Spring 2024
Trees in the landscape
Planting trees around your home isn’t just about aesthetics...
Upgrade your landscape with lighting Where gentle washes of warmth invite you in...
You can’t afford to have your irrigation system fail...
40 years in the Southwest! Star Nursery -Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing!
Thirsty, thirsty plants Celebrating
PLUS A guide to improve your soil on page 12
GREENpages
Pavers
Nevada
Las Vegas
2600 W. Ann Rd. (702) 471-ROCK (7625)
5380 Blue Diamond Rd. (702) 382-ROCK (7625)
8725 S. Eastern Ave. (702) 251-ROCK (7625)
Pahrump
911 Buol Rd. (775) 775-5300
Arizona
Kingman
4140 Stockton Hill Rd. (928) 757-STAR (7827)
Fort Mohave
6325 Hwy. 95 (928) 788-STAR (7827)
Lake Havasu
1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. (928) 505-ROCK (7625)
Utah
Dixie
1335 S. Dixie Dr. (435) 673-5436
St. George
1145 W. Sunset Blvd. (435) 215-4356
YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR DECORATIVE ROCK AND HARDSCAPES
ROCK YARDS
SERVICE AVAILABLE
9 DECORATIVE
DELIVERY
Garden Centers
Create a maintainable and drought tolerant landscape. Use flagstone for a beautiful and unique walkway.
•
•
• Stepping
•
Boulders •
• Bulk
Flagstone
Wall Block
Stones
River Rock •
Bulk Soil
Sand
RODEO ATHLETICS
Doug Ryan
Staff Madalyn Watt Stephanie Robinson
Experts Joey Lynn Watt Paul Noe Our Staff For a FREE copy of Green Pages subscribe online at www.starnursery.com
help us set the record straight If you are receiving the GREEN PAGES under the wrong name or address OR wish to be removed from our mailing list. Please email marketing@starnursery.com and we will fix it. Community Partners starnursery.com 3 04 Star Nursery History & Locations 12 Soil Health Checklist 16 Trees in the Landscape 22 Star Spotlights 08 Spring Gardener’s Calendar 14 Upgrade Your Landscape with Lighting 20 Thirsty, Thirsty Plants! CO NT EN TS
Art/Design
Contributing
Horticultural
Please
WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF HISTORY, STAR NURSERY IS YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR GROWING BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES IN THE DESERT. ACROSS OUR 16 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS, WE’VE DEDICATED OURSELVES TO DELIVERING AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY AND EXPERT ADVICE THAT IS TAILORED TO OUR ENVIRONMENT.
OUR HISTORY
In 1983, Craig Keough, founder and owner, noticed the absence of a convenient one-stop shop where the community could purchase affordable landscape supplies. Starting with humble origins, Mr. Keough began selling plants at his first location on the corner of Wynn Road and Tropicana. Over the years, Star Nursery has grown in tandem with the growth of the Southwest. Today, we have locations across Southern Nevada, Southern Utah, and Northern Arizona.
Our journey is marked by a commitment to ensure that the communities we serve can access the resources needed to build gardens and landscapes at a reasonable cost. We believe that beautiful outdoor spaces shouldn’t be a luxury, but a possibility for everyone.
At Star Nursery, our promise is rooted in your success. Aware of the challenges that desert gardening presents, our staff is committed to continuous learning. Through education programs, community partnerships, and the passing down of generational knowledge, we ensure that our plant experts stay up to date on the latest horticultural knowledge.
When you need advice on your landscape, view our online garden resources, stop by and chat with an expert, or schedule a one-on-one consultation!
OUR PROMISE HOUSE CALLS
If you’ve been experiencing problems in your yard and can’t seem to find a solution, call Dr. Q!
A wide range of factors can affect a plant’s health, including conditions such as sunlight, soil, water, fertilizer, insects, disease, wind patterns, and drainage. Most of the time, our in-store experts will be able to offer gardeners a solution on the spot! However, there are times when diagnosing an issue is more complex. In this case, you may require an expert to visit your home and examine the issue.
