LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico State University has been awarded a grant that will go toward building the only botanic garden within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the southern New Mexico campus.
The garden will be used to grow and study plants native to New Mexico and the Chihuahuan Desert that might attract bees and other pollinators.
In addition to the research side, officials are aiming to create a garden that will be welcoming for visitors. The plan incorporates paths throughout the garden and a large gazebo for shade and outdoor events.
“There’s a lot of interest in growing plants that attract pollinators because there’s been research to show that their population levels are declining,” said Chris Cramer, professor of horticulture in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. “So, we’re hoping on a research side to evaluate different plant materials and species to see how attractive they are to pollinators, but in a more visually pleasing way like a botanic garden.”
Rather than straight rows of plants, it will be designed using a paisley pattern made up of four repetitions with the same plants in each plot.
Officials said it will likely take several years for the garden to be completed.
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