Welcome, San Luis Valley gardeners! We know that creating a beautiful landscape here comes with unique challenges, from our strong winds and dry climate to the persistent critters. But don't worry, with a bit of planning and the right plant choices, you can have a stunning, low-maintenance yard that thrives. Let's dig in!
Managing the Mighty Wind
The wind in the San Luis Valley is no joke! It can dry out your plants, damage delicate foliage, and even erode your soil. Here's how to combat it:
- Strategic Tree Placement: Plant wind-resistant trees on the windward side of your property. Create staggered rows of trees to maximize windbreak effectiveness. If you live in the country, consider planting Caragana, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Poplars & Spruce. In town, any native tree is a great choice as well as Lilac, Crabapples, Maples, some variety of Short Spruce and Junipers. ,
- Windbreaks: Use fences, walls, or hedgerows to create physical barriers. Consider using snow fences during the winter months to prevent snowdrift damage. Also, planting dense shrubs can create living windbreaks.
Low-Water and Drought-Resistant Plants
Conserving water is crucial in our dry climate. Choose plants that are naturally adapted to dry conditions. Native plants are always your best bet because they are already accu
- Low Water Shrubs:
- Potentilla
- Nine Bark
- Any native shrub
- Low Water Perrennials
- Russian sage
- Salvia
- Penstemon Flax
- Poppy
- Catmint
- Globe Thistle
- Rocky Mountain Penstemon.
- Xeriscaping: Design your landscape with water conservation in mind. Use gravel mulch, create water-wise zones, and group plants with similar water needs.
Weed Control
Weeds can quickly take over if left unchecked. Here are some strategies for keeping them at bay:
- Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Apply these in early spring to prevent weed seeds from germinating.
- Mulching: A layer of mulch (gravel, wood chips, etc.) suppresses weed growth and retains moisture.
- Hand-Weeding: Regularly pull weeds when they're small, especially after rain.
- Ground Covers: Plant ground covers that will out compete weeds. Consider native grasses, clover, or buckwheat for a non-traditional approach to a lawn.
Pest Control: Rabbit and Deer Prevention
Our furry friends can be quite the garden pests. Here's how to protect your plants:
- Physical Barriers: Use fencing or netting around vulnerable plants. Individual plant cages can protect young trees and shrubs.
- Repellents: Apply commercial rabbit and deer repellents regularly. You can also consider using natural repellents like garlic or pepper sprays.
- Plant Selection: Choose plants that are less palatable to rabbits and deer. Most xeriscape plants are not very appealing to eat, so being water-wise can also help deter those pesky animals.
To learn more about pest control, read our blog on how to keep deer and rabbits out of your garden.
Companion Planting:
For the ultimate low maintenance garden, be sure to consider companion planting. This means planting a combination of plants that bloom throughout the summer so that your garden never looks barren. In addition to adding beauty to your space, companion plants can help each other thrive by deterring pests, improving soil quality, or attracting pollinators. Our team at North River Greenhouse can help you select plants grow well together to create a more resilient and productive garden.
At North River Greenhouse, we're here to help you create the landscape of your dreams! Give us a call at 719-399-3542 or stop by and let our knowledgeable staff assist you in designing the perfect landscape for your San Luis Valley garden. Happy gardening!
