Daydreamin in Your Own Oasis
If you’re looking to add some desert color to your landscape this summer, I’ve got a couple candidates for you!
Gardening Made Simple
By now you have invested in the new patio furniture you needed or maybe a new grill and filled your yard with shrubs, spring flowers or maybe even a garden plot.
Your Gardens Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing!
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CURB APPEAL • Decorative Rock • Flagstone • Pavestone • River Rock • Boulders • Bulk Soil • Bulk Sand
•Create a Maintainable and Dought Tolerant Landscape •Use Flagstone for a Beautiful and Unique Walkway
Decorative Rock Yards Nevada
Arizona
Utah
Las Vegas
Kingman
Dixie
2600 West Ann Rd. (702)216-7837
4140 Stockton Hill Road (928) 757-3701
1335 South Dixie Dr. (435)628-8004
Fort Mohave
St. George
6325 Hwy 95 (928)788-STAR(7827)
1145 West Sunset Blvd. (435)688-STAR(7827)
5380 Blue Diamond Rd. (702) 444-7837 8725 South Eastern Ave. (702) 216- 7852 Pahrump 911 Buol Rd. (775)727-5300
Lake Havasu 1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. (928) 505-5255
DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Garden Centers Las Vegas, NV Ann Road & Simmons 2600 W. Ann Road North Las Vegas, NV 89031 (702) 216-STAR (7827) West Cheyenne & Tenaya 7330 W. Cheyenne Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 253-STAR (7827) West Charleston Blvd. & Cimarron 8170 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89117 (702) 360-STAR (7827) West Tropicana & Fort Apache 9480 West Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89147 (702)278-STAR (7827) Boulder Hwy & East Tropicana 5340 Boulder Highway Las Vegas, NV 89122 (702) 435-STAR (7827) South Eastern & Pebble 8725 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123 (702) 333-STAR (7827)
Star Nursery is a complete Garden Center that is independently owned and operated. We cater to both residential and commercial clientele. Currently, we operate in Southern Nevada, Southern Utah and Northern Arizona with a total of 15 Garden Centers and 9 Decorative Rock Yards. We offer a complete line of dry goods including irrigation supplies, fertilizers, and an array of gardening accessories and tools. We carry a large assortment of trees, shrubbery, drought-tolerant plants, succulents, houseplants and more. We, also have a selection of hardscape products ranging from flagstone to pavers to rock. Find everything you need to maintain a beautiful landscape or garden space. We pride ourselves in giving our customers the right price and the best advice. Star Nursery -Your garden’s partner for every bloomin’ thing since 1983.
Blue Diamond & Lindell 5380 Blue Diamond Road Las Vegas, NV 89139 (702) 444-STAR (7827)
Pahrump, NV
Kingman, AZ
St. George, UT
Buol Rd & Hwy 372 911 Buol Road Pahrump, NV 89048 (775) 727-5300
Stockton Hill Rd & Gordon Dr 4140 Stockton Hill Road Kingman, AZ 86409-2444 (928) 757-3701
Sunset Blvd. & Bluff St. 1145 W. Sunset Blvd. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 688-STAR (7827) Dixie Dr. & Gubler Ln. 1335 S. Dixie Drive St. George, UT 84770 (435) 628-8004
Mesquite, NV
Fort Mohave, AZ
Washington, UT
Commerce & Pioneer 549 Commerce Circle Mesquite, NV 89027 (702) 613-4770
Mohave Valley Hwy & Boundary Cone Rd 6325 HWY 95 Fort Mohave, AZ 86426-6029 (928) 788-STAR (7827)
Telegraph & 500 West 385 W. Telegraph Road Washington, UT 84780 (435) 986-0820
Editor’s Note Our Staff Editor-in-Chief
Nina Gallagher
Art/Design Taylor White Doug Ryan Contributing Writers Crystal Gwaltney Terry Newcomb Paul Noe Annette Larsen Contributors Doug Ryan
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Bring to a Star Nursery location or mail to: Green Pages 125 Cassia Way Henderson, NV 89014
Here in the Las Vegas Valley, as I write this editor’s note in mid-June, we’re enjoying a comfortable 74 degrees indoors. No one is really complaining since we’re protected from the outdoor elements. Soon enough, we’ll head into the warmer temperatures and wonder why we didn’t plant shade trees on both the south and west sides of our yards. You either love or hate the weather during the summer months in the south west. Either way, one should make the most of every day they’re granted to be free and do as they please (for the most part). Some of my favorite things to do during the summer solely involve my family and closest friends. We have longer days to spend time with our families. Whether it’s BBQ’ing in the backyard, splashing in the pool, or hanging out on the patio- Get out and enjoy the outdoors.
