The guide

Native and well-adapted plants survive on far less water once established and hold up to our cold (zone 6a), wind, alkaline soil and late frosts.

• Match plants to our conditions: zone 6a, about 6,100 ft, alkaline clay-loam soil, wind, and late spring frosts.
• Good choices include pinon/juniper, native shrubs (Apache plume, fourwing saltbush, chamisa) and warm-season native grasses like blue grama.
• Native perennials add color and pollinator value with less work than annuals.
• Right plant, right place - group by water need and place by exposure.
• Check any species against a New Mexico recommended list before buying.