Planting Tips

Choose desert-friendly plants that thrive in our dry climate. There are literally hundreds of plant options to choose from, and rebates are available for replacing turf with a desert-friendly landscape.

Our Favorite Evergreens

by 505 Outside | Dec 2, 2019 | Blog, Design, Fall, Planting, Planting Tips, Xeriscape

When we think of the word evergreen, many of us think about pine trees, cedars and junipers. However, an evergreen is simply any plant that remains green all year long. These plants are welcome fixtures in our winter landscapes, too. 505Outside highlights these...

Great Books to Read

by 505 Outside | Dec 2, 2019 | Blog, Design, Do It Yourself (DIY), Outdoor Living, Planting, Planting Tips, Xeriscape

Now that the weather is colder, curl up with a book and learn more about our global and local water resources. Here are a few of my favorites to get you started. If you’ve got a water book to recommend for future newsletters, please email me at kyuhas@abcwua.org For a...

Plants for Fall Color

by 505 Outside | Aug 5, 2019 | Blog, Design, Do It Yourself (DIY), Fall, Planting, Planting Tips, Xeriscape

One of the great advantages of desert-adapted plants is the wealth of colorful flowers they produce, a boon to gardeners and pollinators alike. Plants that bloom in autumn offer pollen and nectar for insects and, if the seed heads are left to ripen, a late season food...

Creating living shade with vines

by 505 Outside | Jul 2, 2019 | Blog, Design, Do It Yourself (DIY), Planting, Planting Tips

While it is fantastic living in the Southwest where the sun shines over 310 days a year, sometimes landscapes and homeowners alike crave shade. Large trees provide great shade but may take a long time to grow. So to create fast shade for patios and windows, choose...

Easy Pollinator Gardening

by 505 Outside | Jun 4, 2019 | Blog, Planting, Planting Tips, Pollinators and Wildlife, Xeriscape

Everything in nature is connected. Fostering the connections keeps ecosystems and gardens vital. And weaving pollinator essentials together into a beautiful garden is a fun process. Start by thinking about where you will view the garden from as well as how you’ll move...

Basics about Turf Grasses for New Mexico

by 505 Outside | Jun 4, 2019 | Blog, Lawn Care, Planting, Planting Tips, Turf, Watering and Irrigation

Many homeowners would like a turf grass lawn, but might feel irresponsible watering a lawn in the arid Southwest. The key to choosing a turf grass is to determine the one most suited to the specific needs of your landscape. There are two different categories of turf...

How to Plant a Tree

by 505 Outside | Dec 12, 2018 | Blog, Do It Yourself (DIY), Planting Tips, Tree Care

A correctly planted tree will grow more quickly, will be healthier and more attractive, and will live longer than an incorrectly planted one. A healthy tree will also have a stronger and larger root system better able to draw moisture from the soil. This allows it to...

Tree Species We Love

by 505 Outside | Dec 12, 2018 | Blog, Planting, Planting Tips, Tree Care, Xeriscape

There are so many types of trees to choose from. We don’t blame you for being confused. Here are some of our favorites, just a small list of the many trees available here in New Mexico. Before you head out to buy your tree, though, let’s chat a little bit about them....

Planting trees in fall

by 505 Outside | Nov 14, 2018 | Blog, Fall, Planting, Planting Tips, Tree Care

Three reasons why fall is a great time to plant trees: Trees planted in the fall perform better come spring, compared to those planted in the summer, because tree roots are still active over the winter. This winter root development of newly planted trees, prepares it...

Planting Tips for Raised beds

by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Blog, Edibles, Planting, Planting Tips

Many homeowners are interested in planting in raised beds. It can be great for homeowners who worry about their soil. Planting in raised beds allows you to add the exact soil you want. Another popular reason is the interesting visual element the raised bed will...