Xeriscape(TM) and Feng Shui

Northeastern New Mexico, where I plan my home, is one of the regions most affected by the Dust Bowl. Windbreaks are recommended for the area and can prevent some drying of plants in the winter, spring, and fall, when winds are greatest. Windbreaks work best on the north and the west sides of the house. Feng shui consultants might like the effect of the slow growing piñon pine and juniper trees of the windbreak planned for the wildly energetic west side of the house. Similarly, the wildflowers will add energy to the quieter north side.

Those wishing to follow a plan much more consistent with the advice of the Xeriscape programs might want to consider purchasing an orchard of dwarf fruit trees similar to that advertised by Four Seasons Nursery, among others, at 1706 Morrissey Drive, Bloomington, IL 61704. You'll have to change the varieties to those which grow well in your region, but the concept is a good one. They have a yellow delicious apple, a red delicious apple, an Elberta peach, a Kieffer pear, a north star cherry and a moorpark apricot which they say can be planted in an area 20 feet by 10 feet. They price this orchard at $52.95, but the most important thing to notice about it is that it can be tucked into the yard along the east side of the house, a cooler and moister area than that in which I plan to plant many of my trees.

By looking carefully at the energies of wind and water in my Xeriscape plan, I can use the more ancient traditions of feng shui. If I plan and plant appropriately, a balancing of chi will occur and my plants and I will live in harmony with our location.

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March Poem

March, the saying goes, comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. In Tucumcari that may mean March brings winds that make it difficult to walk, or it may bring winds which blow power lines down, or it may bring winds which spread wildfires quickly.

March's poem is about a single - line of trees planted as a windbreak and privacy screen on the north side of Tucumcari's exercise walkway. Windbreaks are more effective when planted in rows of two or three, but, knowing the history of this land, seeing these trees made me feel

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