90 Years of Los Poblanos: Experimental Farm and Dairy
Los Poblanos was a pioneering experimental farm in the 1930s and 1940s. Originally the home of Creamland Dairies, it played a crucial role in supplying Albuquerque with much of its milk and was renowned for its exceptional herds of Guernsey and Holstein cows. The ranch was instrumental in developing New Mexico’s dairy industry, setting a high standard for quality and innovation in the Southwest.
A sweet partnership between people and pollinators
We are thrilled to introduce our new honey collection, made possible through our partnership with Bear Canyon Honey. Bear Canyon embodies the interconnection of the hive by uniting beekeepers from Taos to Las Cruces and in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. Their work has helped build a strong network of local honey suppliers, support healthy ecosystems and celebrate a growing community of backyard beekeepers.
Farm Journal: Report from the lavender fields
The annual lavender harvest occurs during a brief window in July, dipping into late June and early August, depending on the year. It’s an all-hands-on-deck situation, with groups from all departments coming together to pitch in, enjoy each other’s company and soak up the lavender-scented early morning and evening hours overlooking the Sandia mountains. Our kitchen team has been holding their daily meetings in the fields while harvesting the culinary lavender. Groups from Makers & Merchants, Spa, Community & Cultural Events and more have been a huge help in expediting this year’s harvest.
90 Years of Los Poblanos: The Rose Greely Garden
Amid the bright blooms of late spring, we reflect on the 90 years of history preserved in the prolific gardens of Los Poblanos.
Spring Farm Update: Seeding, weeding and swimming in posies
Watching the gardens come to life each spring is a delight, but the season can be a challenging one in New Mexico. As our Farm Manager Judy puts it, “summer during the day, winter at night.” These extreme temperature fluctuations can be hard on tender plants. Even native varieties, like our asparagus, were freezing overnight and turning to mush this year.
90 Years of Los Poblanos: The Lord & Burnham Greenhouse
Ninety years ago, Los Poblanos was a model experimental farm and the original headquarters of the 800-acre ranch owned by congress members Albert Simms and Ruth Hanna McCormick Simms. Home to the original Creamland Dairies, it boasted one of the finest purebred herds of Guernsey and Holstein cows in the Southwest. Sugar beets, alfalfa, oats, corn and barley were all grown on the property and purebred rams were raised with the intention of helping sheep herders of the state improve their flocks. In 1934, a Lord & Burnham greenhouse was constructed and utilized by Ruth, an active garden club member who experimented with growing new varieties of roses and chrysanthemums to sell commercially.
A season to harvest, plan, and keep on planting
September is an exciting time of year on the farm as the variety and yields of the fields increase and summer vegetables and herbs reach their peak. Our team is busy clearing out fields, tilling and seeding with cover crops and a few overwintering vegetables. Each year we develop field rotation plans to determine what should be planted where, and which fields need a season off or with cover crops.
Farm Journal: As winter comes to a close
Farm favorites Mouse the cat and JD the peacock.Winter at Los Poblanos is a quiet, peaceful time of respite for our farm and grounds team. But as the days start to lengthen, the soil warms up and preparations for the growing season begin. Tilling, pruning, fertilizing and propagation are routine this time of year as we anticipate the arrival of spring.
Winter at the Hacienda Spa
As we settle into winter, our daily routines adapt to the daylight hours and we shift our self-care and skincare routines to align with the season. Whether you are searching for the perfect last-minute gift, planning your recovery from a busy holiday season or looking forward to a reset for the new year, the Hacienda Spa awaits. View our treatment menu, seasonal specials and wellness offerings to plan the ultimate luxurious experience.
Spend Winter on the Farm
From the first breath of crisp high desert air to the scent of piñon in the fireplaces, winter at Los Poblanos is nothing short of magical. Our restorative spa treatments, seasonal Rio Grande Valley Cuisine and 25 acres to explore make it easy to immerse yourself on the farm without ever turning on your car. Wander through the Farm Shop and discover our artisan lavender and Farm Foods collections, sign up for yoga, tours, dining events and more on our calendar. Trust us, a one-night stay won't be long enough.
Photo credit Caitlyn Ottinger.
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