GET THE DESIGN BASICS:
FOR ALBUQUERQUE URBAN GARDENS
(CURRENT PRICES MAY VARY WHERE LISTED. CALL OR EMAIL FOR RESOURCES.)

HARDSCAPE
+ hardscape encompasses all things that do not require water.
+ flagstone is an excellent choice for patios, paths and DIY-ers, and is affordable in common colors.
   cost and coverage averages at $400 or so per pallet, about 100 sq ft = $4/sq ft. prices will vary!
+ crusher fines is a small-size rock mulch best for service areas and access with wheeled carts, etc
   crusher fines are the most affordable coverage; expect to pay about
   now available in colors, crusher fines can be more decorative but prices are about 50% higher too
+ consider any hardscape requirements before planting as damage to plants in construction areas is high.
+ 2-4" cobblestone can be used for edging on pathways. 1 cu yd will yield about 150' linear edging.
+ pathways should be minimum 3 1/2 ft wide.
   use a tamper or rent a sod roller to compress crusher fines for a harder, more durable surface.

GROUND COVERS & MULCHES
UNIT FOR MEASURING COVERAGE IS 1 cu yd = 10'X10' PLOT OR 100 sq ft IN A LAYER 3" THICK
+ organic mulches won't require weed barrier if over 3" thick.
+ weed barrier should be used in areas with gravel or crusher fines.
   weed barrier is in the neighborhood of $10 for 100 sq ft.
+ pecan shells are an excellent decorative choice, good for soil building if mulched adequately (3" layer).
   they are sharp and will weather over time which is only a negative if color is the main attraction.
+ mulching large areas is an easy way to control weed growth and change soil structure, relatively quickly.

SOILS & RAISED BEDS
+ 1 cu yd soil = 27 cu ft (3'x3'x3')
+ raised beds should be 2' wide for easy reach.
   with access to both sides, a raised bed can be up to 4' max, though 3' is easy for all abilities.
+ recommended materials for beds range from uber-urban cinder blocks to our favorite, adobe bricks.
   fortunately, cinder blocks and adobe bricks are very affordable
+ only one local company manufactures the adobe bricks: New Mexico Earth Adobe
   block dimensions: 10"x14"x4"
   prices range from .84 cents to $1.37 depending on certain options:
   Do you want stabilized, partially or unstabilized bricks? pick up or delivery?

PLANTS
+ 1 gallon plants now average around $9 ($8 @GG), with 5 gallong plants priced at $35 or so.
   price does depend on plant variety; bamboo and more exotic varieties can be expensive!
+ native varieties and those that are drought tolerant are easier to establish than 'exotics'
+ large shrubs in the landscape are commonly under-used though they serve many functions.
   shrubs are a great way to absorb space and create pockets, screens and micro-climates.
   shrubs are also cornerstone to a healthy urban habitat garden as they add protective areas.
   large shrubs can often be pruned to be more tree-like.

TREES
+ Smaller and more affordable trees adapt faster than larger trees.
   Selecting smaller trees is a better investment and will grow more quickly when established.
+ Selecting variety is the greatest challenge, but worth research to find the best for your space.
   Many varieties of fruit trees will do well in the Albuquerque area, and provides more edibles:
   plum, pear, apricot, apple, peach, cherry, and fig are all good possibilities
+ Prices range widely, from $25 to almost $300. Choose carefully. Plant carefully.

NATIVE MEADOWS
+ Larger areas can be tamed by seeding native grasses and wildflowers.
+ They require water to establish/germinate seed and attention irrigation cycles during sprouting.
+ Once established, little maintenance is required for a native meadow.
+ Buffalo/Blue gramma seed $40/1000sq ft. Wildflower seed is more affordable $20/1000sq ft.
+ Water for two weeks, 2x daily.
+ Weed picking in the first two months is very important, though identification of each will take practice.

LABOR
+ From street to backyard, an average person will be able to move up to 2 cu yds/hr of lighter materials.
+ Heavy materials like crusher fines and gravel can be moved about 1 cu yd per hour.
+ Slow and steady wins the race when moving large piles of heavy materials.

MISCELLANY
+ Pay attention to rooftop drainage. Try to direct captured water to areas that will use it.
+ Be careful not to plant under canales.

+ Delivery charges can be 30% of material costs... per truckload average delivery fee is $80-$85
+ If paying delivery charges, order the max material you might use, up to approx 14 cu yds of material.

+ Have an overall plan. Be willing to change what doesn't work. Adapt. Landscapes are always evolving.