Star Nursery's Green Pages - Summer 2023

Our Staff

Editor-in-Chief

Art/Design

Contributing Staff

Horticultural Experts

Stephanie Robinson

Doug Ryan

Madalyn Watt

Stephanie Robinson

Joey Lynn Watt

Paul Noe

For a FREE copy of Green Pages subscribe online at www.starnursery.com

Please 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 & we will fix it.

Community Partners

DON’T SPRINKLE AWAY OUR FUTURE.

IT’S TIME TO GET REAL.

LAKE MEAD IS AT HISTORIC LOWS.

Just because you can water more doesn’t mean you need to. Check your watering clock now. Find SUMMER watering tips at SNWA.COM

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. & 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

Star Nursery has been privately owned and operated for 40 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, succulents, houseplants, pottery 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 and 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

-Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing Since 1983.

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

Summer Gardener’s Calendar &

Holidays

Birth FlowersRose and Honeysuckle

National Pollinator Month

National Perennial Garden Month

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month

J U N E

• Mulch: June is a great time to replenish mulch layers in the garden! By doing so, you’ll help to cool the soil, suppress weeds, and retain soil moisture. An especially important area to mulch is around your vegetables, as they will require extra cool, moist soil during the hot summer months. When choosing what product to use, consider cedar mulch, as it can help keep insects away from your herbs and vegetables without the use of a pesticide. Another great option is Dr. Q’s Premium Paydirt Planting Mix, a premium grade, fully composted garden mulch. Once you have chosen your mulch, add a layer that is about 2-3” thick. When doing so, avoid placing the mulch close to flower stems, as it could cause stem rot. Similarly, avoid placing the mulch close to trunks, as it could cause crown or root rot.

• Thinning Trees: If you were not able to prune your trees during the winter months, you can still thin out your desert type trees that have grown too thick. It is especially important to do so if you are concerned that they may be damaged by summer winds or if they inhibit access to parts of your yard. Acacias, Mesquites, Olives, and Sumacs can benefit from selective thinning of crossing and drooping branches. Do not perform heading cuts during the hot summer season, as this encourages new growth which is too stressful in the heat and exposes young branches to damaging sun burning.

• Burnt Leaves: As temperatures get warmer, your leaves could experience leaf burn, caused by a lack of water within the plant. Without enough water to allow for evaporation, the leaf will overheat and burn. Other causes of leaf burn may be wind, heat, and soil that is lacking sufficient oxygen. If you find leaf burn in the middle of the leaf, check that the irrigation system is functioning properly and make necessary repairs. You may also consider covering exposed and/or damaged plants until there are cooler temperatures in the fall.

• Grub Treatment: Similar to March, June is another month where grubs will actively lay and grow eggs. During this time, use a granular insect killer, such as BioADVANCED Complete Insect Killer. When using, carefully spread at the base of plants that are susceptible or known to be infected. *NOTE: Be sure to read the label and instructions before using any chemical garden product.

• Planting: June is an excellent month to plant sunflower seeds and gourd seeds! Sunflowers will take 90-110 days to harvest, making them perfect additions to fall decorations. Members of the gourd (Cucurbit) family – melons, pumpkins, and squash – should be planted in June for an optimal fall harvest.

• 4th -10th National Garden Week

• 6th National Gardening Exercise Day

• 10th National Herbs and Spices Day

• 11th National Corn on the Cob Day

• 12th National Red Rose Day

• 13th National Weed Your Garden Day

• 16th Arborist Appreciation Day

• 17th National Fresh Vegetables Day

• 19th-25th National Pollinator Week

• 23rd National Pink Flamingo Day

• 27th National Orange Blossom Day

• 27th National Onion Day

• Watering: Because of the hot, dry weather, many will make the mistake of overwatering their plants. While it might make sense to give your plants an abundance of water, you should avoid overwatering because our clay soils have poor drainage. Because the soil does not drain and remains wet for long periods of time, overwatering will ultimately drown the root system. If a drip irrigation system is installed, make sure you water no more than every other day (unless you have sandy, rapid draining soil). A drip irrigation system will allow for deep, infrequent watering, which is beneficial to building strong roots and controlling weeds. If you have container plants, be sure to water them daily and as early in the day as possible. Water long enough that the water flows out of the bottom of the pot and soil is evenly moist.

