The Winter/Solstice Garden Report
Winter has settled over La Posada Hotel and Gardens, bringing a quiet apricity to the landscape and a welcome pause in the year's gardening cycle. While the grounds rest under the crisp winter air, our team is preparing and planning for
another bountiful year.
Beauty in Stillness
Winter reveals the timeless structure of the Gardens-the elegant lines, sculptural plantings, and architecture designed by Mary Colter and added to and enhanced by the vision of Allan Affeldt and Christy TenEyck (2006-2008) Take a stroll to the Southwest corner of the hotel, down the pathway and past the Wishing Well, for an unobstructed view of the property in all directions.
Route 66 Native Plants Garden
The Saltbush, Apache Plume, Banana Yucca, Agave, Juniper, Texas Live Oak and Cypress in this area provide contrast to the blue winter sky and highlight the sandstone wall which mostly surrounds the property. This hardy Xeric habitat is irrigated sparingly, relying on drip and bubbler systems.This native area provides seeds and shelter for critters throughout the year.
Sunken Garden
This is Mary Colter's most formal garden, and the warmest microclimate on the property. The Cypress trees surrounding this area, along with the Ivy, Spirea and honeysuckle enhances the architecture in this Mediterranean Garden. Look for early blooming bulbs in the beds (Irises, Crocuses and Snowdrops), and cool weather crops like: parsley, sage, beets, kale, and Swiss chard to still be green in the Patio pots. This warm and sunny spot is a great place to relax and enjoy a hot cuppa, or treat from the Turquoise Room!
North Walkway and Tres Amigos
This Northern exposed walkway receives little sunshine, though shrubs like Boxwood, Rosemary and Salvia, as well as Flycatcher Honeysuckle, Goodwin's Willow, Apache Plume, Sumac, Desert Four O' Clock and Fremont Cottonwood offer beautiful shapes as well as shelter for the birds. Keep an eye out for nests of all sizes, especially the tiny hummingbird nests! Be sure to look and listen for raptors in this area too.
Looking Forward to Spring
- Ordering Summer blooming bulbs for Spring planting
- Planning crops and ordering seeds for the raised beds, Chef's beds, and Milpa
- Fertilizing all
- Pruning
- Landscaping projects: pathways, patios, seating and repair
Winter's Past
We can’t wait to see the gardens trimmed with snow. La Posada usually catches a few storms in late January thru March. Take a look at this photo, flashing back to a 2021 winter storm.
Thank you!
We appreciate your continued interest in our historic Gardens. If you see us vorking in the Gardens, feel free to say hello and ask questions, or tell us about your garden! Winter may be a time for dormancy, but it is also time to prepare, a reminder that while the Gardens are resting, we're busy strategizing and getting ready for 2026. We looking forward to welcoming you back as the seasons turn
and the Gardens reawaken.
