Q: Is it ok to plant in the winter? A: It may be surprising to some but it is fine to plant in the winter as long as you can get through the ground. Since most of the plants are dormant they will focus on root development instead of leaf/flower production. Just be aware of limited selection for perennials at nurseries during the winter months.
New Mexico Privet (Forestiera neomexicana) - Zone 4-9 The New Mexico Privet is a versatile tree that is a great addition to any yard. The multiple trunks can be cleaned up into a tree, shaped into a hedge, or allowed to grow naturally for a summer privacy screen. Plant in full sun to part shade and water regularly until established. The New Mexico Privet can reach up to 12-18' tall and 12' wide. Drought tolerant but does better with regular watering. Female Privets produce beautiful blueberries that cover the trees that birds love to eat. Keep warm and stay safe out there Santa Feans!
Q: What kind of landscaping can be done during the winter? A: Winter is a great time to do hardscaping (i.e. gravel, moss rock borders, flagstone steps, and patios etc.) It is also a good time to mulch/bark flower beds as long as there is no snow on the ground. Keep your questions coming in!
Jimsonweed (Sacred Datura; Datura wrightii) - Zone 5-8 Jimsonweed is a unique plant since the flowers open in the evening and close in the mornings (although you may find a few open flowers during the day). Captivating large white (with a hint of purple) trumpet-shaped flowers can reach up to 8"! Tolerant of poor soils with lower water needs, this plant can often be seen growing wild throughout Santa Fe and surrounding areas. On average Jimsonweed grows to 3-4' tall and wide. Be aware, all parts of this plant contain poisonous alkaloids that can result in death if ingested.
Our client had wanted a cleaner, low maintenance look leading to the entrance of the front door. We incorporated a few plants that the client had already added to our plan. In addition, we implemented Xeric perennials, shrubs, and an evergreen tree. After installing an irrigation system, we placed a weed barrier and gravel to round out the project. Happy Tuesday!
Q I would like my trees trimmed now in the winter - is this something you guys do? A: It depends on the size of the tree. If it is a small amount of trimming on lower branches (i.e trim some branches away from the house or away from a walkway) we will gladly do it. If it is a large tree and in need of winter pruning, we suggest that you contact a tree company who specializes in this type of work.
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) - Zone 6-10 Beautiful pink/lavender blossoms cover this tree from May until the first frost. Slender, willow-like leaves add to the beauty of this desert plant. A moderate grower that can grow up to 25 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Plant in full sun and water regularly until established. The Desert Willow is fairly drought resistant and low maintenance, making it a great tree for any yard.
Well, the cold and snow has definitely hit us and with that, pots all around have taken a nose dive. This week, we take a look at making sure those pots are looking their best for the holidays. We pulled everything from this particular pot and planted Dogwood, mugo pine, ivy, and cotoneaster. As a side note, all the plants used are perennials and if you choose to take them out of the pot, they can be planted in the ground in the spring. Spruce up your pots for this winter.
Question of the week: What plants should not be pruned in the fall? Forsythia and lilac bushes are some of the more common plants that should not be pruned in the fall. They both form flowers on the woody growth from the previous year - if you prune them in the fall you will be cutting off the forming flower buds. This will decrease the number of flowers that will be seen in spring. If you want your lilac bush or forsythia cut, it is best to do so immediately after they are done flowering in the spring. Have a wonderful weekend!
Columnar Norway Spruce (Zone 2-7) Picea Abies 'Cupressina' Dark green needles cover this dense, columnar growing tree. Ideal for a windbreak or privacy wall, the Columnar Norway Spruce stands out due to its uniform growth. Plant in full sun and water regularly for best growth. Columnar Norway Spruce can grow up to 20 feet tall 6 ft wide and can withstand heavy snow loads without branches breaking. Avoid wet shady areas.
This was a brand new construction project. Our client wanted a simple but colorful xeric garden (i.e. little water needed) for the front courtyard. We constructed a moss rock border flowerbed, added xeric plants such as catmint, yarrow, nearly wild rose and grasses. A few junipers and a New Mexico Privet were also added. The final touch to the project: a dry stream that takes roof water out of the courtyard and 3/8" sunset rose gravel. Have a wonderful Tuesday!
It is hard to believe winter is already upon us. The flowers have died back, the leaves have fallen, and the sidewalks are covered in snow. It's time to get that snow shovel ready and pull out the bag of ice melt. But what type of ice melt are you using? Not all ice melts are created equal, so it is important to know the difference between products prior to purchasing. Some ice melts have additives to protect plants and sidewalks, while others have just one or two ingredients. Most ice melts are very effective at melting ice, but can cause damage to sidewalks and plants. This month’s blog is quick look at the three most common types of ice melt. Calcium Chloride works by forming a brine
Q: I need someone to do snow removal from my sidewalks whenever it snows more than 1". Is this something Desert Rose does? A: No, we do not do snow removal. There are several companies in Santa Fe that do, however, we do not recommend one over the other and suggest you call around and find out which best suits your needs.