• Disease and Pest Control: When it comes to roses in the southwest, you’ll want to watch out for spider mites. If your roses are dealing with pests and nutrition issues, try BioAdvanced Rose and Flower Care. This product will deal with insects, disease, and can safely fertilize your plants all at once. If you find squash bugs, treat with Bonide Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray. Avoid top watering of vegetables to reduce the chance for disease.

• Pines and Ash Trees: During the summer months, it is common for pine trees to have browning and dropping needles from deep within the branches due to extended periods of increasingly high summer temperatures and dry winds. To reduce late summer stress, lay a soaker hose in a spiral shape around the base of the trees, extending just outside the drip line (the area directly under the outer edge of a tree’s canopy) and soak on low for 2-4 hours, once a week. In addition to deep soaking your pines, be sure to soak your ash trees. It is important to keep your ash trees hydrated to better ward off Hendersonula toruloides (AKA sooty canker), a fungus that causes wilting and death to branches.

• Arborvitaes, Cypress, Junipers, and Pines: July is an ideal time to clean out the inside branches of arborvitaes, cypress, junipers, and pines to help prevent spider mites from establishing webbing in the branches. If a spider mite infestation goes untreated, the mites will suck on the needles and the tree will experience a loss of dark green leaf color, stunted growth and eventually death. To prevent this, clean out the inside branches by attaching a high-powered spray nozzle to a hose and spray all dead needles from within the canopy. Repeat this once a week during the summer months.

• Planting: Late July to early August, is an excellent month to plant celery, green beans, eggplant, melons, peppers, squash, and tomato seeds for an ideal fall crop! If you are planting in a full sun area, consider using a shade cloth with 50% UV protection to prevent the hot, afternoon sun from burning tiny leaves.

• Palm Trees: Much of their growing happens during the summer months. There is still time to plant, prune and fertilize palm trees. Fertilize with Dr. Q’s Palm Food which is specifically formulated to fulfill the special requirements of palms and keep them growing and prevent common nutrient deficiencies. Be cautious when pruning palm trees and do not over prune. Only remove frond if they are yellow, brown, or broken. Removing more frond then a palm tree produces in one year can make the palm tree susceptible to disease.

• 3rd National Build a Scarecrow Day

• 4th Independence Day

• 7th National Father Daughter Take a Walk Day

• 7th Global Forgiveness Day

• 8th National Blueberry Day

• 10th National Pick Blueberries Day

• 10th National Don’t Step on a Bee Day

• 16th National Cherry Day

• 16th National Fresh Spinach Day

Birth FlowersLarkspur and Water Lily

National Blueberry Month

National Watermelon Month

National Eggplant Month

Birthday FlowersGladiolus and Poppy

National Happiness Happens Month

National Peach Month

A U G U S T

• Harvest Produce: During the month of August, keep on top of harvesting summer squash and tomatoes. If early picking is missed, you’ll have woody, overgrown squash, and mushy tomatoes. Depending on varieties, some apples, pears, grapes, peaches, and figs may be ready for harvest. Continue to harvest zucchini and other summer vegetables.

• Prune Summer Stressed Tomato Plants: Cut them down to one foot tall. They will eventually branch out and start producing fruit once temperatures drop below 90 degrees.

• Maintain roses: The hot summer months are the roughest time for roses, but with proper care they will come back in the fall. Keep faded flowers cut, provide the roses with a cooling layer of mulch, and give them a mild fertilizer such as Dr. Q’s Rose & Flower Food.

• Watch lawn weeds. Keep an eye on broadleaf lawn weeds, (unwanted tough plants that grow in lawns like dandelion, clover, crabgrass, etc.). Be sure to remove them by hand or with a broadleaf weed killer. When it comes to lawn weeds, practice preventative maintenance year-round. If allowed to set seed, they will cause trouble for years to come. For more information on this topic see Star Note #625 - Weed Identification and Control.

• Fungus: Powdery Mildew is a common fungus that can infect all types of landscape plants. This type of fungus has white/gray “powdery” spores that grow on the outside of the leaf. It is important to treat powdery mildew early to prevent it from spreading to other plants. Use a copper or sulfur fungicide and repeat treatment every 10-14 days. *NOTE: Be sure to read the label and instructions before using any chemical garden product.

