GREEN pages Fall 2019
Preparing your Garden for Winter
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DECORATIVE ROCK & HARDSCAPES • Pavers • Flagstone • Wall Block • Stepping Stones • River Rock • Boulders • Bulk Soil • Bulk Sand
•Create a Maintainable and Drought Tolerant Landscape •Use Flagstone for a Beautiful and Unique Walkway
Decorative Rock Yards Nevada
Arizona
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Kingman
Dixie
2600 West Ann Rd. (702) 216-7837
4140 Stockton Hill Road (928) 757-STAR (7827)
1335 South Dixie Dr. (435) 673-9523
5380 Blue Diamond Rd. (702) 444-7837
Fort Mohave
8725 South Eastern Ave. (702) 407-2470
6325 Hwy 95 (928) 788-STAR (7827)
Pahrump
Lake Havasu
911 Buol Rd. (775) 727-5300
1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. (928) 505-7625
St. George 1145 West Sunset Blvd. (435) 688-STAR (7827)
DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
CO NT EN TS Our Staff
Editor-in-Chief Mackenzie Vesp Art/Design Doug Ryan Taylor White Contributing Writers Paul Noe Terry Newcomb MS Shawn Watt Joey Lynn Watt Mackenzie Vesp Annette Larsen
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Gardener’s Fall Calendar
06
Fall Recipe
09
Fall Flowers
12
UNLV Football
07
Got Gnats?
10
Who says Dr.s Don’t Make House Calls?
16
Remembering Ken Nakabayashi
18
Preparing Your Garden for Winter
19
Summer is Winding Down
20
Cotton Mill
22
Community Partners
Star Nursery All Stars
23
it’s survived a civil war skirmish, Five tOrNadOes, aNd eiGht GeNer atiONs OF Gr aNdkids. But a siNGle BOrer iNFestatiON cOuld kill this tree iN 30 daYs.
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BEST SOLUTIONS
Garden Centers Las Vegas, NV Ann Road & Simmons 2600 W. Ann Rd. North Las Vegas, NV 89031 (702) 216-STAR (7827) West Cheyenne & Tenaya 7330 W. Cheyenne Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 253-STAR (7827) W. Charleston Blvd. & Cimarron 8170 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89117 (702) 360-STAR (7827) W. Tropicana & Fort Apache 9480 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89147 (702) 278-STAR (7827) Boulder Hwy. & E. Tropicana 5340 Boulder Highway Las Vegas, NV 89122 (702) 435-STAR (7827) S. Eastern & Pebble 8725 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123 (702) 333-STAR (7827) Blue Diamond & Lindell 5380 Blue Diamond Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89139 (702) 444-STAR (7827)
Pahrump, NV Buol Rd. & Hwy. 372 911 Buol Rd. Pahrump, NV 89048 (775) 727-5300
Star Nursery has been privately owned and operated for 36 years. We are proud to be the premier garden center for all your landscaping needs. Currently, we operate in Southern Nevada, Southern Utah and Northern Arizona with a total of 16 Garden Centers and 9 Decorative Rock Yards. We cater to both residential and commercial clientele. Star Nursery offers the best in garden supplies. From a large assortment of trees to shrubbery, drought tolerant plants, succulents and houseplants, we have landscape material to suit anyone’s lifestyle. We offer the largest and most complete line of products that include irrigation supplies, gardening accessories, yard tools and our very own exclusive line of Dr. Q’s Garden Products. This line of products consists of soils and fertilizers that are specifically formulated to help you succeed with your gardening efforts in the Southwest Region. We also carry a selection of hardscape products ranging from flagstone to pavers to decorative rock and bulk soils. Find everything you need to maintain a beautiful landscape or garden space. We pride ourselves in giving our customers the right price and best advice.
Star Nursery -Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing Since 1983.