When you schedule a house call with the Dr. Q team, you’ll be receiving one-on-one advice from a Star Nursery expert. For a service fee of $90, you will receive up to one hour of consultation in your yard. To set up an appointment, please visit your favorite Star Nursery location to purchase your House Call.
4 Green Pages, Spring, 2024
LOCATIONS
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. & Cimmaron 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
Mesquite, NV
Commerce Cir. & Pioneer 549 Commerce Cir.
Mesquite, NV 89027 (702) 613-4770
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)
Bullhead City, AZ
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
S & TREES 1-2 DAYS/WEEK GRASS UP TO 3 1DAYS/WEEK
per
SNWA is a not-for-profit water agency Plants have a drinking problem? Get them the help they need at snwa.com
2 MINS TOTAL
assigned watering day Plants and trees need MUCH LESS WATER than grass
H ello, Organic.
ONLY $10.99 per bag!
Start your spring garden the organic way.
Use Dr. Q’s Organic Stardust Starter Fertilizer when planting! With OMRI listed ingredients, you don’t have to worry about maintaining an organic garden at a high price. We make it easy.
Check out the full line of our Dr. Q’s organics. Only available at Garden Centers
Spring Gardener’s Calendar & Holidays
M A R C H
• The application of a pre-emergent, such as Bonide Crabgrass & Weed Preventer, effectively controls weeds in flower beds, planters, and rock landscapes, ensuring the safety of established flowers and plants. Alternatively, consider using Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper, which contains dimension, on your lawn to prevent weed seeds from germinating. For detailed information on weed identification and control, refer to Star Note #625
• If weeds are already present, use a contact herbicide like Knock Out Weed & Grass Killer, to eliminate them before further spread.
• For those planning to start their spring planting of herbs and vegetables, soil preparation is crucial. Check out Star Note #215 - Growing Herbs in the Desert and #205 - Warm Weather Vegetable Gardening – Garden to Table for a selection of popular varieties successfully grown here. Visit any Star Nursery location for the best selection before quantities run out.
• Now is the ideal time to start planting tomatoes. An early start ensures a bountiful crop, considering that many varieties may not set fruit in the summer heat. Choose from a variety of types such as Early Girl, Patio, Cherry, Roma, Celebrity, or Better Boy for a continuous supply with varying harvest dates.
• Following the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s spring watering guidelines, you can water three days a week starting March 1st. Find your designated watering day at www.SNWA.com. The recommended time for watering is in the early morning, approximately an hour before sunrise, as night watering can contribute to fungal issues.
• The last spring frost date for southern Nevada is March 19th. After this date, it’s safe to plant cactus, citrus, succulents, and tropicals outdoors. This is also the opportune time to prune these varieties, especially if they have experienced cold or frost damage.
• To ensure healthy fruit development, particularly for apples, apricots, peaches, and pears, don’t forget to thin your fruit trees. Thinning to one fruit every 4-6 inches allows adequate space for optimal growth and helps prevent limb breakage due to heavy fruit loads.”
• 2nd Free Tomato Day at Star Nursery!
• 3rd Peach Blossom Day
• 11th Johnny Appleseed Day
• 12th Plant a Flower Day
• 17th -23th National Agriculture Week
• 19th Ag Day – Growing a Climate for Tomorrow
• 20th Spring Equinox
• 21st World Planting Day
• 21st National Flower Day
• 21st National Fragrance Day
• 22nd Daffodil Day
• 26th National Spinach Day
• 27th Little Red Wagon Day
8 Green Pages, Spring, 2024
A P R I L
• Consider planting native “Host Plants” for pollinators. For example, Globe mallow, Penstemons, which come in many different colors, and don’t forget Milkweed to support the Monarch population.