• Pest Control for Cacti: Cochineal “Crimson” Scale are small insects that cover themselves in a white cotton looking protective covering. When crushed, these insects yield a red dye, which have been used in textiles dating back to 1521. These insects feed on cactus pads. While the colony is small, a high-power blast of water from a power nozzle weekly is enough to control them, during the late summer months when they are most active.

• Oleanders: Check oleanders for rough barked, knotted lumps on stems. These signs indicate the start of oleander gall. It causes malformed flowers, split branches and could eventually kill the plant. The caused is a bacteria which is spread by sucking insects. With sterilized pruning tools, remove affected branches 1 foot below the galls. Dispose of and clean up any fallen leaves & debris from below the plant, do not compost.

• 3rd National Watermelon Day

• 6th National Tree Day

• 7th- 13th National Farmer’s Market Week

• 8th National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day

• 13th National Melon Day

• 19th National Potato Day

• 19th World Honeybee Day

• 20th – 24th World Water Week

GOODBYE POOR QUALITY SOIL

Tough desert soils just don’t cut it.

Dr. Q’s soils are specifically formulated for the desert Southwest so you can be sure that you’re giving your plant the right start. Start growing the garden of your dreams today!

FLOURISHING GARDEN! HELLO

check out our complete line of soils. Only available @

Lawn Alternatives

In the Southwest, lawns are a common sight, but maintaining one can be costly and requires a great amount of water to stay healthy. Due to a decades-long drought, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has mandated turf removal in commercial properties, HOAs, and multi-family developments where it is used for aesthetics, rather than recreational purposes.

Oftentimes when replacing grass, the trees that are planted in the area undergo stress from the removal. Once a tree has established itself in a lawn, it will become used to receiving increased amounts of water and nutrients in the soil. Additionally, grass can act as a barrier between the sun and the tree’s root systems, helping to keep the soil cool and moist. A disruption to these growing conditions

can dramatically stress an established tree and make it susceptible to numerous problems.

Before conducting a lawn conversion in your yard, it’s important to evaluate the current health of your trees and take protective measures, if needed. If your tree is already on the decline, it’s likely that it won’t survive the lawn conversion process, so it’s best to remove it as well. If your tree is in good health, take protective measures by converting your lawn during cooler times of the year, water deeply several times in the weeks prior to the project, and attempt to use herbicides and a dethatcher rather than heavy equipment. (Tractors, rototillers, or other heavy equipment can crush existing tree roots, break branches, and wound bark tissue. If it is necessary to use heavy equipment,

use a protective barrier to protect the tree.) Once the lawn is removed, it’s important to ensure your established tree is receiving enough water. Drip irrigation or inline drip tubing should be wrapped around the base of the tree and extended at least to the edge of the tree canopy.

When replacing grass, desert residents do not need to forgo beauty and greenery as there are many plant options that have low water requirements or that can be maintained on a drip irrigation system. A great option for lawn alternatives is ground covers, as they have low-water requirements and can provide a similar look as grass. Ground cover options include Ice Plant varieties, Australian Racer, Creeping Rosemary, Thyme, Prostrate Germander, Trailing Magenta Vinca, Outback Sunrise Emu, Lan-

Photo provided by SNWA

Photo provided by SNWA

tana, and Dichondra Clover.

For shady areas, Dichondra Clover is a beautiful option. This clover variety can act as a barrier between the tree’s roots and the sun’s rays, helping to regulate root temperatures and retain water near the root system. To ensure a bountiful cover of Dichondra, it is important to properly prepare the seedbed. To do so, loosen the soil and rake it free of any debris or weeds. Dichondra seeds will germinate best in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in or-

tures are in the low 70 degrees. In our desert climate, we typically see these temperatures in Spring and Fall. Once established, Dichondra only requires deep, infrequent watering and can tolerate periods of drought fairly well. For best results, allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. When choosing Dichondra for ground cover, be sure to only plant in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade, as it won’t grow well with prolonged exposure to our desert sun.

ganic matter, so be sure to amend the planting area prior to laying the seed. Once the area is prepared, scatter the seeds thinly over the surface of the soil and water gently until they are evenly moistened. Depending on conditions such as temperature and sunlight, you may need to water multiple times per day until sprouts appear (within 7 to 14 days).

