Our lives have become increasingly hectic with the relentless demands of our full and busy schedules. After an exhausting day’s work we often desire and need the proper environment to restore our energy levels, slow down, and sooth our soul. Our homes, and particularly our outdoor spaces, are ideally suited to fulfill these needs. Albuquerque has an abundance of warm mellow days, beautiful skies, plenty of fresh air and birds, butterflies and wildlife to remind us of our appreciation of the great outdoors. So ask yourself: where can you go in your yard to kick off your shoes, put on your...

  Fall is officially here and another hot summer is behind us. Many of us have fresh in our minds what has worked in our gardens this year and what has not. Does your garden stay too hot? Are you pummeled by strong winds or dust? Does your garden lack seasonal color or is the patio or deck just too small? Perhaps your garden may need simple updating of its’ features or maybe your yard will require a completely new landscape design idea to satisfy your needs. Have fun with the process of creating a new dream landscape plan with your Landscape Architect or garden designer. Now is the time...

Fall and springtime are generally the best times to plant your landscaping. Fall season plantings allows time for the roots to get established for trees and shrubs. Temperatures in the Albuquerque area are still cooler in the springtime so trees and shrubs will acclimate gradually to the warmer summer weather. Planting during the summer monsoon rainy season can be beneficial as well. By beginning your planning and design now, your plans will be ready for the best seasonal planting in your area. More articles by Michael Polikoff, click here.

About Albuquerque Xeriscape Rebate Although we receive less than 10” of annual rainfall, Albuquerque proves that a vibrant city can indeed succeed amid largely arid surroundings. The city of Albuquerque is still growing, with almost half of New Mexico’s residents already calling Albuquerque their home.  The desert locale allows our population to enjoy almost constant sunshine, about 300 days a year, and dry air and warm temperatures. Modern water technology and conservation programs have helped to take care of many would-be irrigation and water supply issues that would have made such...

Landscape design plans are important. Builders use a blueprint, Chefs use a recipe. It naturally follows for a landscaper to use a design plan. Design plans will allow you to make sure your landscape installation is turning out properly. A landscape design helps you to get things as right as they can be. Without a landscape design, the final product may end up looking rushed, lopsided, and anything but aesthetic. Good landscaping will help to raise the value of your property. Putting landscaping elements in the right place is essential. Getting the right landscape design could be worth hundreds...

Is your landscape designer also bidding on your installation? Will your landscape designer provide plans detailed enough for sufficient multiple bids from other competitors, thus giving you the best price and value? These are important questions you should be asking yourself when determining whether to hire a professionally trained and licensed Landscape Architect or a landscape designer not licensed for design in the State of New Mexico. In most any profession there are various levels of experience and training, and the landscape design arena is no exception. Unfortunately there is more...

    How can I reduce water use in my garden? This is one of the most common and important questions that my clients ask me as a Landscape Architect. I find that our Albuquerque residential population has become increasingly knowledgeable about our arid climate and has learned to adapt.  Unfortunately, many residential homeowners have chosen to virtually go without when it comes to their home garden environment. It makes sense to limit the quantity of thirsty plants in a landscape, but there is no need to settle for just boring gravel, a few rocks and a few plants!  Learn how you can enjoy...