Payne’s can help you make your own indoor paradise with bright, colorful houseplants such as Bromeliads, Orchids, Succulents, Ferns, Spider Plants, and Fiddle Leaf … PLUS MORE! Take home these plants that are good for you in many ways.

For example, they take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen which makes you FEEL physically better!

A growing body of research shows that simply being around greenery profoundly benefits both mind and body with results such as lowering blood pressure, improving mood and reducing the perception of pain.

Visit Payne’s North today and experience our newest space in full bloom.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT TREES?

ANOTHER GREAT QUESTION!

In this week’s archived show from previous years, the Garden Guru said that in February Entomologists and Arborists come to Albuquerque from all over the country for a two day symposium. 

When it comes right down to the importance of plants, trees really are at the top of the list. For instance, in our landscape, often times, they are the focal point. Trees keep the earth healthy. Because trees are larger than most other plants, they sequester the most carbon. Other benefits of trees are: they provide shade for us – they sequester carbon — they provide shelter for wildlife — they do so much for all of us and Mother Earth! Listen to Lynn’s tip on how he goes about diagnosing diseases of trees as he is shown a leaf.

You’ll have to listen to the Garden Guru to find out…

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE GARDEN GURU’S ARCHIVED RADIO SHOW ON THIS TOPIC.

HAPPY GARDENING!

by Sophie King with Idealhome UK Photos courtesy of Future PLC and Getty Images Houseplant enthusiasts looking for fresh ideas and inspiration, I have good news for you: predictions for 2026 houseplant trends are in, and they’re looking exciting. There’s a focus on intentional planting, jungle themes, and low-maintenance favorites taking centre stage – and if houseplant sales continue to grow as they did over the last year (an increase of 15%, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), indoor plants are shaping up to be more popular than ever. So, let’s get straight to it – here are all the 2026 houseplant trends you need on your radar for the year ahead.

1. JUNGLE PLANTS:  Jungle houseplants are set to be big this year, with the likes of monstera and dragon trees headlining 2026 houseplant trend predictions. ‘Leading the trend are Swiss cheese plants (Monstera) and dragon trees (Dracaena), prized for their bold, jungle-style foliage over more traditional architectural plants,’ says the RHS. ‘In addition, the RHS predicts calatheas, ferns and bonsai will continue to top the trends for 2026.’ This year, it’s all about statement foliage with eye-catching shapes and patterns, and with the right selection of indoor plants, you can create a jungle landscape in your own home.

2. Start Clearing Dead Stems You’ve likely left the stems of perennial plants standing over winter, both for garden structure and to provide wildlife with habitat and food. And do be judicious about what to clear, when, as those stems might still be doing a great job in either of those roles, depending on your zone. For most perennials, simply pull the dead stems from the crown or cut them close to the ground, or as close as you can without damaging any new growth. Perennials that shoot from below the soil surface, like peonies, can safely be chopped to ground level. Leave old growth on borderline-hardy perennials like penstemons until after your last frost date, as it’ll help insulate the plant. For evergreen perennials such as red hot pokers, simply remove any dead, diseased or damaged leaves.

3. SUSTAINABLE INDOOR GROWING Sustainable gardening isn’t just for the outdoors – experts think sustainable indoor growing practices will be a huge 2026 houseplant trend. ‘Sustainability is now a key focus,’ says Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres. ‘Growers are increasingly using recycled materials, natural fibres in compost, and traceable, sustainable production methods.’ If you’re keen to get going with this houseplant trend for 2026, it’s worth opting for pots made from recycled materials.

4. LOW MAINTENANCE MADE LUXE This one’s great for bad plant parents: unkillable houseplants.They’re expected to be more popular than ever in 2026, but low-maintenance doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style – and according to Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland, it’s the year of low-maintenance houseplants made luxe. ‘A rising generation of urban professionals is demanding stylish, fuss-free plants and flowers,’ says Monique from Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland. ‘Hardy species such as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Sansevieria and drought-tolerant succulents are set to headline 2026, alongside long-lasting floral staples such as anthurium blooms and hardy kalanchoe flowers.’

5. RARE HOUSEPLANTS This one’s great for bad plant parents: unkillable houseplants. Branching off of the jungle plant theme I talked about earlier, experts think that rare, unusual houseplants will be a prominent 2026 trend, too. It looks like indoor growers will be looking to expand their collections with varieties that impress guests and add intrigue to their indoor planting landscape. ‘We expect to see huge demand for rare and distinctive houseplants, something fresh and exciting that collectors can show off,’ says Andy from British Garden Centres. Plants like Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ from Crocus are a good place to start, but if you’re looking for a really rare houseplant, it’s worth exploring prized varieties like this White Ghost Variegated Monstera from Plants for all Seasons. By the way, Payne’s North just received a fresh shipment of Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ — so come by and see what all the royal fuss is about. LOL

Looking Back to Grow Forward: 50 Years of Landscaping New Mexico

HOST: The Native Plant Society of New Mexico
DATE: March 8, 2026 – 1:30 to 4 pm
LOCATION: Santa Fe Women’s Club, 1616 Old Pecos Trail

Moderator: Tracy Neal (Horticulturist)
Panelists: Judith Phillips (Judith Phillips’ Design Oasis)
Linda Churchill (Santa Fe Botanical Garden)
Charles Doerwald (El Toro Landscape)

CLICK HERE for more information and registration.

The weather has been odd with really warm weather for this time of year. We’ve definitely been having fluctuating degrees of weather, so Payne’s doesn’t recommend fertilizing any outdoor plants at this time. Fertilizing your plants will enhance and encourage NEW growth and a possible hard freeze may cause damage to the new buds. It’s not time yet.

Wait until towards the beginning of MARCH to start fertilizing, but keep an eye on the weather. It’s better to have more days above 45 or 50 degrees! 

Warmer and longer SUNNY days are ahead! We’ll let you know when it’s time and safe to start feeding your plants.

Bring your pick-up truck or dump truck and we’ll load you up — or we’ll deliver your mulch and compost to your home for an additional charge. Call us at 505-424-0336 for a quote on the cost for your delivery.

The staff at Payne’s Organic Soil Yard (POSY) includes well-known local mulch and compost expert Sam McCarthy. Sam’s depth of experience and knowledge, combined with top quality soils and mulches, makes POSY the best choice for all your yard and garden needs.

CLICK HERE for more information or call SAM if you have any questions regarding BULK soil, mulch, pumice or compost at 505-424-0336.

Purchasing seeds from Payne’s Nursery isn’t just about acquiring plant potential; it’s about embracing a tradition of excellence in gardening. With more than 74 years of experience and a commitment to quality, Payne’s Nursery offers a diverse selection of seeds meticulously chosen for optimal performance in our Northern New Mexico climate.

By choosing Payne’s, gardeners access not only top-tier seeds but also expert advice and guidance, ensuring success from seed to harvest.

Our 2026 seeds are here and our seed racks are stocked and ready – with plenty of varieties to choose from. Brands like: Botanical Interests, Lake Valley Organics, Peppers of the World and more!

STOP BY PAYNE’S NORTH TODAY!

Copyright Mark Parisi