To ensure optimal growth conditions for your Dichondra seeds, it is best to plant when daytime tempera-

For areas with increased amounts of sunlight, Ice Plant varieties such as Desert Ice, Cherry Sunrise, and Rocky Point are great ground cover options. If planting during the fall season, be sure to establish the plant before the first winter freeze arrives. During summer, water deeply on low output irrigation once a week to mimic rain patterns in South Africa (where it originates from). In fall, decrease watering to prepare for winter. A decrease in water will allow the plant to harden and better survive freezing temperatures. If exposed to extreme cold temperatures your Ice Plant may die back. If this happens trim the plant to ground level, and it should return in spring with its cheerful, yellow blooms.

Other great full-sun ground cover options include Australian Racer, Creeping Rosemary, Prostrate Ger-

mander, Outback Sunrise Emu, and Lantana! When planting ground covers in an area with high foot traffic, you can keep the area beautiful, yet functional by creating a pathway with step stones.

Making the transition from a lawn to a desert-friendly yard is easier than ever. The SNWA offers a rebate of $3 per square foot of grass removed and replaced with desert landscaping. Gardeners can save with an additional rebate for installing a smart irrigation system, which will save water in your yard and money on your monthly bill. To save at checkout, bring your SNWA Xeriscaping Rebate form to get up to 50% off when purchasing your smart irrigation controller at Star Nursery. For more information, visit the Southern Nevada Water Authority website. (SNWA.com)

Living in a desert environment has its challenges, but it does not mean you must sacrifice beauty or comfort. Taking the time to find which ground cover works for you can be a gratifying and rewarding experience.

Summer Watering

Simple tips to keep your landscape looking lush

If you’re a seasoned desert dweller, you know the pain of sweltering heat all too well. It’s like a never-ending sauna, without the soothing eucalyptus aroma. Let’s face it, most plants don’t thrive in these conditions either. But fear not… with a few simple tricks up your sleeve, you can keep your landscape looking lush all summer long.

To get to the root of the issue, let’s talk about watering. Contrary to popular belief, giving your plants a little midnight drink isn’t the best idea. Sure, it might seem practical to prevent water from evaporating, but it actually increases the risk of fungal diseases. When the soil remains damp in a warm, dark environment, it creates the perfect breeding ground for those pesky fungi. Instead, water your plants in the morning when the sun is low and temperatures are cooler.

Besides night watering, another common summer watering misconception is that you need to water your plants every day in the summer, when in reality most plants only need a deep watering every two to three days. When you water deeply, the water will soak deeper into the soil, which allows the root systems to grow deeper. This will help the root system become strong and established.

Not only does watering every day limit the growth of the root system, but you’re essentially putting your plant on a liquid-only diet, depriving it of absorbing any oxygen from the soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Your plants will start to look like they hit up a juice cleanse and never quite recovered - yellowing leaves, mushy roots, and a foul odor. Nobody wants that! To avoid these issues, make sure your soil drains well and you let the top layer dry out between waterings. Don’t forget to give each plant the amount of water it needs - some need more, some need less.

If you haven’t already, you’ll want to invest in drip irrigation for the summer months. Unlike traditional sprinkler systems that disperse water into the air, drip systems deliver water directly to the plant’s roots, significantly reducing water waste from evaporation and runoff. With their precision, drip irrigation offers a more efficient and cost-effective way to water your plants.

Although high temperatures can be nerve-wracking for a desert gardener, summer gardening doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Remember to water in the morning, give your plants a break between drinks, and invest in a drip system. If all else fails, just bring your plants inside and crank up the AC! Kidding… kind of. Happy watering!

Besides night watering, another common summer watering misconception is that you need to water your plants every day in the summer, when in reality most plants only need a deep watering every two to three days.

Summer Pests and Disease

With the arrival of summer and warm weather, there comes an army of pesky pests and diseases that can ruin all the hard work that you’ve put into maintaining a lush and blooming garden. The last thing you want is yellowing leaves, dusty webbing, and brown dead circles on your lawn, but with the right knowledge and tools, you’ll be able to defend your garden against these invaders. In the upcoming months, be on the lookout for these common pests and diseases and reference this guide for treatment options if you spot them!

