Walk the Line: A mid-summer check of your irrigation system
Up to 50% of outdoor water use is wasted due to lack of service. In just 15 minutes, a broken sprinkler could waste about 225 gallons of water. To put that in perspective, that’s more than the daily water needs for 3 Albuquerque homes. If that broken sprinkler is set…
Desert Dessert Recipes From Your Garden
Summer evenings in Albuquerque often end outdoors with a refreshing drink and dessert. We’ve partnered with Edible New Mexico magazine to bring you a selection of lovely recipes made from two fruit trees commonly grown in Albuquerque. Apple and Pomegranate trees grow…
Keeping Cool This Summer While Saving Water
Over 40% of Albuquerque homeowners use evaporative coolers, while the rest use some type of refrigerated air system. Today’s evaporative coolers (also known as swamp coolers) provide a practical, energy-efficient way to cool air in the low humidity climates found…
Living with Mosquitos
Mosquitoes have been so very prominent here in the Albuquerque area over the last five years, and we’ve been learning a lot about how to live with them in our yards. Fortunately, Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque have been studying mosquito lifecycles,…
2025 Desert Friendly Webinars
Set up a hose irrigation system for great benefits at a reduced cost
Set up a hose irrigation system for great benefits at a reduced cost The most efficient way to water your yard is by using an automatic irrigation system with underground valves. Hand watering can be problematic because it can lead to inconsistent watering, causing…
Designing Shade the Right Way: Trees, Shade Sails and Pergolas for a Comfortable Yard
Creating shade in a landscape is about far more than escaping the summer heat. The right shade strategy can reduce energy costs, maximize moisture absorption of plants, improve comfort year-round, and dramatically change how a yard feels and functions. Yet many…
Irrigation 101 Tutorials
Water Meter Information How can I find my water meter? Irrigation Valve Information Do I have an irrigation valve on my property? Install Drip Line from Irrigation Valve Learn how to install drip irrigation to your irrigation valves. How to Install Water to a Tree…
Common Planting Design Mistakes
1. Too many different plants spread out like polka dots Often when homeowners begin to design their yard, they get excited by the variety of plants in our Xeriscape Guide. Similarly, going to a well-stocked nursery in the spring can be like going to a candy store —…
How to Get Gravel Out of Your Yard
Maybe you recently moved into a house that has never been updated — think avocado tile in the bathroom and shag carpet in the sunken living room. You look outside and the theme continues — a sea of gravel and railroad ties. As with interiors, home exterior fashions…