In Memoriam: David Salman, Pioneer of Xeriscaping and Waterwise Gardening

In Memory of David Salman

David Salman—pioneer of waterwise gardening, passionate plant explorer, and charismatic storyteller—passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022. His commitment to cultivating beautiful waterwise plants transformed gardening in the American West.

Founder of Santa Fe Greenhouses, High Country Gardens, and Waterwise Gardening, David was an expert in waterwise gardening and xeriscaping. He received the 2008 American Horticultural Society Great American Gardeners Award. For decades, he promoted environmentally conscious practices, long before “organic” became a household word, and was a sought‑after speaker whose knowledge and passion inspired gardeners everywhere.

Armed with a degree in horticulture, a shovel, and a spirit of adventure, David began in 1984 with a single greenhouse in Santa Fe, NM. Through a focus on waterwise, native, and habitat‑friendly plants, his work inspired millions to garden sustainably.

David sought out and propagated unique species native to the Southwest and beyond. His explorations led to the introduction of more than 60 plants to the trade. In 1996, his introduction of Agastache rupestris became an instant sensation. Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ P.P. #22048 was patented in 2010 and remains a staple for designers.

An “off‑the‑wall plant nerd,” David’s passion began early, growing up between Houston, TX and La Cueva, NM. He graduated from Colorado State University in 1979 with a degree in Horticultural Science. In 1984 he founded Santa Fe Greenhouses to focus on cold‑hardy, drought‑tolerant plants, creating a legendary destination for gardeners.

David was a founding member of Plant Select®, a collaboration between Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens introducing plants that thrive in the Great Plains and Intermountain West.

To meet growing demand, David and his wife, Ava, launched High Country Gardens in 1993. Ava led the catalog and website, earning multiple industry awards. After nearly 30 years, the Salmans closed their garden centers in 2012 and sold the mail‑order business to like‑minded retailer American Meadows. David continued as Chief Horticulturist, and in 2013 returned to the Santa Fe market with a wholesale nursery, Waterwise Gardening, focusing on propagation and education.

Though he joked he spoke better to plants than people, David mentored countless horticulturists and plant lovers. His legacy lives on in the gardens he inspired.