Close up of aphids

Defend your garden against pests and diseases!

Spider mites

Red Spider Mites

If you notice dusty webbing on your plants (most commonly junipers and cypress) or they appear lighter in color, you may have a red spider mite infestation. These mites are very small and difficult to see with

the naked eye. To check for them, place a white piece of paper under a branch and smack it. Run your hand across the dust on the paper. If you see any smears, you likely have mites. To treat the infested area, use BioAdvanced Insect Disease and

White flies

Mite Control, and always follow the directions on the bottle’s label.

Aphids & White Flies

Aphids and white flies are tiny insects that can cause damage to your plants by sucking the sap out of them. To identify if you have these pests, check the underside of new leaves and flower buds and look for small clusters of soft-bodied insects. They can range in color from green, black, brown, or yellow. You might also notice a sticky honeydew-like substance on the plant that is excreted from the pest while they are feeding on the plant. It’s important to get rid of these pests quickly, as they can reproduce rapidly and spread to

back to their colony. One of their favorite food sources is the honeydew excreted by aphids and white flies. To get rid of ants, try using an ant bait like Amdro Quick Kill . The ants take the bait back to their colony, effectively eliminating the entire population.

Lawn Fungus

Lawn fungus can be a common issue during the summer months, particularly in July or after heavy monsoon rains. High humidity mixed with high overnight temperatures creates the perfect environment for lawn fungus to thrive. A clear sign

lawn in September to help it fully recover and prevent future issues.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect a variety of leafy plants in your garden or landscape. It appears as white splotches of powder on the new growth of the plant and can eventually cause the leaves to distort and die. To treat powdery mildew, you can use fungicides like Daconil or Copper Fungicide . These products can effectively kill the fungus and may need to be applied several times throughout the growing season. Additionally, it’s wise to maintain good air circulation around your plants, as powdery mildew thrives in damp, humid environments.

It is important to note that there are many other pests and diseases that you might consider looking for during the summer months. For a more extensive list, scan the QR code!

other plants. To treat, use an organic solution like Safer Soap or End All to get rid of these pests. A stronger option includes products that contain pyrethrin.

Ants

Ants are a common household pest and are an indicator that you probably have additional pest issues in your garden. You’re most likely to spot ants along the perimeter of your home as they search for food to bring

of fungus in your lawn is yellowing grass that eventually turns into crispy brown dead circles. To treat the issue, use BioAdvanced Lawn Fungus Control. This product can effectively kill the fungus, allowing your lawn to recover. Once the fungus is under control, consider overseeding your

As you prepare for a summer full of fun, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the most common pets and diseases that could potentially harm your plants. Remember, prevention is key! By staying proactive and taking care of your garden, you can minimize the risks and maintain a healthy, vibrant outdoor space.

Garden ant

Lawn fungus

Powdery Mildew Powdery Mildew

Ask Dr. Q

Q: What should I plant in the summer?

A: Planting new plants during the summer can be challenging because high temperatures may cause a plant to experience stress and worsen its chances of becoming well-established in its new home. However, there are certain plant varieties that can tolerate heat better than others. You can experiment with seasonal flowers, such as Vinca, Star Flower, and Cosmos, to add bright pops of color to your garden. When planting in the landscape, consider selective desert native or adaptive plants well-suited to endure soaring temperatures, such as Lantana, Cactus, and Desert Grass varieties. Other fantastic options include Desert Marigold, Perky Sue, Globe Mallow, Apache Plume, Red Bird of Paradise, Brittlebush, Turpentine Bush, and Creosote. Excellent desert tree options include Mesquites, Palo Verdes, and Desert Willows. If you’re planning a lawn conversion, drought-tolerant ground covers such as Ice Plant, Australian Racer, and Gopher Plant make excellent lawn alternatives. For more information on lawn alternatives, see pages 10-11.

Q: When should I fertilize my fruit trees in the summer?

A: To keep your fruit trees healthy and thriving during the warmer months, fertilize them at half the normal rate once a month in June, July, and August. Keep a watchful eye for iron chlorosis, which can indicate either an iron deficiency or too much water.