Lake Havasu, AZ Lake Havasu Ave. & College Dr. 1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (928) 505-ROCK (7625)
Kingman, AZ Stockton Hill Rd. & Gordon Dr. 4140 Stockton Hill Rd. Kingman, AZ 86409 (928) 757-STAR (7827)
Fort Mohave, AZ Hwy. 95 & Boundary Cone Rd. 6325 Hwy. 95 Fort Mohave, AZ 86426 (928) 788-STAR (7827)
Mesquite, NV
Bullhead City, AZ
Commerce Cir. & Pioneer 549 Commerce Cir. Mesquite, NV 89027 (702) 613-4770
Mohave Dr. & Miracle Mile 1579 Mohave Dr. Bullhead City, AZ 86442 (928) 758-STAR (7827)
St. George, UT Sunset Blvd. & Bluff St. 1145 W. Sunset Blvd. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 688-STAR (7827) Dixie Dr. & Gubler Ln. 1335 S. Dixie Dr. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 674-STAR (7827)
Washington, UT Telegraph Rd. & 500 W. 385 W. Telegraph Rd. Washington, UT 84780 (435) 986-0820
Gardener’s Fall Calendar SEPTEMBER • Fertilize: Spend Labor Day fertilizing your lawn, roses, citrus, and fruit trees. • Plant: As the weather cools down, it’s a great time to plant those cold-hardy cactus’ & succulents. Fall is the time for new growth, so start planting your favorite trees and shrubs. Other great items to plant are tomatoes, artichokes, peppers and beans. • Treating Iris’: Divide and transplant iris. • Watering Schedule: With less sun comes less watering. Make sure to adjust your controller for less frequent watering. We suggest watering trees and shrubs only 2 days a week. • Winter Annuals: Now is the time to prepare your flower beds for winter annuals. Mix in fresh organics like Dr. Q’s PayDirt™!
OCTOBER • Shrubs: Help your shrubs harden-off for winter by reducing watering frequency further. • Planting: Plant cool-season annuals and vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and radishes. It is still a good time to continue planting hardy trees and shrubs! • Frost is Coming: Purchase burlap, frost cloth and cactus-covers for the arrival of frost. Get to stores early while supplies last. • Harvest: Now is finally the time when you can harvest pomegranates! You know pomegranates are perfectly ripe when their outer shell is red to reddish brown in color. • Weeds: Deal with winter weeds now. Put out Amaze pre-emergent herbicides, especially on rockscapes.
NOVEMBER • Frost is Here: Begin checking the forecast for freeze warnings. Now is your last chance to pick up burlap and protect your plants from the harsh weather coming. The average first frost typically arrives in mid-November. Plants must be protected when temperatures drop below 28°F. • Potted Plants: When in doubt about cold sensitivity, bring potted succulents indoors. If there’s a cool breeze, don’t let them freeze. • Cactus Care: During this time of year, watering for most cacti should be deep, but less than once a month. • Clean Up: Make sure to gather fallen leaves and get them away from shrubs. This will stop the spread of disease. • Harvesting: Harvest Mexican limes and another citrus as they ripen. Do not leave them to freeze on the tree as the cold weather approaches.
football A
s UNLV plays their final football season in Sam Boyd stadium, it only seems right to reflect on the history this field has had on the community. Originally known as the Las Vegas Stadium in 1971, holding approximately 15,000 people, it has always been home to Rebel football. Over time the stadium name has changed from Las Vegas Stadium to Las Vegas Silver bowl in 1978, then Sam Boyd Silver Bowl in 1984, and lastly Sam Boyd Stadium in 1994. With its new renovations of artificial turf and larger maximum occupancy of 40,000, Sam Boyd Stadium will always be a historical site in UNLV’s history. In 2020 UNLV home football games will be held in the Raider’s Stadium. What exactly Sam Boyd Stadium will be used for is still uncertain but one thing we do know is that it will always be a representation of where UNLV started. Star Nursery has been sponsoring UNLV football for over 25 years and we are excited to continue that support during the upcoming seasons. Come be a part of history and watch UNLV football for their last few home games at Sam Boyd Stadium!
GO REBS!
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Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Serves: 6
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 Hour
Ingredients: • 1 – 3 lb. sugar pumpkin, halved, seeded and quartered • 2 red bell peppers, quartered • 1 Granny Smith apple, quartered and seeded • 6 fresh thyme sprigs • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 large sweet onion, chopped • 4 cups vegetable stock • 6 fresh sage leaves • ½ cup heavy cream • 3 tablespoons pepitas
Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. 2. Place pumpkin, bell peppers, apple and thyme in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently toss to combine. 3. Place into oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until pumpkin is fork-tender, stirring at halftime; let cool, then remove skins. 4. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in pumpkin, bell peppers, apple, vegetable stock and sage. 5. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes. Puree with an immersion blender. Stir in heavy cream; season with salt and pepper, to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable stock as needed until desired consistency is reached. 6. Serve immediately, garnished with pepitas, if desired.
got gnats? In your Houseplants and around sinks
IDENTIFICATION
Ever have a bunch of tiny flies or gnats flying around while trying to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea? Most of us have, and these little pests are the toughest things to eliminate. Let’s get started by knowing a bit more about them. There are three common varieties of gnats known as Fungus gnats, Shore flies, and Moth flies that try to make your home unlivable. They thrive on damp and decaying vegetation, algae, fungi, and other organic material. If you are watering your houseplants a bit too often, or you have leaky gaskets in your sinks causing these areas to be wet all the time, you may have gnats.