Nina Gallagher Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing!
Circulation & Distribution Western Mailing Services 530 Pamalyn Suite C, Las Vegas NV, 89119 Phone (702) 896-7363 Fax (702) 896 -8972
Gardener’s Calendar JUNE
JULY
Did you say mulch? This is the time to replenish mulch layers in the garden, to cool the soil and suppress weeds. Cedar mulch can help keep insects away from your herbs and vegetables without the use of any pesticide. Dr Q’s PAYDIRT™ is a premium grade, fully composted garden mulch. A good mulch layer is about two to three inches thick. Keep mulch away from the stems of flowers and woody plants to avoid stem rot.
Smart Watering Practices. Avoid the temptation to drown your plants just because it’s hot outside! Our clay soils hold water for a long time. If you use a drip system, make sure you water no more than every other day (unless you have rapid draining soil). Remember that deep, infrequent watering will help build strong roots and help keep weeds down.
Keep an eye out for Bermuda grass. This is an aggressive lawn that resembles a grassy weed. It can be difficult to control in many landscapes, and it tends to grow rapidly this time of year. Removal and control methods vary with your situation...see your Star Plant Specialist for options! Tree pruning? “Thinning Only”. If you did not prune your trees earlier, and you are concerned that they may be damaged by summer winds, or they inhibit access to parts of your yard, you can thin out your desert type trees that have grown too thick. Acacias, mesquites, olives, sumacs and other evergreens can benefit from selective thinning of crossing branches and drooping branches. Do not perform heading cuts during the hot summer season, as this encourages new growth which is stressful. Get Your Weeds under control. Using a preemergent like Greenlight’s Amaze™ can help deter the growth of new weeds. These products generally last for about four months. As February would have been a good time to do something about your spring weeds, now is good to begin the battle against summer weeds.
Pest Control. If you are dealing with pests as well as nutrition issues, try Bayer Advanced “All-InOne” Rose and Flower care. This product will deal with insects, disease and safely fertilize your plants all at once. Treat squash bugs with Sevin® dust. Avoid top watering of vegetables to reduce the chance for disease. Plant summer vegetable seeds. Now is a great time to plant seeds for corn, beans and squash plants. It’s a good time to plant tomato seeds for a fall crop. Plant now, and have luscious garden produce all fall long!
AUGUST Harvest vegetables and fruits. If you have squash or tomatoes in your garden, keep on top of the harvest. Failure to pick early will give you woody, overgrown squash and mushy tomatoes. Keep your eye on this month’s apples, pears, grapes, peaches and figs, too, to avoid messy fruit drop and get the best harvest. Continue to harvest zucchini, tomatoes and other prolific summer vegetables. Maintain roses. Roses are going through their roughest time; don’t worry, they’ll spring back in fall. For now, though, you can make their life easier by keeping faded flowers cut, providing them with a cooling mulch layer, and giving them a mild fertilizer like Dr. Q’s® Rose & Flower Food. Watch lawn weeds. Keep an eye on broadleaf lawn weeds, removing them by hand or with a broad-leaf weed killer. Preventative maintenance is a key point. If allowed to set seed, they will cause trouble for years to come.