• Newly planted trees in the lawn need additional deep-water irrigation. The sprinkler system for the lawn will not give the tree deep enough watering. Consider trenching and installing emitters around the tree’s dripline, connected to the zone that waters the rest of your trees and shrubs.
• Consider purchasing beneficial insects to combat those persistent harmful insects like aphids and spider mites. Visit your local Star Nursery location for Ladybugs and Praying Mantises. Earthworms are also available; they are an invaluable addition to both flower and vegetable garden soils!
• Skeletonizer Caterpillars love to chew on leaves of grapes, vegetables, Texas Mountain Laurels, and even Tecoma Bell varieties. They will strip all the green from the leaves and even weaken or kill your vines and shrubs. Treat with BT Worm Killer.
• Paint exposed tree trunks with watered-down tree paint like Go Natural Tree Trunk Paint or consider wrapping trunks with DeWitt Tree Wrap, a breathable fabric. These will protect trees from sunburn, reduce stress, and reduce the chance of borer infestation.
• The presence of ants running up and down plants and trees is something to take note of. Not only do the ants feed on the honeydew excreted by aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies, but they also prevent the predators of these damaging leaf-sucking insects from controlling the population. Now is a great time to use an ant bait like AMDRO Ant Block before ants become a problem.
• National Garden Month
• National Earth Month
• Keep America Beautiful Month
• 4th International Carrot Day
• 5th National Dandelion Day
• 6th California Poppy Day
• 6th Free Ladybug Day at Star Nursery!
• 13th Plant Appreciation Day
• 14th National Pecan Day
• 19th National Garlic Day
• 22nd Earth Day
• 26th Arbor Day
• 29th Peace Rose Day
starnursery.com 9
M A Y
• May is the month your palm trees will start their growing season. Fertilize with Dr Q’s Palm Food, which is specifically formulated to fulfill the special requirements of palms and keep them growing, preventing common nutrient deficiencies.
• Prepare your lawn for summer and use Dr Q’s Royal Flush 16-4-8. This superb lawn fertilizer lasts up to 12 weeks and conditions your soil while feeding the turf.
• White grub and sod webworm larvae may show up in some lawns this month. Although difficult to control, treating with BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer for Soil & Turf late in the afternoon, when larvae are near the surface feeding, will increase success.
• Southern Nevada Water Authority’s summer watering guidelines allow for 6 days a week starting May 1st. Find your watering day at www.SNWA.com. However, established trees and shrubs prefer deep, infrequent irrigation, allowing at least a day, if not more, between watering. For more information, check our Star Note #900A - How Much Should You Water Your Trees and Shrubs, and for lawns, see Star Note #900B - How Much Should You
Water Your Lawn.
• 1st May Day
• 1st International Sunflower Guerrilla Gardening Day
• 3rd Garden Meditation Day
• 4th National Herb Day
• 4th Greenery Day
• 4th World Naked Gardening Day
• 5th – 12th National Herb Week
• 6th – 13th National Wildflower Week
• 8th Iris Day
• 11th Migratory Bird Day
• 12th Mother’s Day
• 16th Love a Tree Day
• 19th Plant Something Day
• 20th World Bee Day
• 20th Pick a Strawberry Day
• 20th – 26th National Vegetarian Awareness Week
• 29th Composting Day
• 29th – June 4th National African Violet Week
• 30th Water a Flower Day
10 Green Pages, Spring, 2024
snwa .com
SOIL HEALTH CHECKLIST
Gardening in the Southwest, particularly in the arid Mojave Desert, presents a unique set of challenges. With little rainfall, sparse vegetation, and soil conditions that are often salty and alkaline, desert gardening requires a sufficient understanding of the soil.
Effective tips for gardening in the desert Southwest
One of the most common challenges that desert gardeners face is the pH level of the soil, which tends to be higher (>8.0) due to the presence of caliche*. This elevated pH can cause essential nutrients to become insoluble, meaning the plant won’t be able to absorb them for healthy growth.
