Issue: May 18, 2002

Planting xeriscape in a dry year

It has already been dry this year, and the forecast doesn't look better. Is this a good year to plant a xeriscape? K.M. Santa Fe

This is a good year to have a xeriscape, but it may not be a good year to plant a xeriscape. Whether or not to plant depends on the availability of water in your area. Santa Fe is under some pretty severe restriction as are other cities. Other parts of the state are also considering imposing restrictions.

Some plants used in xeriscapes are not capable of surviving with no irrigation. Others that may be able to survive without supplemental irrigation once established need water when first planted. Newly planted xeriscape plants need frequent irrigation until they are established. If that water is not available, the plants may fail to establish and the effort and money expended will be lost.

It may be possible to plant a few slower-growing plants so that they can help form the foundation of the landscape. Then additional plants may be added in subsequent years if water is available.

The basic consideration is water. If watering restrictions are in effect, or anticipated, plant only what can be maintained within the requirements of the plant during the establishment phase.

Now can I prune lilacs?

Is it okay to prune my lilacs now? How should I prune them?

Yes, in all parts of New Mexico the lilacs have finished blooming, or will very soon. Once flowering is completed it is okay to prune the lilacs. If you wait until after late summer, you will remove next year's flowers.

Removing the old flower clusters by cutting back to the first branch producing leaves will make the plant look much neater and prevent the formation of seed capsules. This directs more growth and energy into growth and production of next year's flowers. If some branches are leggy and unattractive, they may be removed at or near the ground level to encourage new, more vigorous growth. Branches that are in the way and suckers growing from the soil around the base of the lilac shrub may be removed. Proper pruning will encourage healthy growth and increased flowering.

Also, please join us on Southwest Yard & Garden, a weekly program made for gardeners in the Southwest. It airs on KRWG in Las Cruces Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., repeating Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.; on KENW in Portales on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.; and on KNME in Albuquerque on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.

Send your gardening questions to Yard and Garden, ATTN: Dr. Curtis Smith NMSU Cooperative Extension Service 9301 Indian School Road, NE, Suite 112 Albuquerque, NM 87112

Curtis W. Smith, Ph.D., is an Extension Horticulture Specialist with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service. New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator.

Please join us on Southwest Yard & Garden, a weekly garden program made for gardeners in the Southwest on: KNME-TV Albuquerque at 9:30 p.m. Saturdays, KENW-TV Portales at 10 a.m. Saturdays, and KRWG-TV Las Cruces at 11:30 a.m. Saturdays (repeated at 1 p.m. Thursdays.)