Daydreamin’ in Your Own Oasis
If you’re looking to add some desert color to your landscape this summer, I’ve got a couple candidates for you! Their lacy tropical and ferny leaves are heavily accented by wonderfully colorful flowers. Their common name “The Bird of Paradise” is quite appropriate. One outstanding feature in desert landscapes during the summer is the beautiful flowers of Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima). Its fiery plumes fit right in with the other sub-tropical non-native transplants such as Bougainvillea and Cat Claw vine. The drought tolerant Red Bird of Paradise loves the heat and is nearly everywhere in the Southwest Desert because of its ability to add so much color. Perhaps first, however, we may want to discuss the difference between the “Desert Bird of Paradise and the Tropical Bird of Paradise. I know that many of the folks I’ve helped with the Caesalpinia were a bit confused between “Mexican Bird”, “Yellow Bird”, “Tropical or even Giant Bird of Paradise” and the Red and Phoenix Birds of Paradise. Many who have moved here from moderate climates may be more familiar with the Tropical Bird of Paradise properly known as “Strelitzia reginae”, or even the Giant Bird of Paradise “Strelitzia nicolai”. These beautiful large leafed plants are fragile in our desert. The Strelitzia will do well with complete afternoon shade and rich soil with adequate drainage. Very different indeed from the Strelitzia is the Red Bird. The Bird of Paradise that excels here is botanically known as the “Caesalpinia” and will tolerate all day sun and the poor soil that is so very common here. Because there is such as huge difference for two plants with the same name it’s worth a little discussion. The exotic and very tropical looking Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia) is actually native to the West Indies and sometimes referred to as the “Pride of Barbados”. The Red Bird has lush feathery leaves and a fern-like appearance, topped with a blaze of striking red-orange flower clusters. If you want to create your own tropical island effect, this is one plant that can really help. Striking and massive are the flower clusters of the Red Bird. These 8 to 12-inch flowers are a fiery red-orange with gold on the edges. Once the weather begins to turn really warm the incredible blooms begin to emerge. Each butterfly-like flower is composed of five showy petals. The prominent, six-inch-long stamens are also red. The Red Bird of Paradise is extremely attractive to hummingbirds, and the combination will make your yard the envy of your friends.
Red Bird of Paradise
- Caesalpinia pulcherrima (ses-al-PIN-ee-uh) (pul-KAIR-ih-muh)
Tropical Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia reginae (Stre-litzia) (regi-nae)
People often mistakenly refer to this red and orange version as the Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana) which actually has all yellow flowers and larger leaves (see above/below). The mexicana actually more closely resembles the Phoenix Bird of Paradise. Pulcherrima means “very pretty” and the Caesalpinia definitely lives up to the name. The Red Bird of Paradise would be unparalleled in its beauty when used in the landscape if not for the Phoenix Bird of Paradise. Though the Phoenix Bird of Paradise (pulcherrima) does produce yellow flowers, try to avoid confusing it with the ‘red-stamen’ Yellow Bird (gilliesii). The Phoenix is capable of getting much larger, to 10 feet or more, and the foliage will generally be dense in comparison. Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Red or Phoenix-Yellow are very fast growers and hardy to about 28 F degrees. At low enough temperatures the plant will likely freeze to the ground, but established plants should recover quickly in late spring. New transplants are quite different, however! If you intend to plant a Bird of Paradise during late summer or autumn, be prepared to protect the base of the plant should the winter temps get below freezing. Mulching the plants during their first winter is recommended. Even though the Red Bird is from the tropics it acclimates very well to our hot dry conditions. Caesalpinia is now even grown in some parts of the Sahara Desert. In colder areas of the desert, treat it as an annual or grow in a container. Another point of interest, Caesalpinia are in the legume family, and as such, they will actually gather nitrogen from the air, and transfer it to their roots. So, you won’t really need much nitrogen in your fertilizer (money saver). A healthy amount of phosphorous, potassium and the essential micronutrients along with a deep infrequent watering schedule will help your Bird of Paradise achieve a beautiful and dense form that will have everyone’s eyes take notice. The Red Bird of Paradise is a fairly fast grower and can get large, so periodic trimming may be needed if you put it in a busy location. Red Bird of Paradise will do well in any soil, but the better drainage you have the healthier the plant will be. The seeds and pods may be poisonous so don’t let the children put them in their mouths. People who want hardy perennial desert plants, that are low maintenance, drought resistant, easy to find at Star Nursery, inexpensive, and provide lovely color throughout the summer will surely want to add several of these to their landscapes. And, yes you can plant them in the afternoon sun! Come and see us. We’ll show you our selection and answer any questions you may have. Daydreamin’ in your own oasis is why the summer season exits.
