Desert Sun Retreat 6/3/22 by LOCALiQ

June 3, 2022

DS-GCI0890175-01

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE ~ PAGE OPEN HOUSE GUIDE ~ PAGES 2215 ~ 23

2RE | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | THE DESERT SUN

RETREATS

LOOKING FOR SOME FAST FRIENDS? JOIN THE CLUB.

PRIVATE COUNTRY CLUB RESORT COMMUNITY WITH REES JONES GOLF, DINING, FITNESS, PICKLEBALL AND TENNIS. 24-HOUR GUARDED GATES WITH ROVING SECURITY

View available homes and more online at AndalusiaCC.com/Homes-For-Sale

81738 Andalusia

3,280 sq.ft. - 4BD 4.5 BA - $3,295,000

81845 Andalusia

4,126 sq.ft. - 4BD 4.5 BA - $3,775,000

SEVEN NEW MODELS UNDER CONSTRUCTION New & Resale Residences $1.1M to $3M | NEW SALES & DESIGN CENTER! Open Daily 9-5 La Quinta, California | 760.777.1000 | AndalusiaCC.com For Over 50 Years, Builder of America’s Finest Communities. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The purchase of a residence or homesite does not include a Premier Membership. Andalusia Homes Inc. CalDRE# 00865038

DESERTSUN.COM | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | 3RE

O NH

JEWEL IN PARK SAN RAFAEL 3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1,588 SQ FT | $775,000

OPEN HOUSE SAT 113, SUN 112 3 BEDS | 2 BATHS |1,532 SQ FT | $1,385,000

JOHN WHITE | 760.898.9692| DRE #01973171 664 E LILY STREET, PALM SPRINGS

SANDRA QUINN | 760.861.5150 | DRE #01391280 3529 LAS PAMPAS WAY, PALM SPRINGS

O NH

TUSCAN STYLE IN SOUTH PALM SPRINGS 3 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 2,108 SQ FT | $1,200,000

OPEN HOUSE JUNE 4 & 5 | 11:00 AM  2:00 PM 4 BEDS | 4 BATHS |2,486 SQ FT | $2,850,000

ENTERTAINMENT POOL HOME 4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 2,652 SQ FT | $699,999

TARI CLAY | 805.570.9432 | DRE #01280133 1787 MIRO CT, PALM SPRINGS

SANDRA QUINN | 760.861.5150 | DRE #01391280 675 E MESQUITE AVENUE, PALM SPRINGS

LAURA LAPIDES | 310.924.1352 | DRE #01381710 80514 PHILADELPHIA AVENUE, INDIO

VISTA LAS PALMAS DREAM HOME 4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 2,446 SQ FT | $2,249,000

MIDCENTURY ESCAPE 3 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 2,129 SQ FT | $1,297,000

INDIAN WELLS LUXURY 4 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 4,700 SQ FT | $1,895,000

LOUISE HAMPTON | 760.320.4586 | DRE #00802409 964 N TUXEDO CIRCLE, PALM SPRINGS

SANDRA QUINN | 760.861.5150 | DRE #01391280 500 W ARENAS ROAD #8, PALM SPRINGS

TARI CLAY | 805.570.9432 | DRE #01280133 75537 DESIERTO, INDIAN WELLS

WWW.BHHSCAPROPERTIES.COM ©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

4RE | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | THE DESERT SUN

RETREATS

OPEN HOUSES

DRE# 01325548 760.341.4141

VISIT BDHOMES.COM FOR MORE

• DESERT HOT SPRINGS •

• PALM DESERT •

OPEN: Sat 12:00pm-2:00pm

3BD/2BA Mission Lakes 8580 Annandale Avenue $450,000 James Whitney 917-319-4957 Sat/Sun 11-2

3BD/3.5BA Indian Ridge Country Club 368 Desert Holly Drive $970,000 DW & Associates 760-776-7070 Sat 1-3

• PALM SPRINGS •

• LA QUINTA •

1BD/1BA Ramon Mobile Park $250,000 Lisa Ferretti 415-290-8717

138 Hiawatha Street Sat 9:30-11:30

The Springs Country Club, Rancho Mirage 147 Columbia Drive • $1,195,000 • 3BD/3.5BA • 3042 SF The Encore Premier Group • David Tallman 760-285-5922

