File:Courtyard Apricot Tree at Old Santa Fe Trail Building NHL Landscape (38a142a8-0cb6-4a12-89cd-3a65c34dab8b).JPG

White flowers bloom on the branches of a tall fruit tree with vase-like branches, growing in the corner of a shaded building courtyard. Turf, shrubs, a fountain, and patio furniture are also in the courtyard in front of the tree.

Construction of the Old Santa Fe Trail Building and landscape began during the New Deal era in 1937 and was completed by 1941. The central courtyard is the primary interior landscape of the site. It functions as a social gathering spot for visitors and employees and has been used for special use gatherings by outside groups. The courtyard is typical of the Spanish plaza landscape, and vegetation within the courtyard is a common feature to plazas throughout New Mexico. Naturalized and exotic fruit trees were planted to reflect plantings of Colonial Spanish plazas. Peach, pear, apple and apricot trees provide spring blossoms and shade. Many of the native tree species as well as a few cultivated fruit trees are original and contribute to the landscape's significance.

• Keywords: Apricot tree; fruit tree; plaza; Old Santa Fe Trail Building; Spanish Colonial