Summertime
Bug Blues If you can locate their nest, wasps are particularly vulnerable to nighttime spraying since they are always in the nest after dark. With these more aggressive critters, use Bonide Wasp & Hornet Foam to hit them from a safe distance! Check your garden with a flashlight too. You’ll quickly find out if cutworms, hornworms or other insects are working your veggies over. These insects rarely feed during the day when you notice most of the damage. With your edible plants and fruits, you may want to minimize the use of chemicals. Try an organic approach with Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew. Cedar Bark is excellent to use as a mulch around plants, especially veggies in order to keep the pests at a minimum. Keep pill bugs (sow bugs) from eating ripening strawberries without using chemicals. Loosely roll up a damp newspaper and place it in your strawberry bed. During the night, the bugs crawl inside. Dispose of them and the newspaper the next morning and repeat the process until they are under control. Watch for shield-shaped squash bugs on melons and squash. Check undersides of leaves for egg clusters and wipe them off with your fingers--it’s not as bad as it sounds... You can remove adult bugs by hand. If you have whiteflies, here’s an interesting way to control them: The adult flies are attracted by the color yellow. Place several yellow boards (paint works fine) around the garden and coat them with heavy oil. Shake the foliage and the flies will head for the boards where they become stuck in the oil and die. Whiteflies are most active during the day and roost on the undersides of leaves at night. Mites are another troubling pest during the summer, but they do not like water. You can often keep them at bay by routine high-pressure washing as described above. Often mites require stronger chemical controls like Ortho Home Defense.
Don’t let insects bug you! Just like us, insects become much more
active as the weather gets warmer. With a good plan of attack, you can control the critters around your home and garden. Keep six and 8-leg bad guys from invading your home and garden by attacking them the smart way. You can achieve more bang for your buck by going after roaches, crickets, cutworms and black widows at night when they are most active. Every week, take a flashlight and check the perimeter of your home after it’s dark. Roaches seem to be especially active on exterior walls at night.
Be Vigilant. Be Safe.
So when you come into the store make sure to have a conversation with your favorite salesperson and remember to always read the label. Use caution with pesticides. Avoid spraying when it’s windy, and wear the protective clothing recommended.
OUTDOOR LIVING IS EASY By now, you have invested in the new patio furniture that you’ve had your eye on since the beginning of the season. Or, maybe a new BBQ grill and you’ve filled your yard with shrubs, colorful flowers or maybe even a garden plot. Don’t turn into a fair-weather yard dweller! Small, inexpensive additions will create a relaxing space to be enjoyed – even in the Dog Days of Summer. Start by getting rid of those bugs! Using a large spectrum insecticide like Bayer Home Pest or applying a granular control will have a long-term effect. These uninvited guests are looking for a summer retreat, so spray them now to keep your patio enjoyable. Whether you have grass, decorative rock or an area that needs ground cover, summer is a good time to maintain or spruce it up. Fertilize your lawn using Triple Play 7-7-7 or Dr. Q’s Iron Worker. This will promote green, lush growth that looks good, cools your yard down a few degrees and feels good on your feet. Keep on top of the dandelions and weeds by re-applying a pre-emergent throughout the year. Add a layer of decorative rock to your existing rock or to an area without ground cover to give your yard a sharp, clean appearance. Rock is cost-effective and a simple way to improve your landscape’s appearance. It is a lot easier to enjoy an outdoor space when it looks nice. Treat your patio or backyard as an extension of your home. Utilize this area by taking advantage of the warm summer nights and peaceful morning hours. Simply keeping this area tidy, putting a little bit of time into maintaining grass and shrubs or planting a few flowers is all it takes. When you are relaxing in a comfortable chair with the morning paper or an ice cold drink after a hard day at work – this will be time well spent. There are easy additions that create a comfortable space. Purchasing a nice pot and filling it with colorful flowers, adding low-voltage or solar lights to accent your landscape or simply laying down a few stepping stones can change the appearance of any area. A whimsical piece of yard art or a decorative hummingbird feeder will brighten up the patio and is always a fun conversation piece at a barbecue.
5”
63.25”
2 cu ft (56.6 L) 2 cu ft (56.6 L)
Formulated for tough Southwestern soils 29”
2 cu ft (56.6 L) 1/16” 1/8”
23.875” C
Prepressed and sent to Supplier:
Contact: Adorée
Designer: Ben
Project: Dr. Q’s Paydirt 2cf Bag
File Name: DrQ_PlantMulch_2cf_08.05.14.ai
Date: Aug 5, 2014
Job#: 1196-176
Client: Sun Gro
LINE BLACK
M
PMS 142
Y
PMS 9160
K
OVER LACQUER
ECO FRIENDLY
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.
