Winter is the best time to rethink your high water use turfgrass and create a plan for a xeriscape yard of desert-friendly plants. A desert friendly xeriscape will help you save water, reduce maintenance, encourage pollinators, and beat the heat of the summer.  We define a desert friendly … [Read more...]

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 essential elements of the greater … [Read more...]

We scoured the internet, met with local experts, and pulled together a great educational resource list for you. When you’re ready to dig into all there is to know about landscaping in New Mexico, these resources are ready for you. Plants: Native Plant Society of New Mexico New Mexico Rare … [Read more...]

This article was originally published on 505Outside.com Albuquerque ranks third, after New Orleans and Houston, among cities with tree loss. Our trees are dying because they aren’t being watered properly or at all. How should we water established and mature trees? To address this problem a … [Read more...]

This article was first published on 505Outside.com. Mulch is any material laid on the surface of the soil to improve growing conditions. Mulch insulates plant roots from both heat and cold, reducing moisture loss from the soil by evaporation, feeding beneficial soil microorganisms that … [Read more...]

Did you know that half of Albuquerque homeowners do not have an irrigation system? We’ve been talking to hundreds of homeowners, and it turns out that the reason they haven’t installed one in their yard is they think an irrigation system for a typical lot (1/8 acre or 10,000 sf) will cost $5,000 or … [Read more...]

A lot goes into designing a landscape, hence there’s an entire profession called landscape architecture devoted to designing outdoor spaces. We won’t be able to make you a landscape architect today, but we’re sharing six steps to get you started on a great landscape design. Brainstorm what you … [Read more...]

This article was republished with the permission of 505Outside.com. 505Outside sat down with local landscape contractor Hunter Ten Broeck, owner of WaterWise Landscapes Incorporated, to chat about Water Harvesting in Albuquerque.   There are two categories of water harvesting techniques: … [Read more...]

Article published on behalf of 505Outside.com Author: Richard Perce, Irrigation Efficiency Specialist with the Water Conservation Department for the Water Authority.  Drip irrigation systems play an important role in desert-friendly xeriscapes. When properly designed, installed and managed, … [Read more...]