3BD/2BA Deepwell Ranch 1277 Primavera Drive $1,200,000 Alex Dethier 760-808-3300 Sat 11-1

3BD/4BA The Palms $1,425,000 Valerie Murphy 626-536-1378

56408 Palms Drive Sat 3:45-5:30

4BD/5BA The Palms 56025 Village Drive $2,295,000 Valerie Murphy 626-536-1378 Sat 12:30-2:30

OPEN: Sat/Sun 12:00pm-2:00pm

• COACHELLA •

• RANCHO MIRAGE • 3BD/3.5BA The Springs Country Club $1,195,000 David Tallman 760-285-5922

147 Columbia Drive Sat 12-2

3BD/3BA The Springs Country Club $1,375,000 Leslee Effler 714-222-0199

115 Columbia Drive Sat/Sun 12-2

3BD/1BA Coachella 52228 Nelson Avenue $300,000 Rocio Flores 760-578-9220 Sun 2-5 The Springs Country Club, Rancho Mirage 115 Columbia Drive • $1,375,000 • 3BD/3BA • 3088 SF Sat: Leslee Effler 714-222-0199 • Sun: David Tallman 760-285-5922

6BD/4BA Coachella $750,000 Rocio Flores 760-578-9220

84377 Redondo Sur Sun 10-1

Go With The Proven Desert Leader Bennion Deville Homes has the proven results to help you with your desert real estate needs. Whether buying or selling, we will Unlock Possibilities for you.

$3.1

$3B

BILLION

Additional $ volume not reported in MLS.

RESIDENTIAL SALES • NOTABLE BROKERAGES CLOSED SALES VOLUME • JANUARY - DECEMBER 2021

$2.5B $2B

$2.34 B

$1.5B

$1.27 B

$1B

$1.15 B

$826 M

$784 M

$727 M

$630 M

$500M $0

BDH BDH KW CP

Bennion Deville Homes Keller Williams Compass

HS HS CB

HomeSmart Coldwell Banker

SB BH

Sotheby’s Intl. Realty Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Source: Greater Palm Springs Multiple Listing Service, who are not responsible for its accuracy. Analysis dates are 01/01/2021 - 12/31/2021. Copyright ©2022 Real Data Strategies, Inc. All rights reserved. Does not reflect all results or all activity in the marketplace due to space limitations and editorial intent.

DESERTSUN.COM | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | 5RE

Bennion Deville Homes Working To Stock Supplies For Martha’s Village

ennion Deville Homes is working with Martha’s Village & Kitchen to stock up on supplies this summer. From now through Wednesday, June 29th, Bennion Deville Homes offices across the Coachella Valley are accepting donations of non-perishable, unexpired food items. All donations will go toward restocking the shelves of the Martha’s Village emergency food pantry, an essential source of critical supplies for hundreds of families throughout the desert. This service provides supplemental food support to over 800 family members each month. The organization is seeking items that can be eaten with little to no preparation. Gift cards for grocery stores are also welcome. Requested non-perishable items include: • Baby Formula • Bottled Water • Canned Meats and Fish (Tuna, Chicken, Pork, Chili, etc.) • Nuts • Bagged or Canned Beans • Pasta noodles & pasta sauces

• • • • • •

Chunky Soups & Ramen Canned Fruits & Vegetables Crackers Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Bars & Shakes Cereal

States Bob Deville, C.E.O. of Bennion Deville Homes, “We are happy to help Martha’s Village stock up on these critical supplies for the summer months and ease the stress that comes with seasonal demand at the emergency food pantry. Our goal is to make sure anyone in need in our local area has access to these essential goods so they may enjoy a nutritious meal. Martha’s Village plays a crucial role in serving our local communities, and we hope to help restock their supplies so they may continue to carry out their mission of assisting those with food insecurity as these difficult and unprecedented times continue.” ABOUT MARTHA’S VILLAGE & KITCHEN Martha’s Village & Kitchen is one of the largest providers of homeless services in the Coachella Valley and Riverside County. The organization began in 1990 when the founders served meals to their homeless neighbors. Today, from its campus in Indio, CA, Martha’s Village offers unique life-changing programs based on the nationally recognized “continuum of care model,” which breaks the cycle of homelessness by addressing its causes and symptoms. Through this gateway to hope, people regain their lives by becoming responsible, self-sufficient, and productive citizens while passing on their newfound independence and life skills to their children and families. Changing one person’s life can change generations of lives. Learn more about opportunities to donate and volunteer at www.marthasvillage.org ABOUT BENNION DEVILLE HOMES