Fungus Gnat
Fungus gnats infest the soil in your houseplants. Their larvae feed on the organic matter and the roots. You may be annoyed by all the ones flying around your home, but where the real trouble and where the solution will be found is right there in the soil of your houseplants. Shore flies live in or on algal scum or very wet, decomposing organic matter which are common in greenhouses and outdoor areas where conditions are damp. These are much less common inside your home. Moth flies commonly occur in bathrooms or kitchens, where larvae feed on muck in shower and sink drains, try using a fruit fly trap.
Moth Fly
Star Nursery provides three easy products that will rid your plants of gnats and prevent them from coming back. Bonide Systemic Insect Granules should be used when you water the soil and anything that bites into the plant will die. Use Bonide Eight Houseplant Spray at night when the bugs return to the houseplants. The last product we suggest is SpringStar Aphid & Whitefly Trap which is a sticky trap that you put on top of the soil to catch the gnats. DAMAGE Adult Fungus gnats, Shore flies, and Moth flies are primarily a nuisance. Fungus gnats and Moth flies can both enter buildings as flying adults and develop indoors through all life stages. Shore flies however, are not likely to reproduce indoors. None of these gnats bite and they are not known to carry disease risk for humans though they may spread plant disease.
Shorefly If you are unable to determine what kind of fly you have, take samples to your local Star Nursery for help in identification.
Only the Fungus gnats’ larvae are likely to lead to plant damage as they feed on plant roots. The fiber-sized roots, that are so important for nutrition uptake, are especially vulnerable and their loss can result in stunted growth. Significant root damage occurs if large populations become established. It is in moist and organic-rich soil where this occurs, so your watering practice needs to be reviewed. Abundant quantities of Shore flies will leave unsightly insect debris droppings on the foliage. These rarely feed on roots, so this type of damage would be unusual. They have been known
to spread soil dwelling pathogens, so they do present some risk to plant health. Shore flies are often confused with Fungus gnats. These two pests will frequently appear at the same time. Of the two, Fungus gnats are a more serious problem due to their appetite for roots.
closed lid containers to prevent it from becoming infested with gnats. Minimize organic debris around buildings and plant areas where larvae might feed. Avoid fertilizing with large amounts of manure, blood meal or similar organic nutrients.
Moth flies will generally feed off the algae inside drain pipes and be quite annoying by their presence. Moth fly larvae sometimes chew plant roots in greenhouses, but even this is not common. Because they will not damage plumbing or really cause any problems for plants either, Moth flies are much less of a concern.
ELIMINATING GNATS But what type of control can we use after the gnats have become established?
LIFE CYCLE All three flies develop through the typical four stages: egg, larvae, pupa and adult. And all three will produce many generations each year. Outdoors they are most common during spring in Southwest desert areas. They occur anytime of year in moist indoor houseplant soils. The mature gnats do not feed much, nor do they live that long. They basically only consume liquids. The tiny eggs and pupae thrive in damp soil or other places where the larvae will feed. PREVENTING GNATS It’s usually impractical to think we can keep these pests out of our homes through screening and closed doors, though doing this will certainly minimize their initial presence. Because these gnats thrive in moist, organic soil, and in some cases leaky sink areas, we need to do our best to eliminate these conditions. Most houseplants do not need watering more than once per week. More often than this, not only invites these pests to become established in your home, but often damages the plants. Overly wet soil prevents plant roots from taking in oxygen, which they need to do to convert the sugars back into energy for growth. Eliminate free standing water, repair and clean up plumbing leaks. When buying potting soil, avoid using incompletely composted organic matter. Incomplete composting does not sterilize the soil and hence is often infested with fungus gnats. Store potting soil in
Most of these Fungus gnats’ life span is spent as larvae in organic matter or soil, so most control methods target these immature stages of the pest and not the mobile annoying and short-lived adults. A very effective chemical control can be found with BioAdvanced Rose and Flower Insect Killer. Apply this to the surface of the soil and then water in thoroughly or mix into the watering can, and then apply into the soil. Always read the label thoroughly and follow directions. This insecticide controls the larvae and hence the mature insects soon cease to exist. Houseplants are a wonderful addition to the home. They add beauty, warmth and oxygen. With a little training on care they are easy to grow and enjoy. Being able to control and eliminate one of the undesirable elements of growing houseplants can make a huge difference in our enjoyment of them.
