The Principles of Xeriscaping: Working with Santa Fe's Climate

Xeriscaping is an excellent approach to landscape design in Santa Fe's semi-arid climate. With a well-designed xeriscape, you can significantly reduce water use and maintenance while enhancing the beauty and vibrancy of your outdoor space. Rather than a step-by-step process, xeriscaping follows seven key principles that guide the design and care of your yard. This month, we’ll cover the first three principles.

1. Planning and Design

The foundation of xeriscaping begins with thoughtful planning. Start by creating a base plan of your yard. This is a scaled drawing (1 inch on the drawing equals 8 or 10 feet of your yard) that includes all existing features—plants, trees, sidewalks, walls, porches, and more. Be sure to factor in the direction of the sun, slope of the land, and placement of downspouts, as these influence plant placement based on water and light needs. Having a visual map helps provide perspective and can inspire ideas for where to place new plants, trees, pathways, decorative stones, and water features. Once your design is finalized, you're ready to bring it to life.

2. Soil Improvement

For native plants, soil amendments may not always be necessary, but a light improvement is recommended for best results. Common amendments in Santa Fe include composted cotton burrs and Yum-Yum® mix. Local soils often range from sandy to dense caliche, both of which benefit from added nutrients and organic matter. Follow the directions on the Yum-Yum® mix and combine it with composted cotton burrs to create optimal soil conditions. If you're planting cacti, add sand to improve drainage, ensuring the soil mimics their natural desert environment.

3. Efficient Irrigation

Even drought-tolerant native plants need regular deep watering to establish a strong root system. You can choose to install an irrigation system or water by hand. Ideally, water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. If hand watering, create water basins (called "posa") around each plant to capture runoff and ensure deep hydration. This method conserves water and helps the plants thrive in Santa Fe’s dry climate.