U.S. Water News Online
CARLSBAD, N.M. -- The Carlsbad Soil and Water Conservation District plans three garden plots to demonstrate landscaping that isn't thirsty.
The state Soil and Water Conservation Commission gave the district a $4,500 grant to install xeriscape garden plots on district property, said conservation district manager Aaron Curbello.
The district plans three 25- by 25-foot plots -- one that demonstrates landscaping that uses no water use, one that shows landscaping that uses a small amount of water and a third with native plants that use little water, Curbello said.
"The goal for the demonstration plots is to educate the community that it's OK to xeriscape their property and that it doesn't require them to hire a landscaper to do it," he said.
Many beautiful native plants and trees thrive in local soils, Curbello said.
"There are also plants and trees that are not native to New Mexico, but thrive in our desert-type climate," he said. "Arizona ash is a tree that does very well in Carlsbad. Ash trees like the fractured alkaline soil in Carlsbad. They don't require a whole lot of water. Desert willows and Mexican elder trees are drought-resistant and do well here also."
The landscapes will have cards identifying the plants. The district also will offer diagrams of the watering systems and planting guides.
"The ultimate goal of this project is to show our neighbors who live in the city that they can conserve water and still have a beautiful landscape that they can be proud of," Curbello said.
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