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In-Store Credit
• 1 Gallon ...................................................................................5¢ per pot • 3 Gallon .................................................................................10¢ per pot • 5 Gallon .................................................................................20¢ per pot • 15 Gallon ...............................................................................50¢ per pot
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Summer Eats Ingredients
Surf and Garden Quesadillas with Avocado Salad
QUESADILLAS 3/4 pound peeled, deveined shrimp, tails removed (36 to 42 per lb.) 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/2 cups (5 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 1/2 cups (5 oz.) shredded jack cheese 4 large (9 to 10 in.) flour tortillas 3/4 pound zucchini, coarsely shredded About 3/4 cup fresh corn kernels (from 1 cob) 2 green onions, thinly sliced SALAD 2 firm-ripe avocados, sliced 2 large heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges 1/4 cup thinly sliced yellow onion 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 tablespoons lime juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper
How to Make It Heat grill to high (about 450°) and put a grill pan on it. In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with garlic, salt, spices, orange juice, and oil. Divide half of cheeses among tortillas, leaving half of each tortilla bare. Top cheese with zucchini, corn, and green onions. Top vegetables with remaining cheeses. Oil grill pan, using tongs and a wad of oiled paper towels. Grill shrimp in pan, turning once, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Coarsely chop shrimp, scatter over cheese on tortillas, and fold tortillas to close. Grill quesadillas on cooking grate, turning once with a wide spatula, until cheese melts and tortillas are golden, about 2 minutes per side. Mix salad ingredients gently in a bowl and arrange on plates. Cut quesadillas into wedges and serve them alongside salad. Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.
RECIPE FROM: SUNSET
Zucchini Cookies Ingredients
How to Make It
1 cup butter, at room temperature 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups grated zucchini 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup walnuts, chopped 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup raisins 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in zucchini. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add to zucchini mixture. Stir in nuts, chocolate chips, raisins, and coconut. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto buttered cookie sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes, and transfer to a rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough. Note: Nutritional analysis is per cookie.
RECIPE FROM: SUNSET
What Would Dr. Q Do? Questions from concerned gardeners! Helping homeowners to become better gardeners is a big part of our business. We know that if you can learn more about the difficulties of gardening in the desert and what it takes to overcome them, the less frustrated and more comfortable you will be when working in your yard. That is why we offer services like these Green Pages, Star Notes, and Information Booths in our stores. We get many questions about gardening - in our stores, from phone calls, from house calls, and from our website. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions in the last couple of months:
Q - Why do my palm trees still have brown leaves?
Q - My Bougainvilleas are all dead and there’s just a little green coming up from the bottom. Should I replace them?
Q – My lawn is starting to get random patches that start turning a bluish-gray color, then turn yellow and brown. Is this a fungus?
A - We had a severely harsh winter this year and many palm trees were badly frost damaged. Some less damaged trees recovered rather quickly, but most have been recovering much slower. The fact that it has new growth coming out is a sure sign that it is still growing. In some cases, it may take several months for them to fully recover. Patience is golden.
A - It’s entirely up to you, but if there is growth at the bottom, they will re-grow from the roots. In June, July and August is when Bougainvilleas grow their best and it should not take long before they have nice long branches that you can tie back up on a stake or trellis.
A – Most likely not. This is a classic example of improper sprinkler coverage. Now that the weather is getting much warmer, lawns are showing this reaction if they are not getting enough water in certain areas. Check your sprinkler coverage often to make sure that each of the sprinkler heads are spraying all the way too the adjacent heads. This will insure the proper overlap and eliminate dry spots around the heads themselves and in the middle of the lawn. Also be sure to check the coverage along the edges adjacent to rock or concrete, as these areas will heat up and dry out more quickly.
Q - Why is my Star Jasmine all yellow with brown tips? A – It is probably getting too much water. If your soil does not drain well, it may be staying too wet. If this is the case, then the roots are not able to get enough oxygen and are restricted from taking up the proper nutrients that the plant needs. Dig down and check the moisture around the roots and if it is too wet, reduce the frequency of watering. It is better to reduce the frequency than to reduce the amount of water because deep irrigation is better for the plant. Also, to help get the color back more quickly, use a chelated iron product every 2 to 3 weeks.