*Caliche:
Soil that has been cemented with calcium carbonate, often found in gravel-like pebbles or solid layers. The levels of calcium carbonate in the soil are a result of millions of years of limestone weathering.
If you test your soil’s pH and find that it is too high, you can address the alkalinity by introducing elemental sulfur. Through oxidation, elemental sulfur transforms into sulfuric acid, breaking down caliche and making the soil more acidic. Use 1520 pounds of Dr. Q’s Soil Sulfur per 1,000 square feet, then till 6-8 inches deep. Avoid applying sulfur during the summer. Moreover, avoid using ammonium sulfate, as it will not cause the correct chemical reaction.
Beyond managing pH levels, desert gardeners must grapple with the low levels of organic matter present in the native soil. With the absence of organic matter, there is poor soil
12
Green Pages, Spring, 2024
structure, moisture retention, temperature moderation, and nutrient content - all important factors related to soil and plant health. To remedy, simply add a layer of Dr. Q’s Premium Paydirt Planting Mix, about 2 inches thick at the beginning of each season. Our experts have specifically formulated this soil mix to improve desert soils, containing a mixture of peat moss and compost (two essential components of good organic matter).
When using an amendment like Paydirt, be sure to incorporate native soil since relying solely on organic matter can be counterproductive. The optimal growing conditions for a plant includes a mix of materials, including clay, sand, and silt, all of which are available in native desert soil. A good mix ratio is 50% native soil and 50% amendment.
To aid you in navigating the health of your soil, we’ve compiled a checklist that you can use to assess and enhance soil health:
• Test soil pH by using a testing kit, available at your favorite Star Nursery location. If soil pH is above 8, consider adjusting with elemental sulfur.
• Dig a hole to determine if caliche is present. Smaller bits of caliche can be removed through the use of elemental sulfur and/or manual labor. However, you might not be able to remove larger pieces. In this case, consider relocating where you are planting or build a raised bed over the area.
• Test drainage by digging a hole, filling it with water, and observing how quickly it drains. For more information on this topic, revisit Star Note #001 - Planting Guide on our website.
• Add a layer of organic matter to the top of the soil at the beginning of each season.
Gardening in the desert can be challenging for both novice and advanced gardeners, but with the right tactics, the challenges can be overcome. Taking the time to improve your soil will make all the difference and your plants will thank you!
starnursery.com 13
UPGRADE YOUR LANDSCAPE WITH LIGHTING
Leave your dull, uninviting yard in 2023…
When the sun sets, your landscape takes on a new identity. Through careful positioning of different light elements, you can highlight seemingly ordinary areas of the landscape. Common landscape focal points include arrangements of plants, a sculpture or fountain, or even a sitting area. By playing with light, your landscape becomes a canvas brought to life, where gentle washes of warmth invite you in.
Beyond its practical utility, landscape lighting invites you to re-imagine your space in creative and exciting ways. Let’s take a quick look at how you can get started…
WHY ILLUMINATE YOUR LANDSCAPE?
Landscape lighting serves three primary purposes:
1. Security: Deter intruders and create a safer environment.
2. Safety: Illuminate pathways and steps for easy navigation.
3. Artistic direction: Guide the eye to focal points in your garden to enhance the beauty of trees, plants, or sculptures.
14
Green Pages, Spring, 2024
COMMON USES OF LANDSCAPE LIGHTING:
1. Path lighting: Use the “runway” effect by aligning lights with a pathway. Alternatively, you can avoid this effect by placing lighting more sporadically.
2. Highlighting: Illuminate focal points that you’d like to showcase in your yard.
3. Back lighting: Strategically place lighting with the purpose of casting shadows.
4. Well lighting: Hide the light behind other elements in your yard to create a less obvious display.
With many options available, landscape lighting is an outdoor statement that is unique to you. Before starting the project, consider factors like price, durability, and practicality. It’s a safe bet to plan for the future by allocated 20% more wattage in your transformer than you intend to use.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT LIGHTING SYSTEM:
Two primary landscape lighting systems cater to residential needs.