Please bring any donations to one of 5 Bennion Deville Homes offices throughout the Greater Palm Springs Area. Offices accepting donations include: • Rancho Mirage, located at 71691 Highway 111

As a leader in the local community, and the desert real estate leader, Bennion Deville Homes strives to make the neighborhoods it serves a better place for all. Founded in 2001, Bennion Deville Homes serves home buyers and sellers throughout Southern California in the primary markets of the Greater Palm Springs Area (Coachella Valley) and Riverside and

• Palm Desert San Pablo, located at 44-530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite 101

San Bernardino counties. For the location of the Bennion Deville Homes

• Indian Wells, located at 74-910 Highway 111

office nearest you, visit our website, BDHomes.com. Follow us on major

• La Quinta, located at 47-350 Washington Street, Suite 101

social media platforms @BDHSoCal for real estate and lifestyle news.

• Palm Springs, located at 201 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 120

B D H O M E S .CO M • D R E # 0 1 3 2 5 5 4 8 • 76 0. 3 41 . 41 41

6RE | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | THE DESERT SUN

RETREATS

YO U R R E A L E S TAT E E X P E RTS I N L A Q U I N TA & G R E AT E R PA L M S P R I N G S

F E AT U R E D P R O P E R T Y

INDIO

Featured property represented by

DEVIN CARRILLO

760 409 4776 DRE License # 01944089

OPEN HOUSE SUN 1-4PM

4 BD/ 3 BA • 2,014 SF • $819,000 • 82992 Longfellow

PGA WEST

$750,000 • 3 BD/ 4 BA, 2,272 SF 56312 Pebble Beach

$1,695,000 • 3 BD/ 4 BA, 3,358 SF 80481 Spanish Bay

$450,000 • 2 BD/ 2 BA, 1,283 SF 54985 Tanglewood

$1,180,000 • 3 BD/ 3 BA, 2,101 SF 80260 Merion

$849,000 • 3 BD/ 3 BA, 1,918 SF 54481 Oakhill

Linda Olsen 760 485 6889

Dan Shaw 760 774 9513

Rick Parnell 360 280 4178

Marshall Harris | Betty Harris 760 250 9858 | 760 777 6555

Gregg Gard 310 592 8200

PGA WEST

SANTA ROSA COVE

PGA WEST

PALM DESERT

$680,000 • 3 BD/ 3 BA, 1,918 SF 54684 Shoal

$649,000 • 2 BD/ 2 BA, 1,330 SF 55008 Shoal

$739,000 • 2 BD/ 2 BA, 1,389 SF 77331 Camino Quintana

$650,000 • 3 BD/ 2 BA, 1,627 SF 54693 Inverness

$739,000 • 3 BD/ 3 BA, 1,627 SF 76642 Begonia

Linda Olsen 760 485 6889

Gregg Gard 310 592 8200

Martha T Brown 760 219 0915

Linda Olsen 760 485 6889

Carol-Lynne Mittelbusher Trish Moreland 760 449 6216 | 775 530 6908

7 6 0 . 5 6 4 .1 2 0 0

BUYING • SELLING • LEASING C A L I F O R N I A L I F E S T Y L E R E A LT Y. C O M | D R E # 0 2 0 6 3 3 5 9

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

DESERTSUN.COM | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | 7RE

! " # $ % & '! ()* +& & '! , - , - & . " / 0 1# 2 1,

$ % & ' ( % : ! " 3 * % : / 2 ))2 **) +& & : 1, = &)1* = & <! . 5 . 70* 1(! & 4 " <! > , ? ) *+, & * & - .# -

! ) 3 4 2 5 . 6 4 7 8 9: ; $ 4 " '! * 2) +& & " " 4 3 : : " .! $ . " / <! 3 "6 2 1, " #

/ ' % ) 0 1 & % : " 6 % : . "" $ " $ 6& . $ 2& "" & , ,1* (, +& & . " / ! "6 2 )! & ,72* $ : 6 222 4 " <! > 22 ? / ' % ) 1 ) * 2 - .# -

8RE | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | THE DESERT SUN

RETREATS

BIG DEAL You’re kind of a

AND IT’S ABOUT TIME THE WORLD KNOWS YOUR NAME. Build your presence with LOCALiQ’s digital marketing solutions. Social media marketing, SEO, and expert web design will all help get your business noticed online.