Star Nursery Garden Centers shine bright with all of the colorful flowers, shrubs and trees. We pride ourselves in providing the best advice at the right price. We’re the one-stop shop with all your gardening needs. Whether it involves installing an irrigation system, sitting with a landscape designer or asking our STAR Experts for advice – We’ve got you covered. We have employees ranging from 16 years old to over 70. It’s amazing how an eclectic group of individuals can come together and share the purpose of gardening. Below, you’ll meet the vary individuals whom have contributed to the growth of the organization year after year, and have helped Star Nursery nurture and protect its roots. We, at Star Nursery, feel fortunate to dwell in the Southwest Region where the gardening opportunities are endless.
Meet Our Stars
Alec General Manager Pahrump Location
Angela General Manager East Location
Jeremy General Manager North Location
Cristy General Manager Northwest Location
Josiah General Manager Cottonmill Location
Mary General Manager Dixie Location
Kyle General Manager Green Valley Location
Misty General Manager Sunset Location
Oliver General Manager Blue Diamond Location
Oscar General Manager Mesquite Location
Rana General Manager Kingman Location
Sarah General Manager Southwest Location
Steve General Manager AZ Decorative Rock Location
Tatiana General Manager Summerlin Location
William General Manager Fort Mohave Location
Recognizing Outstanding Teachers On any given day at Matt Kelly Elementary School, you are likely to see Ms. Tamyra Donelson, a Kindergarten teacher, roaming the halls while pulling a red wagon filled with fruits and vegetables freshly harvested from the school garden, handing them out to students. She wants to encourage students to take the produce home and cook healthy meals with their families. One student proudly reported how she used the produce to cook a stew at home with her parents. Ms. Donelson, who has always been into gardening, began teaching at Matt Kelly two years ago after participating in Teach for America following college in Illinois. When asked how our Healthy School Healthy Life programs have affected her school she spoke of a major impact where students are truly excited to be out in the garden picking lettuce that they helped plant, or just holding rollie pollies and getting to be outside. She enjoys introducing other staff members to Create A Change Now’s nutrition lessons, and sharing the weekly newsletters with activities and recipes. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she plans to form a school health committee with staff, students and families to prioritize health and wellness on campus, and to organize a harvest festival next year. As a ReInvent School, Matt Kelly Elementary partners with the city of Las Vegas in collaboration with local businesses and non-profit organizations. ReInvent Schools focus on aligning academic achievement, expanded learning, integrated student supports and family and community engagement. By embracing the Healthy School Healthy Life programs, Ms. Donelson is ensuring that the community school model will be a true success at Matt Kelly.
Tamyra Donelson, Matt Kelly Elementary School
Janet Barraza, Robert Lunt Elementary School There is a classroom at Robert Lunt Elementary School that is located right next to their thriving school garden. The room houses the garden prep class called Garden University and is stocked to the brim with garden related books, charts, bulletin boards, tools, and so much more. In charge of all this is Janet Barraza, who has been teaching for 27 years. On first meeting her though, her boundless energy and youthful enthusiasm would lead you to believe that she was at the beginning of her career. After five minutes of chatting with Jan about her latest projects and activities, I had a notebook full of ideas to share with our schools. Adding to the success of Garden University, is the undying support of Principal Thelma Davis, who has been an advocate for health and wellness since day one. Principal Davis has created a school culture where fruits and vegetables are embraced and teachers are given the flexibility to incorporate the garden into their classrooms. By making garden time a prep class, students get to spend one hour every six days with Mrs. Barraza, and classes are rotated so the entire school is regularly exposed to the garden and the extension activities around it. This is the third year that Robert Lunt has been implementing the Healthy School Healthy Life programs, and Mrs. Barraza has seen an impact on the students and their families. She reflects that she is starting to see a change in attitudes and behaviors. Students now have a sense of ownership towards the garden. They are sharing what they learn with their other teachers and using research time to study such subjects as composting, recipes, and pest control. Students at Lunt are encouraged to problem solve, so when an aphid and rabbit infestation occurred in the garden this year, they were tasked with finding solutions. They designed rabbit-proof fencing and studied natural pest control methods such as companion planting. Jan has noticed an increased willingness to try produce from the garden and her classes create tasting plates of freshly harvested produce to share with other classes. Students love tasting new foods, and are encouraging their parents to cook with them at home. Her classes have written recipe books using ingredients from the garden that they have sold at their school farmers markets. Students are realizing that they can grow their own vegetables at home, and that they don’t need a lot of space to do it. Parents are taking notice and are asking to form a garden club next year. When asked what message she wants to ingrain in her students, Mrs. Barraza said, “I want them to get curious about the world around them”. It was clear as we watched the students out in the garden, proudly and joyfully going from plant to plant, exclaiming how big the pumpkin was getting and how red the strawberries were, that her wish had already come true.