A
s the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop we are inspired to brighten up our patios and landscapes with vibrant fall flowers. Living in the Southwest desert, where we enjoy traditionally mild winters, gardeners can choose from a wide variety of annual and perennial favorites that will thrive and bloom through the cold months and right into the middle of the spring season. Here are some examples of colorful, cool-season bloomers that will shine on:
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Viola (Viola tricolor) and Pansy (Viola wittrockiana)
Many gardeners have a childhood memory when it comes to Snapdragons. They are named for blossoms that open and close like the mouth of a dragon when pinched in just the right way. The medium and tall varieties can add dramatic height to a flower bed or container. There is also a dwarf variety that blooms early and can create a nice border or a carpet of flowers when planted en masse. Curb appeal is something you can really count on with this heavy blooming beauty. They do require at least 6 hours of sunlight for best performance so choose the right location for rewarding results.
Imported into the United States from Europe in the 1700’s – Violas were first on the scene and continue to be tougher than Pansies in many ways. The smaller blooms are abundant and sturdy. Both Violas and Pansies are very tolerant of cold weather and will bloom long after the desert spring heat returns. They are very recognizable and provide the brightest winter show in a vast array of colors. This makes them great little workers as they attract pollinators to your garden.
Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) Alyssum is usually considered a spring flower but it is very long-blooming for us desert-dwellers and it will survive a light frost without any issues. Blooms will slow as the winter temperatures settle in but with a little sunshine and fertilizer they will bounce right back in the early, warm days of spring. Alyssum is extremely fragrant and eagerly re-seeds to create a border or fill the nooks and crannies in flower beds and containers. It is available not only in white but in many shades of pink, lavender and purple. Location is very important for successful Alyssum. It is not a good choice for poorly draining soil or shady areas.
Stock (Matthiola incana) Just when some flowers start to slow down for the winter – Stock really hits its stride. This plant relies on cooler temperatures to set buds. Old-fashioned stalks of purple, pink, red and white are highly fragrant and covered in blossoms. Plant breeders are always improving this plant to hold up in the heat. If you have had bad luck with Stock in the past it might be time to give it another try. To extend the bloom season - afternoon shade will be appreciated when warm weather arrives.
~Annette Larsen
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Not only are the cheerful yellow and orange blossoms of Calendula spectacular for autumn plantings – they are truly “beneficial” bloomers. First introduced to North America in the 1600’s for medicinal qualities such as healing, antiinflammatory and anti-viral properties – Calendula is still regarded as a useful tool in homeopathic practices today. One of the qualities that flower gardeners prize – rabbits hate Calendula! Deadhead Calendula flowers often to keep them producing flowers and to keep your flower bed looking tidy.
N Available O W In Stores
Garden Centers
Recycling is SMART! Do your part and be rewarded! Bring in your empty black plant pots and receive IN-STORE CREDIT toward future garden purchases.
We accept the following sizes: • 1 Gallon..........................5¢ per pot • 3 Gallon........................10¢ per pot • 5 Gallon........................25¢ per pot • 15 Gallon.......................60¢ per pot
I bet you thought doctors making house calls is a thing of the past or you feel that one-on-one service just isn’t practiced anymore. Then let me introduce you to Paul Noe, also known as Dr. Q, a plant “Dr.” who still does House Calls. You might recognize Paul from his weekend TV segments, where he gives seasonal horticultural advice. You may have heard him speak at the Rose Society, or maybe you have attended a seminar at one of the Star Nursery locations. Paul is a Certified Horticultural Adviser, who received his certification under the close supervision of great horticultural experts like Bob Morris and the late Linn Mills by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension in 1993 as well as becoming a member of the Nevada Board of Agriculture in 2009. Paul has worked for Star Nursery since 1988 but his career in the nursery industry started in 1964, at the age of 15. By 19 he completed the California Certified Nurseryman program. While in Southern California, Paul managed three different retail locations it’s happy”. Each one of these examples reflect a very real and possibly very serious symptom that must be addressed for the health and longevity of the plant. Sometimes the only way to address these issues is to have a professional come out to see the plant 1st hand, make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. Sometimes it’s even necessary to send out soil, bark or foliage samples to a plant pathologist (to diagnose disease) or the state agricultural department’s entomologist (to identify insects). Dr. Q’s House Calls are not just available in the Las Vegas Valley. Star Nursery is proud to offer Dr. Q’s House Calls in all states where there is a Star Nursery location. We have knowledgeable staff available in Utah and Arizona who are trained to give advice that is unique to these areas. For a service fee you will receive up to one hour of consultation. To set up an appointment, email- housecalls@starnursery.com or visit your local Star Nursery location.
