First published 2010
Anne Hillerman opens the gates to Santa Fe's most private outdoor spaces. She guides readers through gardens that showcase the city's remarkable plant diversity, from native succulents and water-wise species to unexpected roses and fruit trees. Each garden reveals how residents have adapted to the high desert climate while creating beauty in challenging conditions. Hillerman draws on her years as a local journalist to uncover stories behind these cultivated spaces. The book combines her insights with Don Strel's photography to document how Santa Fe gardeners blend traditional southwestern plants with surprising varieties. Hillerman shows how these gardens reflect the city's unique character and the creativity of people who refuse to let harsh conditions limit their vision. The result captures both the practical wisdom and aesthetic joy found in Santa Fe's most cherished private landscapes.
Genres: nature, gardening, non-fiction, horticulture
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: non-fiction
Setting: Santa Fe
192 pages · Hardcover · Gibbs Smith