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Starting a Xeriscape Garden in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

New homeowners in Rio Rancho, NM. Sandy soil, small rocks, one struggling unknown tree. No green thumb. Want water-wise, low-maintenance, cost-efficient backyard. Overwhelmed by "envision your yard" advice.

Philosophy First

Garden should invite YOU outdoors. Don't let others dictate. Grandmother started expert with cacti 40 years ago—but cacti have thorns (bad with kids).

Two Practical Approaches

Succulents (not cacti): Largest plant genus. Adaptable to any soil/water schedule. Colorful foliage and flowers (near-black aeoniums with yellow spikes). Tree-size for shade.
Container gardening: Clear land, add boulders/gravel/dry stream, place strategic containers. Seasonal rotation: petunias (summer), snapdragons (fall), pansies (winter). Water only what needs it.

Free Resource

Expert's $4.99 vegetation guide (San Diego-tested, 11" annual rain species) free via email: russelraypc@aol.com. Not posted publicly.

Landscaping and Design: Converting a Weedy Backyard to Sod and Xeriscape: Timing and Weed Control; Large Backyard Project: Why You Need Competitive Bids & a Designer; Shade Plants for a North-Facing Michigan Foundation; Plant Selection Advice Without Photos; Choosing an RO System for Large Carnivorous Plant Collections; Identifying Callisia fragrans (Basket Plant) by Its Runners; Reviving a Dog-Damaged, Waterlogged Backyard Lawn: A Step-by-Step Approach; How to Buy Healthy Orchids: Where to Shop & What to Check; Feeding Backyard Birds: The Complete Guide to Seeds, Suet & Native Plantings; Herbs: What to Grow and Where to Plant Them

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