for Nurseryland Garden Centers. In 1977, Paul moved to Northern California where for the next 4 years he worked for a wholesale grower of native plants, he was involved in sales, purchasing and transportation. In 1982, Paul relocated to Las Vegas and was asked by a former employer to oversee two Springtime Growers/wholesale locations, where he met Craig Keough, future owner of Star Nursery. In 1988 When Springtime Growers was sold to Star Nursery, Paul stayed on as store manager and later became operations manager of Star Nursery. Paul’s wife Donna also worked at Springtime Growers as a manager and later became a Star Nursery store manager. Your next question might be, “Why would I need a House Call from one of Star Nursery’s qualified doctors?” A simple answer to that question is, plants struggle with disease, insect infestations, malnutrition, dehydration, growth delay, seasonal stress and even the familiar but very complicated “My plant just doesn’t look like
REMEMBERING Ken Nakabayashi
O
n March 17th, Ken Nakabayashi passed away suddenly at age 61. For the past seven years, Ken Nakabayashi was our companies transportation director and decorative rock buyer. Ken had a true love for trucking. He spent most of his adult life owning or managing various transportation companies. Ken was born in San Jose, CA, but grew up in Ajo, AZ where he developed that passion. Upon graduating high school Ken decided to join the military. He enlisted in the Army and served from 19751979. After his four years of service, he was honorably discharged and relocated to Honolulu. He worked for a tour bus company and then he transferred to Maui and became the general manager of Trans Hawaiian. In 1982, while at the Maui Beach Hotel in Kahului, Ken met Connie and one year later they married in Las Vegas. This became their home, where they started a pallet business and eventually a family. Ken and Connie had a daughter (Sara) in 1986, Ken also had another daughter (Desiree). In 1991 Ken moved his family back to Maui to start his own trucking company. Due to a poor economy, Ken made the decision to return to Las Vegas and settle down for good. Ken went to work for Reyburn Landscaping where he stayed until the company was sold. Once again, Ken started his own trucking business hauling rock for the construction industry which included Star Nursery. He named his new company CSK, an acronym representing his family. In 2012, we approached Ken about coming to work for Star Nursery, he accepted and immediately became our rock and trucking guru. If you’ve ever been driving along the freeway and have passed one of our big Star Nursery delivery trucks, chances are Ken had a hand in buying that truck. Ken would spend hours daily with Star Nursery owner, Craig Keough, planning the acquisition of each piece of equipment. Most of the purchases were done through physical and online auctions. Ken would sit at his computer for hours bidding on equipment. When he wasn’t at his desk, he would listen and watch the auction on his smart-phone. Ken’s wisdom of rock and dirt hauling was extensive. He had strong relationships with every miner in the southwest and even stronger relationships with their respective hauling companies. Six days a week Ken was always the first one to arrive and the last one to leave the office. He would tell me about his hobbies which included flying drones and building model trains, but I could never figure out where he found time to do it all. On Sundays, he would enjoy taking rides with Connie out to the desert to look at new mining operations. The guy never stopped! Ken was one of a kind. He wouldn’t let anything, or anyone get in his way of taking care of the customer and getting their loads delivered. As a matter of fact, I can’t remember Ken ever getting frazzled by anything. He would just keep on keeping on!
By Shawn Watt
I could talk forever about Ken and the time he was with us… He helped build and shape our transportation company and how we’ll buy rock moving forward. I speak for all of Star Nursery when I say, Ken will always be remembered, and his voice will truly be missed.
I
Preparing your Garden for Winter
t’s time to start thinking about preparing your garden for winter. Winterizing not only makes your garden look better during the cold weather months but will make for less work in the spring. You can take steps to protect your less hardy plants from the cold and keep disease at bay.