Summer is a great time to fine-tune your watering routine to water for longer periods of time, but less frequently. Not only does this ensure that even the deepest roots are getting water, but it will encourage roots to grow and establish themselves even deeper in the soil. If heavy summer rains occur, turn off your timers to avoid overwatering.

In August, be sure to thin out any excessive growth while being mindful not to cut into hardwood. As the fruit grows larger, you may want to invest in bird netting to protect it from hungry garden friends.

For further guidance, check out Star Note #500 – Fruit Tree Selection and Care at starnursery.com or visit your favorite Star Nursery location!

Q: What are some fast-growing, heat-tolerant vines?

A: Elevating your garden’s visual appeal with flourishing, fast-growing, and heat-tolerant vines can be an exciting and gratifying endeavor. Some exceptional varieties for full sun or afternoon sun include Bougainvillea, Pyracantha, Honeysuckle, Tangerine Beauty Crossvine, and Trumpet Creepers. Banks Rose is a colorful, heat-loving vine, though it prefers more shady areas.

For those with a fondness for fragrant flora, Wisteria and Star Jasmine are two heat-loving options that grow best when given morning sun and afternoon shade. You can find additional vine options by downloading Star Note #515 – Growing Vines in the Desert from starnursery.com or by consulting a Certified Nurserymen at your favorite Star Nursery location.

Q: How do I ethically get rid of mice in my garden?

A: Dealing with mice in your garden can be a challenge, but it is important to address the issue ethically and humanely. Fortunately, mice have been found to detest the scent of peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus, making them a natural and safe option for discouraging these critters. You can plant these herbs throughout your garden to deter mice, but be aware that mint herb varieties are fast and invasive growers!

Dr. Q Does House Calls!

Stop by your local Star Nursery Garden Center to schedule an appointment or email housecalls@starnursery.com.

*House call fee applies for more information visit starnursery.com

WATER SMART CLASSES

BASICS OF A WATER SMART LANDSCAPE (ONLINE)

Whether you're making a few waterefficient tweaks to your landscape or starting a full remodel or grass conversion, we can help. You'll learn about landscape design, plants and the key components to have a successful landscape in the Las Vegas Valley climate.

ONLINE

Wednesday, July 19, 9-10:30 am

Thursday, Oct. 19, 2-3:30 pm

REGISTER HERE

FREE!

DRIP IRRIGATION (IN PERSON)

We'll show you how to design and install a drip irrigation system. Learn how to select and assemble components and build a drip-system model right in the classroom. Drip irrigation is the water-smart way to ensure healthy, happy plants.

IN-PERSON

AT SPRINGS PRESERVE

BASICS OF PERFORMING A HOME WATER AUDIT

Learn how to conduct a home water audit using basic tools to find out where you're using the most water in your home. These classes are held online via Microsoft Teams and in-person at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.

July 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Aug. 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

ONLINE

In-person classes are held at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.

For additional landscaping resources, visit snwa.com.

WEBINAR

IN-PERSON AT SPRINGS PRESERVE

WEBINAR

10, 9 a.m.-12

Getting Started With Desert Plants

Tired of struggling to keep your garden thriving in hot and dry conditions? Consider adding desert plants to your landscape! These plants are already adapted to alkaline soils and scarce rainfall patterns and can withstand the scorching sun and heat. Not only are they resilient, but many desert plants bloom with an abundance of colors, creating a stunning visual display. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet colorful landscape, it’s time to start considering desert plants.

What is a desert plant anyways?

All desert plants have at least one of three defining characteristics: succulence, drought tolerance, and drought avoidance. Succulent plants have fleshy leaves, stems, or roots that can absorb large quantities of water quickly and store it for future use. Drought-tolerant plants can withstand desiccation without dying by shedding leaves during dry periods and entering a deep dormancy. On the other hand, drought-avoiding plants are typically annuals, meaning they mature in a single season and produce an abundance of flowers and seeds. You can often identify a desert plant by looking for small, light-colored, and/

or textured leaves. A smaller leaf helps plants to conserve water by reducing the surface area available for transpiration. When looking at the leaf of a desert plant, you might also notice that it appears to be fuzzy, leathery, or waxy. These characteristics help the plant conserve its water by creating a larger barrier for the water to pass through before transpiring. You might also find that desert plants have light-colored leaves (sometimes gray or silvery), which aids the plant in its ability to tolerate high temperatures by reflecting intense light

Did you know that the pricks of cacti are actually its leaves? Cacti are fantastic at conserving water in the desert environment since water does not transpire from their “leaves.”

and heat away from its surfaces, reducing its overall temperature.