Jennifer Terrana, Keith and Karen Hayes Elementary School Where there was once an open field at Keith and Karen Hayes Elementary School, now lie four large garden beds, all thanks to second grade teacher, Jennifer Terrana, who applied for the Create A Change Now programs after hearing about the organization from a colleague at another school. Ms. Terrana, who truly values health and wellness in her personal life as well, has seen an awareness grow throughout the school. She understands how students are influenced by watching their teachers living healthier lifestyles. For example, she has noticed that Hayes teachers are enjoying healthier lunches in the staff break room, and classroom parties have taken to serving vegetables and hummus instead of pizza and less nutritious options. For a garden and nutrition program to thrive and continue, it is necessary to have dedicated teachers on board. Jennifer Terrana fits that description and is always encouraging students as well as colleagues to get involved. She is making a difference at Hayes by coordinating weekly garden visits with farmer Jennifer Mujica, who, through hands-on learning, educates students on growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables, as well as the nutritional benefits of a healthy diet. Ms. Terrana also organizes the distribution of thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables that Three Square delivers to the students each month. She is an integral part of the Chefs in School program by coordinating healthy cooking demonstrations with Krayvings restaurant, and played a key role in hosting a Family Fitness Night with the Desert Reign foundation, where students and their families enjoyed an evening of fitnessfocused games and activities. We thank and honor Ms. Terrana and all teachers who remain so dedicated to helping our children grow up strong, healthy and happy.
Teacher -N. One who inspires, guides, enlightens, motivates; tireless scholar.
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EPA WaterSense Approved* *When installed with the WR2 and ESP-Me.
Make a
The presence of water is always refreshing and relaxing in a dry, desert climate. Just because you don’t have a large yard with room for a good-sized pond or water feature, doesn’t mean the addition of water isn’t possible. With a little creativity and some assistance from one of Star Nursery’s experts, a water feature can be made out of any type of container. It can be the simplest of projects, like a birdbath or a pot water garden can instantly add this element to your yard. A birdbath can be an easy and worry-free way of adding a water element. They can be purchased ready-to-go or built to fit any space. Star Nursery carries terra cotta birdbaths in a couple of styles. Adding water to its basin is the only requirement before enjoying the view. We highly recommend that the birdbath is kept clean and that the water is refreshed regularly. Standard terracotta pots and saucers can also be used to create a birdbath. Simply stack large and medium sized pots to create a pillar of the desired height. Then, use a strong adhesive to glue a large, deep saucer that holds plenty of water to act as the basin. Inexpensive paint or decals can be used to decorate the terra cotta pots to give your birdbath a personal touch. Attracting birds to your yard is enjoyable. Once the summer heat sets in, the birds will definitely appreciate it. Water gardening is one of the easiest ways to grow nice ornamentals in the desert. A pot that holds water and a water plant is all you need to get started and to be successful – it’s that easy. You can grow aquatic plants that float, like water lettuce and water hyacinth, in a shallow container. Water hyacinth blooms the best during the hottest part of the year and they love to be crowded. If you want to grow water lilies or add small fish, a container that is at least 18” deep is best. A pump isn’t necessary for a successful water garden but if you like the sound of moving water Star Nursery carries small pumps that are perfect for a container water garden. Choose a shady location or an area that receives morning or filtered sun. Flowering plants will need a few hours of sun in order to bloom but will be burned by the hot afternoon sun if not protected with some shade. Living in a mild, desert climate allows for year-round water features. It’s nice to create a little haven in your yard or on your patio with the presence of water, butterflies, birds, and plants. Remember to protect plants from freezing temperatures, occasionally prune plants or trim spent blooms and add water when necessary. Most importantly, get creative and use the space you have by making it an enjoyable extension of your home.
