Gardening with Native Plants

Our native plants have thrived here for thousands of years, coexisting with the local climate, soil, wildlife, and other plants. Planting them creates a beautiful garden that can thrive in our environment rather than despite it and offers a vital lifeline to the planet’s dwindling biodiversity.

Native plants evolved for their environment, so they are better for it. They thrive without extensive care, fertilizers, or pesticides and need less water once established.

Native plants support wildlife, stabilize soil, filter water, and prevent erosion. They also support natural nutrient cycles, keeping ecosystems in balance. Since they have evolved with the challenges of our environment, their adaptability can help landscapes survive and thrive in a changing climate.

 

Gardening Publications by NPSNM

Native Plant Society members have produced several illustrated regional plant selection guides.

Central New Mexico Gardens features recommended plant species, gardening tips, and information about pollinators and other plant/insect relationships. It is available online or for free download by clicking the cover picture at right:

 

Native Plants for the Home Landscape in Santa Fe County was compiled by the Santa Fe Native Plant Project (SNaPP).  SNaPP is a certification and public education program of the Santa Fe Master Gardener Association. Its mission is to promote the use of native plants in the local landscape. Click to access the Guide to Native Plants for the Santa Fe Landscape.   

 

Plant Selection

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website: Native plant characteristics, including growing conditions and bloom times, can help plan a garden. Recommendations for New Mexico are here.

National Audubon Society has a native plant database that is searchable by zip code: https://www.audubon.org/native-plants.

National Wildlife Federation also has a native plant database that is searchable by zip code: https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/

Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation offers regional pollinator-friendly plant guides: https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/pollinator-friendly-plant-lists

Xeriscaping

The Complete How to Guide to Xeriscaping Courtesy of the City of Albuquerque.

Xeriscape 101: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating a Water-wise Yard from the State Engineer Office Water Conservation Program.