Lora Beck Master Gardener Class of 2018
I have always enjoyed the outdoors and gardens. Having lived in lots of eastern, western and southern states as well as several Mediterranean countries and having experienced many types of landscapes and climates I realized there are many types of gardens. After returning to Amarillo and building a home on a very big lot I got the chance to actually try landscaping and gardening but what kind of garden would work was a mystery. It did not take long to realize that the land and climate in the Panhandle was much like several of the aired landscapes of the Mediterranean so I began substituting hardscapes and xeric plants in place of the original turf and plants. Many of the plants require very little if any irrigation, will grow in the rock filled soil and spread and bloom from early spring to frost. Birds, butterflies, bees, lizards and rabbits enjoy the plants and places to hide year-round.
I found that there was little information concerning xeric landscaping available so as soon as I retired I enrolled in the master gardener program. The classwork and experience in the gardens provided lots of information. Most valuable has been the interaction with everyone in the organization and their willingness to answer gardening questions. In addition to digging in the dirt we do have a lot of fun.
Just remember just because you plant it there if it does not want to be there its ok to relocate, have done this a lot as some plants are very particular. Gardens are peaceful not perfect, enjoy.