By james art 
November 3 – Since its opening in 1965, the Inn of the Governors has been a
a treasured Santa Fe landmark offering visitors a warm mix
of Southwestern charm and hospitality for nearly six decades.
Known for its cozy, authentic Southwestern decor throughout
rooms and lobby, as well as the ever-popular Del Charro Bar and Grill,
the inn has also become a favorite spot for photographers.
It’s hard to go by without noticing the lively bursts of
color coming from the window boxes overflowing with season
flowers that catch the eye of anyone who passes by. Even
as the seasons change, the boxes thoughtfully transform,
ensuring that beauty remains throughout the season of passivity.
These window boxes are an instant attraction – that’s not unusual
to see people stop with their phones or cameras
capture these unexpected occurrences no matter the time of year.
This was my experience when I first visited Santa Fe
August 2009 As I marveled at the stunning Southwestern
landscape and architecture, my passion for botany drew me
to the unique greenery and vibrant blooms everywhere –
especially the striking containers in the Governors’ Inn.
I’ve wanted to meet the man behind them for years
breathtaking displays and earlier this month I finally got
opportunity. Kendall McCumber, owner of McCumber Fine
Gardens, has been in business since 1995 and during our
conversation, she shared the story of how this project came about
to life and the process behind it.
Kendall and her team designed the window
boxes and entrance planters in the inn since 2000. While
they choose the plants and color schemes each year, so do they
incorporating feedback from the inn manager. until 2010
Kendall sources the plants locally, but with a decline in horticulture
producers, she began to cultivate and grow her own.
Besides planting the boxes for the summer season, she
adds bulbs in winter to create a spring display. in May
the annuals he grows in his greenhouse are transplanted
in containers, fully preserving the characteristic charm of the inn
bloom from spring to fall.
The unique microclimate of Santa Fe combined with the effects
of climate change, represent a delicate balancing act that many
the landscapers are now up and Kendall and her team are not
an exception. They closely monitor these changing conditions,
which can significantly affect plant growth. “A few years, petunias
flourish, while other times the alyssum steals the show,” Kendall
explains. “It all depends on the weather and the environment
operating factors.” This adaptability ensures that each
season brings a fresh and sometimes diverse presentation.
So, the big question that everyone is asking – how to get
plants to grow so impressively large and so stunning
cascading fashion? One of the main reasons is the drip irrigation system,
which is essential for the full sun and high heat of
Parking at the inn. But, as Kendall points out, it’s not foolproof. her
the team must supplement by hand watering and regularly
nutrients to keep plants thriving. In fact, her crew can
spend up to a full day each week observing, feeding and
stop blooming. On the bright side, they don’t
to fight squirrels or rabbits!
In the fall, when the plants fade, the team replaces them
with attractively arranged branches and colorful, dried
Fall-themed florals keep the off-season fascinating
aesthetic. During the holiday season, Kendall often turns on
evergreen branches to enhance the theme.
In addition to the Inn of the Governors, Kendall and her
team designs container baskets and planters for
Plaza Café for the past three years – Santa Fe locals can
be especially familiar with their incredibly lush, abundant
containers adorning both the center and the south side
locations. She also greens the pots at El Sendero Inn.
She notes that the microclimate of these places is different
of those in Hana of governors, allowing unique
an assortment of plants in each site.
To contact Kendall or learn more about McCumber Fine
Gardens and their landscaping services, visit their website at
santafegardening.com. Their garden store located at 86 Old
The Las Vegas Strip in Santa Fe features unique garden decor
produce, containers, succulents and a variety of houseplants.
Summer hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 a.m
PM; check online for off-season hours.
Carol Aine Langral