PrintGardens of Santa Fe
Enlarge"Gardening in Santa Fe is not for sissies,” Anne Hillerman succinctly writes in the introduction to her latest book, Gardens of Santa Fe. In this desert landscape of searing summer heat and snow-laden winters, where the soil is little more than clay and water is a precious commodity, coaxing green things to grow, and to grow sustainably, can seem like an insurmountable task. But as Hillerman goes in search of green thumbs throughout the City Different, she uncovers a wealth of adobe-walled oases populated with pinyon and juniper, prickly pear and snow-on-the-mountain, decorative dry streambeds and fossil-encrusted waterfalls. Through 160 color photographs by Don Strel, Hillerman takes us behind the walls of dozens of private gardens (and into some notable public ones, too), where New Mexico natives and transplants from across the country are bringing unusual flora to bear. There are a few surprise encounters along the way, including a run-in with a rattlesnake, a pair of amorous dachshunds, and a bathroom escapade involving homeowners who portage rainwater to flush their toilets. But through it all, she learns a thing or two about thriving in extremes. We asked Hillerman to share her top five Southwestern gardening tips gleaned from her recent explorations. Here’s what she told us:
Enlarge“ If you move to the Southwest from elsewhere and are lucky enough to inherit a garden, don’t chop out, dig up, or otherwise destroy anything — including cactus and yucca — for the first year. Plants that look like weeds, or that you assume are dead, could turn out to be beautiful and useful. You’re not in Michigan any more. Small is good, especially at first. Be patient. Be open to advice from nursery staff, books, and friends. Go native. A garden filled with xeric native plants can tolerate drought. If the well goes down, the rain and snow don’t come, or if the rules on water use become more restrictive, native plants have the best chance for survival. Plants aren’t children. If you happen to plant something you don’t like, you can give it to a friend — or toss it out — without guilt. Consider gardening as a process rather than a goal. Remember to have fun!”
Photographs by Don Strel
Issue: September 2010