Winter garden clean-up
Start your clean-up by removing fallen leaves, weeds and spent annuals. For evergreen shrubs and trees, remove any leaves that look diseased. Be careful pruning after October as it generally will stimulate new growth just as the cold weather is about to start. Prune off only diseased branches or suckers. Growth will be slowing so don’t worry about shaping things.
Winterizing Your Shrubs and Trees
A fair portion of our desert landscapes are trees and shrubs. Fall is a great time for you or your tree specialist to look at these plants. When the leaves have fallen, any dying or diseased wood is revealed and should be removed. Sure, it’s one more chore, but when that big old branch drops and damages your car you’ll wish you’d done it. Thinning your trees allows more air into the canopy and can prevent disease. The first issue in protection is plant health! Proper irrigation, deep but infrequent watering and a good quality fertilizer application are just the ticket to helping assure your yard will survive winter with little to no damage. Healthy plants resist damage from cold and wind much better than those that are stressed. Do not keep watering your plants frequently - you are asking for trouble. The second thing you want to do is mulch. Putting a two-inch layer of mulch around the base of your plants will keep their roots much warmer throughout the winter. Though some of the foliage may die from the cold, the heart of your plants (their roots) will be snug and safe. If you have plants that are very frost tender (like bougainvillea) take an old nursery can, cut the bottom out and slit the side. Place this around the base of your frost tender plant and fill it with mulch. Leave it there through the winter, but don’t forget to remove it in the spring.
What about planting and transplanting?
Fall is an ideal time to move or remove plants if you feel that they are not doing well in their current location. Plant things like bulbs, as well as cold hardy shrubs and trees. It’s also a good time for dividing many types of perennials. Division not only maintains the health of many of your plants, but it’s also an easy way to propagate your plants so that you’ll have more coverage next season. Look at your Irises. If they have grown larger than you’d like, separate a few of the rhizomes and re-plant them elsewhere, or remove the older sections and leave only the new plants for next season. Finally, look around to see if your landscape needs more fall blooms or some winter color. If it looks a bit colorless now, you may want to add some late flowering plants, like Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan), Buddleia (Butterfly Bush), Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon), Cotinus coggygria (Smoke Tree), or Hydrangea. You don’t have to wait until next spring to plant them. Many cold hardy shrubs are perfectly happy with a late planting and will use the extra winter to build up a bigger root system; it’s like getting almost another year into your plant.
Early Frost? Be ready!
When there is frost in the forecast or the temperature consistently starts to drop to the low 40’s or mid-30’s (Fahrenheit), take action for those frost tender plants that you have. It may not seem like burlap could do much to keep a plant from freezing, but the freezing process is initiated by very small particles of moisture landing on the leaf and freezing, then beginning a chain-reaction of crystallization within the leaf. Stop the moisture and stop the reaction. If we get freezing temperatures in the fall be ready with burlap for your tender plants. Don’t wait till the last minute to have the materials ready. With little effort in the fall you can sleep better in the winter!
Summer is Winding Down
Cool Season Flower & Vegetable Gardens
T
he fall planting season has begun. Depending on where you live, this season is either short or shorter! Now is the time for general yard and garden cleanup. Look at your shrubs, trees and perennials, did they perform up to your expectations? If not, consider replacing them. Fall is the best season for new plant installation. Shorter days and cooler temperatures begin to slow growth rates and allow plants to “reestablish” themselves for the coming winter season. Best of all, trees and shrubs planted in fall will continue to produce roots during the winter, even if the rest of the plant is dormant. Here are some things to think about:
Revitalize the Lawn Remove thatch (a buildup of dead grass and debris) from now through October. Thatch prevents new seed from rooting properly and robs existing lawns of vital nutrients and moisture. Rent a power rake or get a universal power rake adapter for your power lawnmower to do the job right. For a more drought tolerant lawn, try the new Water Saver Fescue Seed. If you don’t like the brown look of Bermuda grass in winter, scalp it and over seed with ryegrass. Perennial rye varieties have finer blades and are a bit more heat tolerant than annual varieties. When the weather heats up again in late spring, the rye naturally dies out and Bermuda will come back stronger than ever!
