When it comes to turning your garden or yard into a picturesque oasis, let’s not forget the fabulous flora that calls New Mexico home! Here at Barker Realty, we’re all about living the good life, and that includes embracing the vibrant and resilient plants native to our beloved state.
Why go native, you ask? These plants are adapted to our climate, making them drought-tolerant, and they’re in harmony with the local insects and birds. Plus, they add a unique touch of Santa Fe flair to your outdoor space!
So grab a margarita or a sweet tea, put your garden gloves on, and let’s dive into a treasure trove of native plants that are ready to transform your garden!
1. Flowers That Pack a Punch 🌼
- Blanket Flower (Gaillardia): Bursting with color, this flower loves the sun, and it’s a big fan of our dry soil. Perfect for attracting butterflies!
- Chocolate Flower (Berlandiera lyrata): It’s called “chocolate,” but you can’t eat it! Though you’ll love the cocoa-like aroma and the way it charms the bees and birds.
2. Shrubs for a Lush Garden 🌳
- Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa): This shrub rocks with feathery seed heads that look like, well, an Apache’s plume! It’s drought-friendly and perfect for a xeriscape garden.
- Turpentine Bush (Ericameria laricifolia): No, it doesn’t smell like turpentine! It’s a sun-loving shrub with bright yellow flowers. A fantastic choice if you want something low-maintenance.
3. Cactus with Character 🌵
- Cholla Cactus (Cylindropuntia): Bold, spiky, and oh-so-cool! They bring that unique desert charm to your garden. Just keep the pets (and your toes) clear!
- Prickly Pear (Opuntia): Here’s a cactus with a culinary twist. Its fruits are edible, but it’s also a beauty in the garden, with bright flowers in the spring.
4. Shade Trees to Keep You Cool 😎
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis): Fast-growing, and with beautiful, fragrant flowers, this tree provides great shade and a home for hummingbirds!
- New Mexico Olive (Forestiera pubescens): A lovely small tree that’s perfect for providing a bit of shade. Birds love the fruits, and it’s super drought-tolerant.
Some Tips & Tricks
- Mix and Match: Create layers in your garden with different heights and textures.
- Water Wisely: Even though these plants are drought-tolerant, they’ll need some love when first planted. Use some local mulch from our friends at Reunity Resources to trap in that nutrients and moisture.
- Go Local: Support local nurseries that specialize in native plants–Plants of the Southwest is our top choice for native and drought tolerant plants. They know their stuff!
So, amigos, whether you’re into cultivating a wild desert landscape or a lush garden haven, there’s a native New Mexico plant that’s perfect for you. We’ve been around Santa Fe for over 50 years, and trust us, embracing the local flora is a surefire way to add personality to your outdoor space.
Happy planting, and as we say in our beautiful state, ¡Feliz Jardinería! 🌵🌸
