GARDEN #1 “The Vine Garden”
This garden showcases beautifully draped portal vines, both grape and Virginia creeper, established turf areas and a variety of planting beds along with an extraordinary south view of the Sandia Mountains from the back yard. The owners have lived in this adobe residence for 30 years and have done all landscaping, terracing, and planting using their own design and labor. The owners have retained plenty of shelter and nesting areas for wildlife among their native junipers and pinon trees. This is a Certified Wildlife habitat garden.
GARDEN #2 “The Oasis Garden”
Towering cottonwood trees and a second story latilla balcony frame this property from the street view. As you enter the front courtyard gate you will feel an overwhelming sense of tranquility from the green grass and cool shade. This oasis garden boasts established turf, mature trees and a large fish pond on the south side of the property. Walk in a counter-clockwise pattern and enjoy the many perennial and native planted sections. The owners have worked hard during the last 23 years to establish meandering paths, private seating nooks, and nature viewing areas within their “inherited” garden landscape.
GARDEN #3 “The Twin Peaks Garden”
This hillside property has benefited from pleasing additions in “hardscaping” – garden flagstone pathways and a pool/ deck addition with ramada covered areas – during the past five years thanks to the inspiration and design skills of the current owners. These additions have provided for greater access to different areas of this garden property – all the better for enjoying the multitude of conifers, native plants, flowering beds, birds and other wildlife. Walk around the garden to enjoy views of the Sandia Mountain, the far west mesas and the “twin-peaked” open space hills.
GARDEN #4 “The Topiary Garden”
You will be amazed at the view of this open landscape and home against the panoramic back drop of the Sandia Mountains. The combination of the Mediterranean style home and the wind-swept shapes of the topiary pruned native juniper trees is reminiscent of scenes along the California Big Sur coast. As you walk closer your eyes are drawn to a center landscaped area with artfully arranged ceramic pots among the yuccas and a three tiered fountain lies just behind. This garden, planned and designed by the homeowners, is dramatically simple and yet easy to maintain.
GARDEN #5 “The Art Garden”
The owners of this property love art – the art of gardening and the art of painting. Twelve years ago the owners decided to add a small number of plants to their garden every year with the intent of achieving year-round color, varying proportions and textural interest. The owners grew up gardening in New Mexico, and know how to take advantage of micro-climates for successfully growing a variety of ornamental plants, fruit trees, vines, and vegetable bearing plants. They have created garden rooms with courtyard walls, flagstone walk ways, covered patios and arbors while preserving precious mountain views.
GARDEN #6 – Placitas Community Library Native Garden and Labyrinth
Placitas Community Library Garden
This public garden was developed by Placitas Community Library (PCL) volunteers with financial aid from grants. The garden is maintained by PCL volunteers in cooperation from Sandoval County Master Gardeners. The front entrance plot consists of xeric plants donated by David Salmon, owner of the former High County Gardens, for the grand opening of the PCL building in 2008. Special features of the PCL garden are an advanced rain water harvesting system, a solar operated wildlife water guzzler, and an inspiring labyrinth rock garden designed and built by volunteers. Native plant specialists will be available during the tour to guide guests.