Fertilize Trees & Shrubs Fall is the ideal time to give your plants a good feeding before colder weather comes. This allows the plants to store some nutrients for the winter and helps them withstand the stress of storms and extreme cold. Give fruit trees a dose of low nitrogen, high phosphorus fertilizer (Dr. Q’s Fruit & Nut Food). The trees make flower buds during the dormant season and a dose of phosphorus now will ensure a good crop of flowers and fruit next season. Use a chelated iron supplement to correct chlorosis, (yellow or light green leaves with dark green veins) if the symptoms are present.
Give Roses a “Haircut” & Fertilize them for the Fall Flower Show After a long, hot summer, get roses ready for the cooler weather and they will reward you with the second-best bloom show of the year. Clean off old, brown and yellow foliage and remove any dead wood or spindly growth (smaller than pencil size) that won’t support the weight of blooms. Remove about 1/4 of the top growth from the bush (don’t do it to climbers), clean up all debris, and broadcast about one cup of a good balanced Dr. Q’s Rose & Flower Food under the canopy of each bush or climber. Water thoroughly and get ready for the show! Oh yes, keep your eyes peeled for aphids. The little sapsuckers will reappear, but not as much as in the spring. Hose them off with water or use a mild insecticide to control.
Early fall is a transitional time for flowers. Delay replanting cool season varieties like pansies, violas, stock and kale until temperatures have declined from the mid to upper 90s into the mid 80s, or until nighttime temperatures stay consistently in the mid 60s or lower. For best growth and prettiest color, plant small kale and ornamental cabbage early (jumbo packs or 4” pots). If the cold creeps up on you before you know it, plant the larger one-gallon size instead.
Early Spring Flowering Bulbs Bulbs like crocus, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips will start appearing in stores soon. Don’t wait – get the hard, undamaged, smooth-skinned plump ones as soon as you see them. In cooler climates, plant right away. In warmer areas like the desert southwest, keep in a cool place, indoors and plant in November or December. In these areas, it’s a good idea to chill tulips and crocus for 4 to 6 weeks before planting, otherwise they’ll come up at the wrong time, and flower production will be iffy. Put them in the bottom of the fridge, not the freezer, but don’t store in the vegetable crisper. Some veggies emit ethylene gas that will damage bulbs.
Weed Control Don’t have weeds now, prepare for spring, use pre-emergent herbicides (weed preventers) in shrub beds, tree wells and flowerbeds to prevent weeds from sprouting later. If you do have a weed problem, use post emergent weed killers or something organic like Bonide’s Burnout to kill existing weeds and grass in shrub beds and tree wells. Be careful these will hurt desirable plants unless you keep the spray off their leaves and exposed roots. Spot spray dandelions, spurge and similar weeds in lawns with broadleaf weed killers like Weed-B-Gon or Bioadvanced All-In-One Weed Killer. If temperatures are over 85 degrees, turf injury can occur. Don’t wait too long, the weeds will go dormant and then won’t respond to treatment. Don’t spray when it’s windy.
Pest Control As temperatures begin to cool, there will be a noticeable increase in insect activity, especially among the most disgusting crawlers like roaches and earwigs. Use a granular insecticide like BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer Granules around your house foundation. Spray an indoor pest control product like BioAdvanced Home Pest Control Spray around door jambs, in garages, under sinks, near home appliances and along baseboards. Once dry, it’s harmless to kids and pets but death to bugs for up to 9 months! You may see some dead and dying bugs, but you won’t have to chase them down. Our fall season is usually short, but sweet. Try to deal with the yard chores early, so that when October gets here it belongs completely to you!
T
he first year Josiah Eizman, General Manager of Star Nursery’s Cotton Mill in Washington, UT, opened the store in the mornings, he could hear whistling coming from the third floor of the iconic stone structure. It wasn’t the wind, whipping through the rafters, but the happy kind of sound made by a worker going about their day. Deemed a registered historical site in 1971, and put on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cotton Mill’s construction was started more than 100 years earlier in 1866 and soon became the largest factory west of the Mississippi—producing both cotton and wool. Then LDS church president Brigham Young sensed there would be a disruption in the cotton markets during the U.S. Civil War and with foresight sent a “cotton mission” south to St. George, to plan and begin construction. Today, it’s one of three Star Nursery stores in the St. George area and employs a staff of 25-30. Employees are dedicated, happy to be around and genuinely enjoy coming to work each day. The creek that ran the mill more than a 100+ years ago still runs along the side of the property—reminding both customers and employees of the rich history associated with the Cotton Mill.