Do it all with just one partner!

Contact your sales rep today or visit LOCALiQ.com/BigDeal to get started.

BACKED BY DATA. POWERED BY INTELLIGENCE.

DESERTSUN.COM | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | 9RE

Ready to serve Available in five colors, Modern dinner plate sets are contemporary, fun and match any table décor. $42$84 at West Elm.

The classic pattern on this Puebla 12-piece dinnerware set was hand painted in Mexico City then digitally transferred onto the dishes. $118 at potterybarn.com.

Delicate florals are featured on Juliska’s Field of Flowers design, part of the line’s mix- and-match collection. $22 at bloomingdales.com.

Rustic outdoor plates re-create the texture and finish of stoneware, but are both scratch-resistant and shatterproof. Choose from five colors. $12.95 at Williams Sonoma.

Garden-party fancy, this set of four bamboo dinner plates can be paired with other pieces in the collection for a striking indoor or outdoor tablescape. $69 at markandgraham.com.

Sturdy melamine is perfect for outdoor entertaining USA TODAY NETWORK

Lightweight and break-resistant, melamine dishes are an ideal choice for patios, picnics and other outdoor festivities. With so many designs to choose from, the only problem is deciding which ones to buy. These Marin dinner plates are lightweight versions of Crate & Barrel’s popular stoneware line of the same name. Choose from solid and patterned designs. $9.95 at Crate and Barrel.

It looks like stoneware, but the Lancashire dinnerware set from Threshold is melamine. Choose from four colors to suit your table. $40 at Target.

10RE | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | THE DESERT SUN

RETREATS

Enchant your garden with gnomes Leigh Harrington

ple at Amazon for $22

Reviewed.com USA TODAY NETWORK

Enchant your garden with these La Jolie garden gnomes. LA JOLIE/REVIEWED

Dwarves, goblins, gnomes – it doesn’t matter what you call them, these creatures of myth and folklore were once confined to the mines, but these days they’re making headlines across neighborhood gardens. Yep, garden gnomes are trendy this year, in case you hadn’t noticed, and we’ve culled a list of our favorites. Whether you prefer a bearded version most grandmas would approve or you’re more inclined to the, well, interesting approaches, e.g. gangsta rapper garden gnomes, give this list a read and insert some personality around your plants. Here are some to shop right now.

1. La Jolie Muse Butterfly Garden Gnome Butterflies and glowing orbs – who could ask for a more enchanting character to accompany your pollinator plants? Made of resin, this foot-tall bearded fella sports a rosy nose and a hat of leaves. There’s a solar panel on his back, which soaks in the sun during the day and illuminates both the butterfly and the crystal he’s holding for up to 10 hours every night. Get the La Jolie Muse Butterfly Garden Gnome at Amazon for $40 This DesGully gnome enjoys reading. DESGULLY/REVIEWED

2. DesGully Reading Garden Gnome If Harry Potter were a garden gnome, this would be him. Black-rimmed, round glasses take up much of his face, encircling wide eyes that double as solar lights. Seated at 12 inches tall, this resin garden gnome reads a book in his lamp for 6 to 8 hours after dark, while a snail keeps him company. Get the DesGully Reading Garden Gnome at Amazon for $19

3. DWK Garden Gnome Couple

DWK gnomes come as a couple. DWK/REVIEWED

Just shy of 6 inches tall and made of resin, this garden gnome gets plural. They’re clearly enjoying old age, seated on a bench and holding a sign that reads, “Grow old with me, the best is yet to be.” Here’s to couples goals! Get the DWK Garden Gnome Cou-

4. Alpine Corporation Garden Gnome Holding Bird More classic than cute, this outdoor statue has the physique of Santa Claus, complete with the black buckled belt and boots. It’s made of polyresin and stone powder, and does not contain any lighting. He is, however, holding a blue bird. Get the Alpine Corporation Garden Gnome Holding Bird at Amazon for $16

5. Theresa’s Collections Flocked Garden Gnome

This Alpine Corporation gnome is more classic than cute. ALPINE CORPORATION/REVIEWED

