Invest in an ocotillo plant at your own risk
Q: While visiting Organ Pipes National Monument in southern Arizona we were taken by the beauty of the ocotillo plant. I know Albuquerque’s climate isn’t ideal for these plants (mainly altitude) but have noticed several in town doing very well. We’re considering an ocotillo as an accent plant in our backyard, would like to know where we can best obtain one and all about care and feeding of ocotillo. — R.F., Albuquerque
A: Of the four quick phone calls I made I found three nurseries that offer ocotillo plants: Plantworld on El Pueblo, Rehm’s Nursery in the heart of Albuquerque and Jericho on Alameda. Consider calling Santa Ana Garden Center, Trees of Corrales and Trees That Please in Los Lunas to see if they offer ocotillo. I didn’t go into pricing and size availability varied between these options but you can find retailers that offer this creature.
As for care, I know very little about ocotillo other than while in bloom they are a visual marvel. Like you I’ve seen several planted about town in places from the far Northeast Heights above Chelwood Avenue to the Westside growing along Irving Boulevard, so with that yes, they can grow here at our altitude with proper care and above all else placement.
I do know that the Albuquerque metro area is just out of its “comfort zone” as far as where the ocotillo usually grows. Having never been to Organ Pipes Monument, I did some poking about and found the altitude at the park ranges from about 1,000 feet to 4,800 feet above sea level. If the ocotillo you admired were at base camp so to speak then you can see Albuquerque is much higher than that in altitude, which is one of the major reasons ocotillo aren’t on the radar as far as a reliable plant for this area.
So, I guess what I’m saying is get thee to a nursery and search out that one “most knowledgeable” person and pick their brain clean, getting all of the pertinent information you’ll ever need in order to make the most informed decision you possibly can before investing in an ocotillo to grace your landscaping! In other words … be very aware!
Q: What’s happened to all the bees? Been living on the West Side for 10 years now and every single year they have been all over the flowers on my lambs ear plants. This year I haven’t seen a single bee! — W.T., Albuquerque
A: With your note I started out on a “bee hunt” and I’m thinking you mean honey bees.
This week while shopping at 12th and I-40, I noticed blooming Russian sage fairly busy with bee activity. It was in the early evening, which might have had something to do with it. My Texas sages at home aren’t “covered” with bees, but I do have a fairly good collection of bumbles that are visiting on a regular basis.
I haven’t got a good suggestion as to why your lambs ears aren’t the bloom of choice this year. You could call your County Cooperative Extension Agent and see if there are reports of major decline in bee activity and suggestions as to what’s up.
Also, the New Mexico Beekeepers Association is a volunteer organization made of people who are “passionate about bees”! Being a volunteer organization they can’t devote as much time to each individual request promptly but with patience they could answer and make suggestions as to your bee concerns. Contact them at http:// nmbeekeepers.org/ or snail mail at NMBKA, P.O. Box 7188, Albuquerque, 87194-7188.
I do know that bees are having a hard way to go and as our most prolific pollinator we all need be thoughtful as to how we impact their world because they are a very important cog in our world! But as to why you’re not seeing your “share” this year … perhaps they’ve discovered another, more enticing diner in the area! I pray they come and visit really soon! Happy Diggin In!
Don’t forget the Corrales Garden tour today in Corrales from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.! If you don’t already have one, tickets are available to gain you entrance to the six gardens on the tour at the tents at each end of Corrales Road.