Don't Smother Your Plants

Earlier we discussed some plants that are drought tolerant and work well in this area.  But if you are using these plants in a rock bed, here is an important tip.  When laying rock beds or installing rock in place of grass, we use a weed mat as a base for the rock.  This mat allows water or rain (if we get some) to seep through the weed mat and nourish any plants or trees.  If a plastic mat is used, neither water or air can penetrate the plastic and the plants and trees will suffer.  The weed mat will provide a healthier environment and allow the plant roots to breathe.  Remember, if you do have a rock lawn, your plants and trees still need sufficient water and fertilizer.

Water? Not here!

Last week the US Drought Monitor confirmed that the Clovis area is in a severe drought. Check out the map here: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/DM_state.htm?NM

Looks like this summer will be a good time to check out Xeriscaping plants.  Xeriscape is no longer just a cactus… ouch!!!

There are many varieties of drought tolerant plants that can add interest and beauty to your garden.  Salvia Gregii, for example, is a great shrub that can thrive on less water and also produces red or pink blooms all season long.  A Desert Willow tree looks like deciduous tree that blooms throughout the summer.  Indian Blanket Flowers or Black-eyed Daisies are some of the flowers that can add color to your drought-tolerant garden.  Here are a few zeriscaping plants that we carry:

• Apache Plume
• Black-foot Daisy
• Blanket Flower
• Chinese Pistashe *
• Cotoneaster
• Daylily *
• Desert Willow
• Fountain Grass
• Honeysuckle
• Indian Blanket Flower
• Mexican Evening Primrose
• Mexican Heather *
• Pampas Grass
• Penstemon
• Purple Iceplant *
• Rosemary
• Salvia
• Sedum
• Snow-in-summer
• Spanish Broom *
• Yuccas *

*our personal favorites

Stop by the nursery for more information about drought-tolerant plants for our area.