Expert contributes experience

Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribute

Master Gardener Le Ette Lawrence tells Roosevelt County gardeners they can landscape and have a beautiful yard in drought conditions Thursday at the Portales Public Library as the guest speaker for the Friends of the Portales Public Library program.

Mary Clotfelter has been regarded as having one of the best landscaped yards in the county.

At 89, she keeps her residence on N.M. 88 in shape through xeriscaping. She's most proud of her pink zinnias.

Though Clotfelter is quite the expert, she joined others at the Portales Public Library Thursday to gain some tips on how to create a sustainable, low-maintenace and lush landscape from Portales Master Gardener, Le Ette Lawrence.

"Just because we live in the desert, doesn't mean your plants can't look (beautiful)," Lawrence said.

Lawrence discussed the benefits of xeriscaping and how to create a desirable landscape even during a drought. Many agreed that xeriscaping was a smart option to use in eastern New Mexico.

"What xeriscaping is all about is reducing water consumption," Clotfelter said.

Lawrence began her presentation discussing the importance of analyzing soil. She said because not all iron in soil is created equal, it's important to get soil analyzed to see what might be lacking.

Lawrence also said a good watering system is important for a landscape. Irrigation is most popular in New Mexico given the dry conditions.

Many gardeners at the session said they used mulch but Lawrence suggested cheaper alternatives such as pecan shells, sawdust, pine needles and old newspaper.

"The city yard (junkyard) is a resource for free mulch," Lawrence said. "They will load it up for you. All it costs you is a little sweat equity."

Grass was one of the most popular topics discussed. Many said the maintenance of their lawn was expensive and difficult.

Lawrence said although Kentucky Bluegrass is the most desirable, it's not as feasible to maintain and takes about 1,200 gallons of water per year in a standard sized yard.

Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribune

Roosevelt County gardeners take tips on landscaping and water conservation from Master Gardener Le Ette Lawrence on Thursday at the Portales Public Library.

She mentioned other species of grass that use less water including Zoysia and Buffalo grasses.

Participant Betty Williamson said the native grass in the area is a naturally low grass.

Lawrence described the need for strategy in planning landscapes. If people want to grow flowers and plants that require a lot of water, she said they can have them but in moderation.

Eastern New Mexico University librarian Lilah Gainey says she plans to make some changes to her yard. She said she lost a lot of her plants to harsh winters and plans to use the tips that Lawrence provided.

"I'm going to check into the Zoysia grass," Gainey said. "I have a courtyard that I wouldn't have to mow. It would be awesome."