Mayor Eric Enriquez, City of Las Cruces | City of Las Cruces
The City of Las Cruces Utilities Water Conservation program has announced the schedule for its 2024 Spring Lush and Lean Program. The workshops, designed to promote water conservation and sustainable landscaping practices, will be held every Thursday in March from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Branigan Library Roadrunner Room, located at 200 E. Picacho Avenue.
The presentations, which will begin promptly at 5:45 p.m., will cover a range of topics related to gardening and landscaping in the desert climate of southern New Mexico. Stephanie Walker, Ph.D., Extension Vegetable Specialist at New Mexico State University, will kick off the series on March 7 with a presentation titled "Strategies for Successful Vegetable Gardening in Southern New Mexico." Dr. Walker will provide valuable strategies and recommendations for growers to cultivate a thriving vegetable harvest in the region.
On March 14, Jeff Anderson, M.S., Extension Agronomy and Horticulture Agent at New Mexico State University, will present "12 Drought-Tolerant Plants to Make Your Yard Feel Lush, but Lean!" This presentation will offer options for drought-tolerant plants that do well locally, allowing residents to create a beautiful and water-efficient landscape.
The following week, on March 21, Rachel Gioannini, APLD, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at New Mexico State University, will lead a workshop titled "Make the Most of Your Home's Landscape." This session will introduce basic principles of landscape design and provide practical advice for homeowners looking to improve their landscaping.
The final workshop of the series, taking place on March 28, will be led by Richard Heerema, Ph.D., Extension Pecan Specialist at New Mexico State University. Dr. Heerema's presentation, "What To Know Before Planting Fruit & Nut Trees in Southern New Mexico," will cover the joys and challenges of growing fruit and nut trees in the desert climate. Attendees will learn about tree species and variety selection, horticultural practices, irrigation, pruning, and pest management.
The Lush and Lean workshops aim to educate residents about water conservation and sustainable gardening practices that are suitable for the unique climate of southern New Mexico. By providing expert advice and practical tips, the City of Las Cruces Utilities Water Conservation program hopes to empower residents to create beautiful and water-efficient landscapes.
For more information about the workshops, interested individuals can call (575) 528-3566 or visit the City of Las Cruces Utilities website at [https://www.lascruces.gov/1285/Water-Conservation](https://www.lascruces.gov/1285/Water-Conservation).
The 2024 Spring Lush and Lean workshops offer an opportunity for residents to gain valuable knowledge and skills in sustainable landscaping and water conservation. With the guidance of experts from New Mexico State University, attendees will learn how to successfully grow vegetables, select drought-tolerant plants, improve their home's landscape design, and plant fruit and nut trees. By implementing these practices, residents can contribute to the conservation of water in the desert climate of southern New Mexico.
