Howdy from the desert

I'm new to Dave's Garden, and also fairly new to Las Cruces, New Mexico. My husband and I had a blacksmithing business in the Texas Hill Country for about 24 years, which we're winding down to escape the 7 day work weeks. Here in New Mexico I'll be closer to my family, and I'll finally have time to do things I've been putting off...like reading books, learning new crafts, and joining this forum. Hooray.

I am interested in learning mosaic and concrete techniques, so I plan to haunt those threads. I am also looking forward to enjoying our large yard, which is mainly undisturbed desert, complete with creosote, yucca, cholla, bird of paradise, and other plants I'm still learning.

I love native plants and think I'll find some cross-over between the native plants of Texas and the native plants here in New Mexico. Main difference is I have finally escaped the huge herds of rampaging deer that have plagued me while gardening in Texas. The wildlife in my new yard is much kinder to plants (quail, roadrunners, rabbits, ground squirrels, owls, a rare fox, and so far, one gopher snake.) Imagine...I could even plant a Japanese Maple and have it survive overnight. The mind boggles.

Thanks for being here and for sharing all your knowledge and talents. I'll do my best to think of things to contribute as well.

Hello welcome. neat to have bird of paradise already growing.. there is lots here to entertain you.. enjoy..

hello neighbor! looking forward to seeing you around 'the garden'

Thanks folks! I'm sure I'll see you on the Southwest and Xeriscape threads, angele. hope43, our yard is pretty much crawling with Bird of Paradise...those things sprout up everywhere. We've had to cut down a few for "elbow room", and I've discovered that they are also hard to kill! Good thing they're pretty in bloom.

Thanks oldmudhouse. Now I understand why you moved and I can see how happy you will be NM. Yay!

I share your interest in mosaics. I tried to wing it once Big mistake. It will be good to learn how to do it right

hello from upstate new york

Howdy back Herbie!

I don't know if I'll do the mosaics right, but I'll have fun anyway.