1. 12 Volt System: This system is DIY-friendly, safe, and easy to install. Perfect for small to medium-sized projects.
2. 110 Volt System: Able to handle more fixtures without significant voltage drop, but requires a city or county permit and inspection.
FIXTURE TYPES:
• Plastic: Affordable but degrades quickly in the sun.
• Metal: Priced higher but is long-lasting and is coated with a finish that hides water spots.
• Half metal/half plastic: A compromise offering durability at a lower cost.
BULBS:
• Incandescent: Cheaper but has a shorter lifespan.
• Halogen: Brighter and longer-lasting, ideal for various applications.
• LED: More costly upfront, but the energy-efficiency and long lifespan make them cheaper in the long run.
TRANSFORMERS:
• Photocell: Automatically turns lights on at dusk and off at daybreak.
• Timer: Manually set, with integrated or replaceable timers.
• Photocell with timer: Versatile, offering automated control.
WIRING CONSIDERATIONS:
• Use multi-strand wiring for safety, with gauges (sizes) 16, 14, 12, and 10.
• Opt for 16 or 14 gauge for short runs and light loads.
• Use 12 gauge for most residential low-voltage runs, and 10 gauge for long runs.
As you install your artistic display, be sure to prioritize waterproof connectors over wire clips to prevent short circuits and transformer overloads. If a bulb burns out, replace it as soon as possible to avoid strain on the remaining lights.
With this guide, we hope that you are inspired to illuminate your landscape, and rediscover the beauty of your backyard in a whole new light.
starnursery.com 15
TREES IN THE LANDSCAPE
Strategic ways to plant trees and save money
16 Green Pages, Spring, 2024
In warm climates like the one we live in, planting trees around your home isn’t just about aesthetics, but a clever way to save energy and help our environment. Shade trees provide natural cooling, energy savings, and make the atmosphere around us better.
To begin, let’s consider how the sun moves in the sky and how it affects us at different times. During the hot summer afternoons, when air conditioners are working hardest, shading the west side of your house can offer many benefits and is the first area you should cover with shade.
In some places, like Nevada and Arizona, where it’s hot in the spring and summer, it’s also a good idea to shade the south side of your house. On the other hand, in places like Utah where it gets colder in the fall and winter, not shading the south side can help to keep your house warmer.
It’s also important to check how much sun comes through each window in the house. Planting trees a bit to the side of the window can block
some of the heat and light without blocking the view outside. If you have an air conditioner outside your house, placing trees near it can help it work less hard during the summer, leading to decreased energy usage and utility bills.
When planting trees, make sure they’re not too close to your house. If they are, they could damage the foundation or exterior of your home. It’s also necessary to check with your local utility company to make sure the trees won’t grow into power lines or disturb underground pipes.
In places like Southern Nevada, where we’re experiencing the Urban Heat Island effect, strategically using trees in the landscape becomes even more important. By planting more trees in the landscape, you’ll receive increased amounts of shade and the valley will experience a cooling effect as a whole. In the absence of enough urban tree canopy, experts predict that we’ll see more than 100 days a year with temperatures about 100 degrees by 2050.
To encourage people to plant the right kind of trees, the Southern
Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has introduced a Tree Enhancement Program to encourage the planting of climate-resilient trees. Through this program, new participants in the Water Smart Landscapes rebate initiative can receive a $100 bonus for each qualifying tree planted.
By increasing the tree canopy, we can improve the cooling, comfort, and air quality within the Las Vegas valley. Moreover, it will help to protect the limited water supply by helping to lower temperatures around landscapes and buildings. To ensure the longevity of your landscape, consult the Southern Nevada Regional Plant List for trees that will be able to thrive in warmer conditions. Visit SNWA.com for more information about the Tree Bonus and to explore water-smart plant options for your landscape.
