With its arid climate and stunning desert vistas, Santa Fe provides ample opportunities for creating a sustainable landscape, one that strengthens your connection to nature. By embracing eco-friendly practices and tapping into the region’s natural beauty, you can transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis that honors the environment and promotes a personal sense of well-being. Let’s explore some of the best ideas for creating a sustainable landscape, a landscape perfectly suited to Santa Fe’s climate.
Embrace Native Plants
Native plants play a key role in creating a sustainable Santa Fe landscape. They’re adapted to the local climate, so they require less water over the long term, to thrive in the region’s arid climate. They also provide a habitat for local wildlife, helping to support your local ecosystem. Based on your property goals, we recommend incorporating any of these plants in your sustainable landscape design:
- Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa)
- Desert Four O’Clock (Mirabilis multiflora).
- Instead of Desert Four O clock: Berlaniera lyrata ‘Chocolate Flower’
- Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata). Remove this one.
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis). Cercocarpus ledifolius Mountain Mahogany
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia). Eccinacea purpurea instead.
Manage Water Efficiently
Water is a precious resource, especially in New Mexico’s high desert climate. Implementing efficient water management strategies is essential for creating a sustainable landscape. Urbanna weighs out the advantages and disadvantages of traditional and tech-forward irrigation and water management systems: We have great success with drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to the root zones of plants, minimizing water loss through evaporation, but have many other options as well. We can consider cloud-automated and timed sprinkler systems, as well as subsurface water lines, and can set up cisterns to capture rainwater that can be reused for irrigation purposes.
We also create passive water catchment solutions, such as berm and swale systems which direct water to important trees and shrubs local to the site, ones you’d want to preserve. (You can fix this sentence to work better)
Be Mindful With Hardscaping
Incorporating earthy, decorative, and sustainable materials into your landscape design can foster a sense of mindfulness and a greater connection with the environment. It’s a great idea to use locally sourced materials like flagstone to construct paths, patios, and retaining walls. Not only do these materials blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, but they also reduce the carbon footprint associated with the long-distance transportation of non-local, non-native items.
Another consideration is also given to permeable paving materials in your hardscape that allow rainwater to infiltrate the soil and replenish the groundwater. We have beautiful permeable options for your consideration.
Create Tranquil Outdoor Spaces
A sustainable landscape not only benefits the environment – it helps you, too! Your landscape design should provide spaces for relaxation and contemplation, encouraging mindfulness and connection with nature, as well as a connection to source, self and other. (Elaborating on this concept is fine with me)
We design cozy seating areas under the shade of trees, install meditation gardens, and often include a soothing water feature to encourage tranquility and reflection. We might recommend selecting outdoor furniture made from eco-friendly materials, like sustainably sourced wood or recycled materials, to align with your sustainable approach. Locally crafted goods are often uniquely suited to the Santa Fe climate and vibe; we prefer to support local businesses.
Do you have an active family with a need for open space, or should we be mindful of mobility issues? Do you want a space that works for group entertaining, or intimate gatherings? We work with you to match your unique needs with the opportunities presented by the particular natural setting of your home.
Together, Let’s Embrace Sustainability and Cultivate Mindfulness in Santa Fe Landscapes
Creating a sustainable landscape in Santa Fe isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for your own well-being. When you create a sustainable landscape, you create a space that promotes a healthier lifestyle, better mental wellness, and a stronger connection to the natural world.
Urbanna Landscaping is dedicated to helping discerning Santa Fe homeowners and developers design stunning, sustainable landscapes. We’re here to guide you in crafting a landscape that harmonizes with nature and exceeds your expectations. Book your consultations today to get started.
