Wisteria and lilacs flourish, and migrating hummingbirds return. Native grasses turn green. The cholla cactus explodes with magenta blossoms. Santa Fe does have big trees like cities elsewhere. Fruit trees, especially those bred to bloom late, thrive in backyards and in orchards where they can be watered.
Water always makes the difference.
Landscaping designed to conserve water is called xeriscaping, and you'll see many lovely examples of it in Santa Fe. While gardeners may not be able to grow the same things they did in Topeka or San Diego, hundreds of plants thrive in cultivation despite low rainfall and the city's restrictions on watering. If you're interested in native plants and how to grow them, visit a Santa Fe nursery. Most sell attractive and hardy flowers, shrubs, trees and grasses that survive just fine without much water. Santa Fe Botanical Gardens at the Community College, 438-1684, offers tours of established gardens and workshops for gardeners from beginners to experts.