July 1, 2022

David Salman, horticulturist, educator, supporter, and friend, was an invaluable contributor to our city, Northern New Mexico, and gardeners everywhere who shared his passion for plants.  We were deeply saddened by his passing on June 5th, 2022. He will be missed but his spirit of loving and caring for nature lives on in the gardens he inspired us to create and through Waterwise Gardening, where Ava Salman and the incredible staff will continue to “discover, propagate, and grow”.

For many years David generously shared his expertise through programs and classes at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. This spring we were honored by his offer to consult with Linda Churchill, Head Gardener, in a creative horticultural collaboration for ideas for new plantings. We will soon share more about the new collections developed from this wonderful opportunity, planted this past May in our xeric, rose & lavender, and pollinator gardens.

In his words about the project there is a message for all of us who live in this region and share his commitment to our sustainable future. “I feel the gardens are an essential part of the city’s cultural diversity and that updating and diversifying the plantings there will continue to make the garden an inspiration for locals and visitors. Gardening and planting trees should be at the forefront of local and regional efforts to mitigate Climate Disruption, demonstrate that water conservation is part of the Southwest style landscaping, and restore the beauty of Santa Fe after years of drought.”

In Memoriam | David Salman, Pioneer of Xeriscaping and Western Gardening
High Country Gardens

We lost a giant — David Salman, 1957-2022
Santa Fe New Mexican, June 10, 2022

In Memory of David Salman
Santa Fe Cactus and Succulent Club, June 19, 2022

Local horticulturalist David Salman grew plants and raised up a community
Santa Fe New Mexican, June 13, 2022

David Salman’s Lasting Horticultural Legacy
Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners, July 1, 2022