Despite his perfectly groomed white beard and flawless mossy hat and coat, this 14-inch resin garden gnome looks like he’s ready to go dig in a mine with his spade and solar-powered lantern. Do keep him in the sun, though. Get the Theresa’s Collections Flocked Garden Gnome at Amazon for $35

6. Design Toscano Axle Grease the Biker Garden Gnome A skull-and-crossbones tattoo and overly rosy cheeks – he is holding a 40 – aren’t the only “gone bad” details in this garden gnome who’s riding a motorcycle and wearing shades and a black leather vest. Anyone who wants to jazz up their patch of earth, but wants to keep their edge, can go for this guy. Get the Design Toscano Axle Grease the Biker Garden Gnome at Amazon for $37

This Theresa’s Collection gnome has a perfectly groomed beard. THERESA’S COLLECTIONS/REVIEWED

7. Exhart Namaste Yoga Garden Gnome At 19 inches tall, this stone-hued (he’s made of resin) garden gnome makes a big splash on EXHART/ your outdoor zen retreat. REVIEWED He’s ditched the colorful paint and his shoes to sit lotus-style and inspire you to take an afternoon meditation break. Get the Exhart Namaste Yoga Garden Gnome at Amazon for $80 See GNOMES, Page 11RE

Jazz up your garden with a gnome from Design Toscano. DESIGN TOSCANO/REVIEWED

DESERTSUN.COM | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | 11RE

Gnomes Continued from Page 10RE

8. Bits and Pieces Out-the-door Tree Hugger Garden gnomes are on the move! Mount this escape artist midway up a tree and watch him as he climbs out a window en route back to your gorgeous garden. He’s 12 inches tall and has ears like Dopey, so you can’t miss him. Get the Bits and Pieces Out-thedoor Tree Hugger at Amazon for $30

9. By Mark & Margot Swedish Flocked Solar Gnome This escape artist is from Bits and Pieces. BITS AND PIECES/REVIEWED

This female spin on the traditional Scandinavian garden gnome has braids as long and as white as her counterparts’ beards. She’s ready to go plant some of her own flowers in her cottage plot, by day or by night with her solar powered lantern. Get the By Mark & Margot Swedish Flocked Solar Gnome at Amazon for $37

10. Bright Creations Paint Your Own Garden Gnomes If you’ve got a kid in the house, let them give your soon-to-be garden gnomes some personality. This DIY kit features two unpainted 5-inch-tall resin figures, and works with most paints (paint supplies not included). Get the Bright Creations Paint Your Own Garden Gnomes, 2 pack, at Amazon for $16 This Swedish Flocked Solar Gnome is available from Mike & Margot. BY MARK & MARGOT/REVIEWED

11. BigMouth Inc. Game of Gnomes Garden Gnome

12. Design Toscano Bigfoot

CREATIONS/REVIEWED

BIGMOUTH INC./REVIEWED

his back. It’s hard to say if this is a kidnapping or an escape in progress, but either scenario is unique and delightful. Get the Design Toscano Bigfoot at Amazon for $62

Gnomes meet Sasquatch in this whimsical design from Design Toscano. DESIGN TOSCANO/REVIEWED

5 quirky garden gnomes in case the seven dwarfs look doesn’t work for you 13. Qingo Tree Elves These mini, glow-in-the-dark alien elves will make your enchanted garden otherworldly with their green or blue hue and creepy black-hole eyes. Made of resin, they’re great for outdoor use, but, be warned, smaller than your average garden gnome. Get the Qingo Tree Elves (set of 20) at Amazon for $14

Glow-in-the-dark alien elves by Qingo will make your enchanted garden otherworldly. QINGO/REVIEWED

14. Rapper Garden Gnomes Like Rob Stark before him, this stern garden gnome sits upon The Iron Throne and makes a hilarious adornment for any Game of Thrones fan slash gardening enthusiast. The resin statue wields a shovel and, seated, is 9 inches tall. Get the BigMouth Inc. Game of Gnomes Garden Gnome at Amazon for $30

Bright Creations offers gnomes you can paint yourself. BRIGHT

Any “Game of Thrones” fan would appreciate this guy from BigMouth Inc.

