The Garden at El Zaguán

Project Description

The Santa Fe Master Gardeners began working with the Historic Santa Fe Foundation in late 2012 on restoration of this garden in a manner that reflects locally responsible gardening practices. After an initial assessment (existing plantings, soil characteristics, availability of water, etc.) we developed a garden design and a work plan to address the needs and enhancements of this established garden. Now in its tenth year, project sessions emphasize master gardener education and practical applications. Talks and exercises this year include soil testing and soil building; placing, planting and feeding historic, low water, and native flowering plants; plant characteristics; pruning techniques; tree grafting; drip irrigation and watering strategies; and landscape design.

Project Goal

Partners with the Historic Santa Fe Foundation since 2012, Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners work to restore, maintain, and enhance a beautiful 19th-century flower garden that combines exotic, native, and waterwise plants and sustainable gardening practices.

Location: 545 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM

Hours 

The Garden at El Zaguán is currently open from 9am-12pm, Monday through Friday, and by appointment.

Master Gardeners will be working in the garden twice per month on selected Friday and Saturday mornings from March through November.

History of The Garden at El Zaguán Property

The Canyon Road property, home to the Historic Santa Fe Foundation since 1979, dates to at least the early 1800s. It was purchased and further developed in the 1850s by the Johnsons, a wealthy merchant family who lived there for over 75 years. Margretta Dietrich, a well-known woman's suffrage leader bought the property in 1928. The resultant renovation and expansion of the property was led by celebrated adobe builder and designer Kate Chapman. The garden dates at least to the time of the Johnsons and articles are found in the late 19th and early 20th century with effusive references to "Mrs. Johnson's garden."  CLICK HERE for a video about the history of the garden.

Read the March 2023 newsletter article about the 10 year anniversary of this project.