives, trees, roses, shrubs and more, but you’d never guess they have all kinds of specialty miniature garden and fairy garden materials. You’ll also find a friendly staff and everything you need to make a terrarium, garden tools, outdoor décor and other garden products.
At this large nursery located on Osuna NE just east of Edith, you can find just about everything you need. Be sure to check out the native plant section. But one of the coolest features of Osuna is its Plant Pharmacy featuring certified staff eager and willing to answer all your wildest questions about your plants. Bring a picture of your aphids or leaves from the actual plant and they diagnose the problem.
Natives, natives, natives. Located on Fourth Street NW north of Chavez Road, this nursery sells native New Mexico plants and seed. Just about any plant you find here will grow with ease in your yard. You will also find a wide variety of seeds, from vegetables to any type of wildflower you’d like. The staff even curates specialty blends of wildflowers and grass lawn seeds.
Originally only a wholesale nursery, now anyone can shop here via the Garden Club, which costs $25 for a lifetime membership. Conveniently located on El Pueblo NE west of Edith, you will be able to find everything you need for your yard. In fact, Plant World sells some of the largest ball and burlap trees in town.
Known as your neighborhood nursery, this store located at 5801 Lomas NE has everything you need for your yard conveniently located near those in the Near Northeast Heights, Nob Hill and Uptown. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, and the deep family-like atmosphere and roots of this store shine through.
It might be too early to start planting your 2025 garden but it’s never to early to start planning your yard. We’ve grabbed some of our favorite plants for you to test out in 2025. Take a look below.
This fast-growing shade tree should not be confused with the notoriously invasive Siberian elm. Lacebark elm is a medium sized tree with a round to oval crown and interesting lacy bark in tan, grey and cinnamon colors. It is an excellent drought tolerant species for use in windbreaks. It can grow as much as 3 feet a year. It is adaptable to most soil conditions.
Type: Deciduous
Exposure: Full sun
Water Use: Medium
Mature Size: 40’ x 40’
Mock orange, Philadelphus lewisii Cheyenne:
This deciduous native shrub sports white blooms from spring to summer. A mass of flowers emits a delightful fragrance reminiscent of orange blossoms with a hint of pineapple. It’s a great habitat and pollinator shrub that works well in perennial beds, providing interest and privacy if needed.
Type: Deciduous
Exposure: Sun/shade
Water Use: Medium
Mature Size: 10’ x 10’
Woolly butterfly bush, Buddleja marrubiifolia:
This rounded, grey green evergreen shrub provides year-round interest. Orange flowers are prevalent year-round with their showiest times in the spring and summer. Woolly butterfly bush is native from southwest Texas into New Mexico, where it can be found in canyons, arroyos and on slopes at elevations from 1,800 to 3,800 feet. It’s heat tolerant and likes well drained soils.
This is one of the best, most durable species in the Agastache family. It has nectar-rich orange flowers that attract hummingbirds for many months. The plant has a licorice minty scent. It’s also low water use and very drought resistant.
Type: Deciduous
Exposure: Full sun
Water Use: Low
Mature Size: 2’ x 2’
Sandpaper verbena, Verbena rigida:
This flowering plant grows well in extreme heat. It has rough, dark green leaves that feel like sandpaper and vivid purple flowers in the spring and summer. If this plant starts to look ragged, cut it back to the ground and fresh growth will sprout from underground stems. Even in very cold winters, this plant bounces back from these rhizomes. It is nice mixed with the yellows of prairie zinnia or Angelita daisy.
This easy to grow native plant thrives in our New Mexico climate. Striking against a stucco backdrop, bees can’t get enough of the pollen from the big yellow blooms during late spring. In late summer and early fall, it is filled with maroon-red fruit. While it gives off a smooth, non-spiny appearance, it does have tiny glochids or slivers that can grab onto your skin when handled. Once established, it can survive without water. As with most cactus, water is not necessary in the winter. Use tongs or gloves to plant and prune. Prickly pear is also very easy to propagate; learn how here.
A lot goes into designing a landscape, hence there’s an entire profession called landscape architecture devoted to designing outdoor spaces. 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.
All good things start with a solid plan. Developing a plan saves you not only time and money, but it is more likely to result in a beautiful landscape. Above is a look at an example landscape template for a south facing front yard. This design brings a taste of the East Coast or Midwest to your home in New Mexico. It’s full of leafy green desert friendly plants. Take a look and get inspired to recreate this in your own yard.