If you’re enamored of mythical creatures, this garden statue celebrates two of the best. A 16-inch Sasquatch strides through your garden with four gnomes tucked under his arms and clinging to

Sculpted out of resin and hand painted, this lineup of hip-hop music icons brings ’90s gangsta rap to the garden. From Tupac, Easy E, and Snoop Dog to Biggie Smalls and Ludacris, there are no pointy hats and trailing beards for this crew, but there are chains aplenty. Get the Rapper Garden Gnomes at Blueblom starting at $19 The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews and more. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Rapper gnomes? Why gnot? By Blueblom. BLUEBLOM/REVIEWED

12RE | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | THE DESERT SUN

RETREATS

Gardening success means avoiding these common mistakes Jessica Damiano ASSOCIATED PRESS

Much of gardening is learned by trial and error – for many, mostly error. Planting a shade-lover in full sun isn’t likely to breed success, nor is letting your emotions run rampant at the nursery. But we’ve all been there, and the good news is we can learn from others’ mistakes as well as our own. First, we need to admit we’re not perfect. I’ll go first: Many years ago, I sowed a handful of morning glory seeds at the foot of the arbor surrounding my front gate. Labeled a “fast-grower” and “selfsower,” I was sure the vine would provide the lush foliage, flowers and instant gratification I wanted. Unfortunately, it did its job too well, and these days, I spend about a half hour every week during summer pulling up seedlings that pop up as far as 50 feet away. Ditto for my mint-planting debacle, which I smugly thought I could avoid by planting in a container set into the garden bed. Sure, that first summer was all sunshine and mojitos. But mint is a pot-jumper, and it spread with abandon via seeds as well as roots that emerged from the planter’s drainage holes and traveled underground. By the third year, I had to dig up the entire bed to remove it. I learned quickly to recognize invasive plants, even if they aren’t labeled as such. Here are five other common gardening mistakes – and how to avoid them.

Not testing soil Proper soil pH is the No. 1 ingredient for success, but there’s no one-sizefits-all number to strive for. Tomatoes, for instance, grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0-6.8. Blueberry plants, on the other hand, will likely turn yellow and produce scant, if any, fruit if the pH is higher than 5.5. That’s because nutrients are available to plants only at target pH levels, which vary for each type of plant. Test kits are relatively inexpensive and widely available at garden centers. Pick one up and test the soil in each garden bed individually, as the pH often varies even on the same property. A reading of 7.0 is considered neutral. Anything lower indicates acidic soil;

Drip-irrigation will direct water to roots, where it’s needed, instead of leaves, fruit and flowers. JESSICA DAMIANO PHOTOS VIA AP

higher, alkaline. The path of least resistance – and the best course of action – would be to select plants best-suited to your garden conditions. But suppose you need to reconcile your love of tomatoes with your soil’s low pH value? In that case, you can incorporate dolomitic lime (follow package directions) to raise the level. And just as lime raises the pH – or increases the alkalinity – of soil, amendments such as elemental sulfur will lower it (opt for pelleted over powdered, and again, follow directions).

Watering incorrectly Most garden plants require 1 to 11⁄2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. But leaving the work to a sprinkler, while suitable for the lawn, puts shrubs, annuals, perennials and edibles at risk. Mold, mildew, fungal and bacterial diseases spread as water becomes trapped between plant parts or splashes from infected leaves to healthy ones. Instead, snake a porous soaker hose or drip-irrigation system made of perforated plastic tubing over the soil surface. That will direct water to roots, where it’s needed, instead of leaves, fruit and flowers.

Skipping compost Compost is a gardener’s best friend: It improves the drainage of heavy clay soil, increases the moisture-holding capacity of sand and adds high-quality nutrients.

The practice of “volcano mulching” is detrimental to trees and often results in their slow death.

Incorporate generous helpings into new beds and borders, or add an amount equal to half the removed soil to individual planting holes.

Wrong plant, wrong place A plant labeled as needing “full sun” will likely disappoint if planted in part shade, and vice versa. And no matter how much you hope otherwise, “drought tolerant” will never mean “likes poorly-draining, soggy soil.” Selecting plants suited to your growing conditions will result in a betterlooking, healthier garden that requires less care and maintenance.