When reimagining your outdoor space, aesthetically-pleasing and environmentally conscious landscape designs are possible. It’s time to let nature play a more active role in shaping our homes and communities.
starnursery.com 17
WATER SMART CLASSES
Get the help you need to make your landscape desert-friendly, and your irrigation system and home more water-efficient! These FREE CLASSES are taught by experts from the Southern Nevada Water Authority in partnership with the Springs Preserve.
CLASSES IN ENGLISH CLASES EN ESPAÑOL
BASICS OF PERFORMING A HOME WATER AUDIT
BASICS OF A WATER SMART LANDSCAPE
DRIP IRRIGATION
Find class dates & times SCAN TO REGISTER
PRINCIPIOS PARA CREAR UN HUERTO Y JARDÍN EFICIENTE
BASES PARA INSTALAR UN SISTEMA DE RIEGO POR GOTEO
BASES PARA HACER UNA AUDITORÍA DE AGUA EN EL HOGAR
Classes are offered both in person and online. In-person classes are held at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.
For additional landscaping resources, visit snwa.com.
2024
FREE!
starnursery.com 19 STAY UP TO DATE! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER. @STARNURSERYLV @STARNURSERYDRQ @STARNURSERYINC
THIRSTY, THIRSTY PLANTS!
Tune up your irrigation system this spring
You’ve invested a lot of time, money, and very likely; a lot of yourself in your home’s landscape. In the drought-laden desert where rainfall is scarce, you can’t afford to have your irrigation system fail as the months get warmer.
Too often, we wait until the consequences of summer arrive before we discover that we have irrigation problems. By this point, your plants are scorching or dying, and it is cumbersome to bring them back to health.
This spring, walk in your yard and do a little investigating. In an irrigation system, the primary parts for inspection are:
• Emitters such as drippers or shrubblers
• Valves and controller clocks
• Of course, the plants themselves
You can check the various parts of your system by turning the controller onto the manual setting and running it for enough time to do the inspection. You’ll need to check for water emitted and where it is being applied throughout the root system. To measure how much water is being emitted, take a tablespoon, and measure the time it takes to fill. If it fills in 14 seconds, the flow rate is 1 gallon per hour (GPH).
20
Green Pages, Spring, 2024
Just because you see some water dripping out of an emitter doesn’t mean you should assume the proper amount of water is being released to the plant. Very often, emitters that are further from the valve or those that are partially plugged will not supply enough water which is a major cause of plant stress and loss.
To grow a well-established tree or shrub, you will need to make sure that the root systems grow deep and expand wide. To accomplish this, water slowly for longer amounts of time. 1 gallon of water emitted in 4 minutes will quickly spread across the soil surface and cause roots to do the same. 1 gallon of water emitted over 1 hour will allow the water to soak deeper into the soil, inviting the roots to do the same.
After checking your emitters, move on to your valves. This odd-looking thing is usually found below soil level in a box. Double-check that the distribution lines to the emitters or sprinklers are in good condition. Then, ensure that high-flow shrubblers are not running on the same valve as slow-drip emitters. If they are, you could have a too-dry or too-wet situation on your hands. If your lawn and shrubs are currently being watered from one valve, visit your favorite Star Nursery location, and speak to an irrigation specialist. Lastly, check that the controller clock is set to the necessary settings to effectively water each area of your landscape.
Each season, it’s important to conduct a thorough investigation of your landscape. Take notes as you inspect so you don’t forget each item that needs a little work. Then, visit Star Nursery to get your supplies, ask our experts any questions that you might have, and get back out there to do the little tasks that make your landscape beautiful.
starnursery.com 21
STAR SPOTLIGHTS
Meet Aleman Machado, Assistant Manager at our Ann Road location, a rising star in the Star Nursery family. Aleman’s role involves overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring a positive experience for our visitors.