Eizman, 30, is a born and raised Nevadan who jumped at the chance to relocate to Southern Utah when offered this store. “It’s the most unique Star Nursery in the company and I love the opportunity to keep the store and the location looking great,” notes Eizman. There are often customers who come in to experience the structures history—and find out Star sells the finest flowers, trees, shrubs, veggies and herbs. “We have one customer who walks the grounds two to three times a week just for the atmosphere,” Eizman reports. His favorite encounters happen when customers come back to report their landscape successes following an on-site Star Nursery House Call or information booth “intervention”. Star customers often share more personal stories such as attending fun dances upstairs in the beautiful building throughout the 1950’s. Eizman talked with one customer who’s great, great grandfather helped build the Cotton Mill in late 1860’s. If you listen closely, early in the morning, you might just hear that once young man, softly whistling the day away.
Tyson Kohler, rock yard assistant manager, at our Dixie Drive store in St. George, UT assists customers in finding the perfect rock for their landscape. He maintains the rock yard, helps with large shipments and educates employees on operating heavy machinery. He has always had a passion for operating heavy equipment and when Star was hiring in the rock yard, he knew it was a great fit. Growing up on a farm in Preston, ID, taught Kohler the importance of working hard and doing what it takes to get a job done right. Working together with his family they built and landscaped their home on seven beautiful acres in Idaho. This is where he discovered his passion for machines and anything with a motor. Daily, he pushes himself to be better and continues learning new things. When Kohler started at Star he knew little about horticulture, but through the years he continues to educated himself. He wants to be a wellrounded Star Nursery employee, so he isn’t afraid to ask questions about products and plants! We are excited to see where Tyson grows in the Star Nursery family. Salvadore Martinez is the irrigation manager at our Charleston store in Las Vegas. Martinez is one of about 15 of his family members that work at Star Nursery. Martinez was the first in his family to be employed at Star in March, 1993, at our Cheyenne location. He has been working for Star Nursery owner, Craig Keogh for over 26 years and says he is the kindest boss and wouldn’t want to work for anyone else. Martinez grew up in Zacatecas, Mexico until he was 14 years old when he moved to California with his family. In California he worked for Sweet ‘n Low. This is where he found his love and passion for cooking. He loved his job but in 1992 he moved to Las Vegas and started his career at Star Nursery. Martinez has been impacted by working here through helping his family in their own careers. He loves his job and looks forward to helping others find success in gardening. Martinez spends his free time with his family, as well as working in his own yard. He is looking forward to retiring in 2022, taking time for himself and enjoying the simplicity of life. Danielle Lavoie, a floor supervisor at our beautiful Lake Havasu, AZ location is a Havasu native and landscaping enthusiast. Born and raised in the same town as her mom, aunt and uncle, Lavoie has always loved the people, community, environment and the small town feel that Havasu offers. As a mother of 2, she feels that Lake Havasu is the perfect place to raise a family. In her spare time, Lavoie enjoys being outdoors, planting, and learning about gardening. Lavoie’s passion for gardening started when her grandfather would take her to his landscaping jobs and share his knowledge of all types of plants. It wasn’t until she began helping him landscape his yard, when she first went to Star Nursery. He was bragging about what a hard worker Lavoie was when she was offered a position and began her career at Star Nursery. Everyday Lavoie comes to work eager to learn and gives 100% to our loyal customers. She says working in the yard, taking care of plants, and hanging out with her coworkers is everything she wants in a job and more. She is grateful to have found a career that she is passionate about. Lavoie says she owes all this success and happiness to her grandfather. She is looking forward to growing her career at Star Nursery and hopes to become the General Manager of the Havasu store one day! Juan Salas works at our Mesquite, NV location as a yard foreman. Salas grew up in San Fernando Valley, CA, where his father drove semi-trucks and his mother was a welding technician. At a young age Salas found a love for all things cooking. He started his career in California and worked as a cook until he relocated to Mesquite about five years ago to be closer to his family. After moving, he found a new love for gardening and applied to Star Nursery. He has been an incredible addition to the Mesquite store and continues to work hard and keep learning. His favorite part about working at Star Nursery is taking care of the plants and helping people find exactly what they need. Salas continues his passion for cooking but divides his time between cooking, gardening and raising his daughter with the love of his life. When he isn’t at work he is taking his one-year-old to the park and hanging out with his family. He is looking forward to the continued growth and opportunities that await him in his growing town. Salas’ future plans include buying a house in the St. George area and growing his family.
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2018
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