Improper mulching Mulch retains soil moisture, sup-

presses weeds and helps keep soil temperatures even, so it’s an essential component of every garden. Mulching improperly, however, can kill your plants. Always opt for a natural material such as shredded bark, wood chips, straw or pine needles, which will enrich the soil as they decompose. As a matter of routine, apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around plants. Keep the material 3 inches away from trunks and stems to avoid blocking air circulation and locking in moisture, which would result in rot. And never pile up mounds of mulch against tree trunks. The practice, often called “volcano mulching,” prevents air circulation and locks in moisture, which leads to suffocation and rotting over time. To avoid this, make sure the flare at the base of the trunk is always visible.

DESERTSUN.COM | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | 13RE

Growing, eating violas, 2022’s ‘herb of the year’ Rosanne Loparco Special to Utica Observer-Dispatch

flowers attract beneficials such as bumblebees and honeybees.

USA TODAY NETWORK - NEW YORK

Violas, also called Johnny jump-ups, are a cheerful sign of spring and early summer. These plants, Viola tricolor, have been around since ancient Greek times. Violas are smaller than their larger cousins, pansies, but they are a happy sign of a new garden season. They also are an edible flower if grown organically; blossoms can be used as colorful garnishes or decorations, and they have a wintergreen flavor when eaten.

Landscape uses Violas grow 6 to 8 inches tall, making them great for containers, window boxes or edging plants. They are perfect companions to spring-blooming bulbs. Viola

Plant needs Violas prefer part sun and well-drained soil. Space plants seven to 10 inches apart in the ground. Plants can self-sow, producing up to 50 seeds; however, they are not invasive. Plant them close together in a container or window box for a beautiful display. Water thoroughly about once a week. A slow release fertilizer a week after planting will promote flowering. You also can direct sow viola seeds into the garden. Violas are often linked to Cupid in Roman mythology; so, they are often associated with affection and love. The International Herb Association has named the viola, “Herb of the Year“ for 2022. Why not grow some this year?

2022 RETREATS

N E W A D S • N E W L O O K S N E W O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Please Provide to Us:

Oasis Country Club

1. Color photo of home to use

Oasis C.C. On-Site Sales

2. Agent Name and Color Photo, Broker Name, BRE#, MLS# & Company Logo.

Ofﬁce Is Open 10-4

3. Address of Home, City & a max. of 20 word description of your property.

Monday ~ Saturday

Starting at $99.99 per property! With Multiple weeks, as low as $74.99 each! Deadline/Space Reservations and Materials Due: 5pm Wednesday

For more information call (760) 778-4517 or email realestateads@the desertsun.com DSGCI0843531-04

Jeff Overman Cal BRE# 1478355

Rae Crogan

Cal BRE# 1467819

Office # 760-200-0522 The Oasis CC is member owned and operated

Violas grow 6 to 8 inches tall, making them great for containers, window boxes or edging plants. GETTY IMAGES

14RE | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | THE DESERT SUN

RETREATS

Your customer’s journey is complex.

Marketing to them shouldn’t be.

w ² Learn more at localiq.com/sayhello

DESERTSUN.COM | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | 15RE

To list your open house visit: DesertSun.com/ohg

OPEN HOUSES INDIO

Indio

SHADOW RANCH, GREAT FAMILY HOME 83315 SKYLINE TRL RD. $618,800. SAT 11-2, SUN 12-3 4BD/3BA+DEN, 2,913SFDETACHED CASITA, Agent Rosenthal & Associates CalDRE# 00475083 760-413-0286

Plan your tour online! Search our open house directory at desertsun.com/homes

16RE | FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | THE DESERT SUN

RETREATS

Toscana. This is where it gets good.

VIEW VIRTUAL MODEL HOMES & PROPERTIES ONLINE AT TOSCANACC.COM

75644 Via Cortona

3,724 sq. ft. • 4 BD 4.5 BA • $2,695,000

76238 Via Chianti

4,064 sq. ft. • 4 BD 4.5 BA • $2,895,000

76461 Via Chianti

2,850 sq. ft. • 3 BD 3.5 BA • $2,450,000

Luxury Properties & Estates Available

36 HOLES OF JACK NICKLAUS SIGNATURE GOLF | SPA BELLA VITA | CASUAL & FINE DINING SPORTS CLUB, TENNIS, PICKLEBALL | 24-HOUR GUARDED GATES WITH ROVING PATROL All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The purchase of a residence or homesite does not include a membership at Toscana nor any rights to use the private Club facilities. Toscana Homes Inc. CalDRE# 01039791

760.772.7000 | toscanacc.com