Interested in the gardening industry’s potential, Aleman joined Star after discovering the numerous growth opportunities presented by our leadership team. A standout project for him was being part of the Christmas Tree Farm last season. From setting up the retail space and ensuring safe procedures were underway, he felt rewarded in knowing that local families trusted Star Nursery to kick off their holiday with fresh Christmas trees.
Beyond seasonal projects, Aleman finds fulfillment in expanding his knowledge of the desert Southwest ecosystem, enriching both his professional expertise and customer interactions. Outside of work, Aleman embraces his Las Vegas residency by enjoying diverse cafes, sportsbooks, and lounges while meeting travelers who visit from around the globe.
Aleman Machado exemplifies dedication and passion, embodying the standards of Star Nursery. As he continues to contribute to our growth, we look forward to witnessing his ongoing impact within our little community.
Meet Ryan King, the proud winner of our recent Clean Truck Month Challenge. This accomplishment not only demonstrates his commitment to ensuring a safe working environment but also highlights his dedication to excellence as a driver.
Ryan’s journey into the world of truck driving was fueled by an early admiration and respect for the role of truck drivers on the road. During his 12-year military career, he gained valuable truck driving experience, which led him to gain a CDL qualification in 2018. Since then, he has become a star driver, demonstrating a strong work ethic in ensuring timely and quality deliveries.
On the day-to-day, Ryan cultivates a sense of camaraderie within his community. Reflecting on his experience at Star Nursery, he notes, “One of my favorite aspects of working here is the company’s appreciation for its employees. The management’s confidence in us as drivers makes each day a rewarding experience.”
In recognition of his recent achievement, we’d like to express our thanks and extend congratulations for Ryan’s contributions. His dedication to upholding safety standards resonates with the core values at Star, making him a true asset to the team.
22
Green Pages, Spring, 2024
Ryan King
Aleman Machado
Conal Burge
In the heart of our community, Star Nursery’s Ann Road location stands out not just for its large selection of plants and landscape supply, but for its commitment to making a difference. For many years, the Ann Rd team has been unparalleled in their efforts to raise funds for Walker Furniture’s annual Home for the Holidays Event.
Each year, Walker Furniture provides full-home furnishings to 35 deserving families in need. In addition, Star Nursery contributes to this heart-warming local cause by gifting each family a Christmas tree complete with tree trimmings and the star on top - a VISA gift card to help offset costs of the holiday season. With the hard work of our team members and the generosity of our customers, we were able to give each family $500 this past holiday season.
Led by Jeremy Cannon, general manager, the Ann Road team rallied and contributed over 25% of the total amount fundraised. Their commitment to our community has not only made a lasting impact on the families we’ve supported but has also set a standard for what collective generosity can achieve.
While the holiday season is behind us, we look forward to continuing this momentum for years to come. Once more, we’d like to thank the team at Ann Road for their contribution to this meaningful achievement.
Meet Conal Burge, one of our many knowledgeable Sales Associates at Star Nursery. For three years, Conal has helped many local gardeners with questions that are unique to our desert environment.
Most notably, Conal recently graduated top of his class during the summer semester of the NV Nurserymen course. Over 12 weeks, he diligently studied a variety of topics from plant biology to desert bioscape. He shares that he feels most proud after completing a project. Whether that be a continuing education course, projects around the store, or successfully helping a customer – he finds satisfaction in a job well done.
What’s more, his hobbies outside of work make him a vibrant member of our team. He often takes on interesting personal challenges, such as the one he recently completed. This challenge entailed creating a new piece of art every day for a month. Both inside and outside of work, it’s clear that he is dedicated to growth.
We’re proud to have Conal on our team, and his efforts within and beyond Star Nursery serve as an inspiration. We appreciate his dedication, recognize his achievements, and look forward to witnessing what he does next!
Ann Road Spotlight
starnursery.com 23
Best of Las Vegas for 24 years! Best in Bullhead City and Fort Mohave Arizona
Best in Kingman, AZ
Best in Southern Utah
you for voting us #1 Garden Center in the Southwest!
Thank