So, how do I get started? When planting desert plants, first ensure the soil is well-draining. To determine this, dig a hole 1-2 feet deep and fill it with water. If the water drains within 2 hours the soil is well-draining. If it doesn’t, there may be caliche below the surface. For a complete list of reliable plants for desert climates, check out Star Note #530 at starnursery.com!

Incorporating desert plants into your landscape is an excellent way to create a vibrant, low-maintenance garden that can help you save on your water bill! When planting in the desert, you do not need to forgo beauty and color... Stunning, low-maintenance landscapes are achievable just by working with what our natural desert environment has provided for us!

Dr. Q’s Local Garden Spotlight

St. George, Utah

Red Hills Desert Garden

The next time you’re looking for a fun-filled family outing, be sure to visit Red Hills Desert Garden, Utah’s first desert demonstration garden. Located in St. George, UT, the garden is not just a pretty sight, but also an educational and interactive experience that showcases the beauty of water-smart landscapes. Featuring over 5,000 water-efficient plants, trees, and shrubs, the garden offers visitors the chance to learn about designing, installing, and maintaining a landscape that thrives in the arid Southwest climate.

As you stroll through the approximately 5-acre garden, you will be amazed by the unique features that the garden offers. The 1,150-foot meandering stream and fish viewing area, set in a replica slot canyon, pays tribute to Southern Utah’s natural landscape and the Virgin River. Here, you will have the opportunity

to view rare species of fish that inhabit the river.

For those fascinated by prehistoric times, there is a special treat for you. Discover the nearly 200-million-year-old fossil tracks, left by the dinosaurs that once roamed the site, and marvel at their size and uniqueness.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the fact that the garden is adjacent to the 62,000-acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, established in 1996 for the protection of the Mojave Desert Tortoise and other rare plants and animals. With dozens of trail options available within the reserve, hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts can explore nature’s beauty, providing an even greater outdoor experience.

Red Hills Desert Garden provides seasonal family-friendly events such as the Rubber Duck Derby, Scare-

crow Walk and Haunted Canyon, and Holiday Lights, in addition to free landscape workshops throughout the year. These workshops, hosted by the conservation and garden staff, cater to home and business-owners who are looking to learn more about gardening and desert living.

Throughout the garden, there is signage, markers, and informational brochures that offer details about the plants, fish, and features located within the garden. Visitors can also find information about the garden and local plants by visiting the website at redhillsdesertgarden.com. For the latest news and updates, follow them on Instagram and Facebook @RedHillsDesertGarden.

Admission to Red Hills Desert Garden is free, so don’t miss out on a wondrous experience!

Our Promise

The right price and best advice!

At Star Nursery, we understand that gardening in the desert can present many challenges. For 40 years, we have been committed to providing our community with the best advice, and our team members have explored many avenues of continued education to ensure that our advice is accurate and reliable.

Most recently, we have partnered with the University of Nevada, Reno Extension to create the Certified Nevada Nurserymen course. Taught by gardening experts Dr. Angela O’Callaghan and ML Robinson, the Nevada Nurserymen course continues Star Nursery’s history of disseminating expert advice to local gardeners.

Over the course of twelve weeks, nurserymen students explore a variety of topics including plant biology, palms, fruit trees, indoor horticulture, container gardening, irrigation, soil amendments, fertilizers, weeds, and insects. Most notably, our students are introduced to topics that are specific to our zone 9 area, including native plants and cacti, desert bioscape, and desert environment problems.

Since establishing the course in 2021, dozens of Star Nursery team members have graduated, and even more are currently participating in the Summer semester. This past winter, we had 12 additional student graduate and become certified experts! Each store in the Las Vegas area now has multiple resident experts that can help gardeners find success. When shopping, keep an eye out for the blue Nevada pin, as it signifies that our team member is a resident expert!

We would like to thank our team members who have committed their time to continued education. At Star Nursery, we pride ourselves on offering our gardeners the right price and best advice. The next time you visit the nursery, be sure to ask us about what’s growing in your garden!