Container Gardening Container gardening is easily one of the most fun and creative ways to spend your leisure. It is an excellent way to provide focal points, interesting textural concepts, color creations, and instant gardens. This method is especially useful for apartment and condo dwellers, as well as the elderly and disabled. Yet anyone can enjoy the beauty of a well-thought out container, whether it is utilized for growing fruits and vegetables, or ornamental plants and flowers. There are four basic and simple concepts to container gardening: The container itself, the soil and nutrients, the plant material, and choosing the best way to provide water. Starting with the container, it should be large enough to hold the plants (or plant) you have chosen. The rule of thumb is twice the size of the container that the plant has come in. Other deciding factors besides size are the color choice, shape of the pot, and does it provide drainage. When it comes to choosing the soil, always choose a POTTING mix, not a PLANTING mix. Potting soils, such as Star Nursery’s Filthy Rich Gold, is formulated to provide excellent drainage and porosity (air spaces) for containerized plant roots. Planting mixes are formulated to incorporate with existing, or native soils. They are too dense for containers, interfering with water and oxygen levels. Nutrients and soil go hand in hand. When filling your container, this is a good time to add a granular fertilizer. Star Nursery has formulated the Gold Dust product with this in mind, providing just enough nutrients for newly containerized, or for that matter, any newly installed plant. The Macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium) are in the right amounts for your project, as are the Micro-nutrients (Iron, Zinc, etc.) After this initial fertilization, it is best to provide occasional liquid fertilizers, as nutrients get washed out with the frequent irrigations that containerized plants demand. And now, for the really fun part, the plant choices! The sky is the limit in deciding what to install. From annual color to vines or vegetables, anything is possible. Imagine a salsa garden, with tomatoes, cilantro, onions and peppers. How about playing with color, heights, and textures, such as an upright grassy plant or vine in the center or back of the container, layered with medium size perennials, then small size annuals, and followed by trailing plants. These elements are known to most gardeners as a thriller, filler and spiller. Or, simply fill a bowl with succulents. They come in so many colors and textures. Play with two colors, like blues and grays, or choose the warm colors (reds, yellows, oranges) and play them off of each other. The possibilities are numerous, exciting, and rewarding. Finally, keeping the container properly hydrated. Providing a drip emitter up and through the bottom of the pot is the most effective way. If you choose to water by hand, this is fine also. The important thing is to understand the site you have set the pot upon. A windy, sunny site will dry out sooner and require more water than a shadier, more protected site. The most important thing to take away from this is, just dig in! And have a good time!
Irrigation Simplified
As our warmer season approaches, we are reminded that our water sources are scarce in the desert. As a homeowner, we want to make smart choices when utilizing such a precious resource. Before the true heat sets in, take the time to check your irrigation system. A few minutes can save you both time and money. Try troubleshooting in the following areas: • Look for signs of stress in your plant material. Plants could be flagging due to inefficient water. Check your soil moisture. If dry, ensure that all of your emitters are working properly. Sometimes clogging can occur from soil and little rocks. Simply remove emitters and run your system manually to flush it out. Then, place emitters back onto your ¼” poly tubing. If you find your soil to be too wet, definitely check your irrigation clock. You may be running system too long or you may have poor drainage. And, then that calls for some expert advice from one of our experienced sales staff. • If you have a lawn, keep an eye out for misaligned or obstructed sprinkler heads. Take the time to re-adjust heads that may have shifted. If you have obstructed sprinkler heads, you can do one of two things. You can cut back the obstruction or simply change out your sprinkler pop-up with a taller one. Easy fix. • Pay attention to your water bill. If you notice a significant hike in comparison to last season, definitely check for leaks. Look for broken parts and replace them as soon as possible to avoid any more water waste. A few easy tips to always keep in mind… • Water in early morning hours before sunrise to lessen water loss to evaporation and daytime winds. This will allow for some saturation in your soils, therefore feeding the root ball and encouraging new growth. Remember that drip irrigation is based on gallons per hour. In order to use your system efficiently, run your drip irrigation up to 3 days a week, in one 30-90 minute cycle. • Lawns should follow a cycle and soak method. Set your clocks early-morning hours as well. Use the cycle and soak method for sprinklers. Run each station 3 times a day, 1 hour apart for 4 minutes. • Before you light up your BBQ, take a leisurely walk in your yard and test your irrigation system. Adjust and repair if needed. Lastly, if you should have any questions regarding your irrigation system, know you can always call your local Star Nursery and discuss your issues with a trained Irrigation Sales staff. Visit www.starnursery.com for a location listing.
Rooted in Your Community Since 1983