GREEN pages Winter 2023
Oh, Christmas Tree
Unwrap the magic of the holiday season at Star Nursery
Magical Forest
Bring your family to a winter wonderland at Opportunity Village
Frost to Flowers
Explore the transformative art of winter gardening
PLUS
A guide to roses on page 19
Celebrating 40 years in the Southwest!
Star Nursery -Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing!
YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR DECORATIVE ROCK AND HARDSCAPES Pavers • Flagstone • Wall Block • Stepping Stones • River Rock • Boulders • Bulk Soil • Bulk Sand
Create a maintainable and drought tolerant landscape. Use flagstone for a beautiful and unique walkway.
9 DECORATIVE ROCK YARDS
Nevada
Arizona
Utah
2600 W. Ann Rd. (702) 644-3147
4140 Stockton Hill Rd. (928) 757-STAR (7827)
1335 S. Dixie Dr. (435) 414-5893
5380 Blue Diamond Rd. (702) 382-ROCK (7625)
Fort Mohave
St. George
6325 Hwy. 95 (928) 788-STAR (7827)
1145 W. Sunset Blvd. (435) 664-3208
Las Vegas
8725 S. Eastern Ave. (702) 251-ROCK (7625)
Kingman
Pahrump
Lake Havasu
911 Buol Rd. (775) 727-5300
1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. (928) 505-ROCK (7625)
DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Dixie
CO NT EN TS Our Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Stephanie Robinson
Art/Design Doug Ryan Contributing Staff Madalyn Watt Stephanie Robinson Horticultural Experts Joey Lynn Watt Paul Noe
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Community Partners ATHLETICS
RODEO
Winter Gardening Calendar
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Oh, Christmas Tree!
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From Frost to Flowers
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Urban Forestry
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Ask Dr. Q
16 Getting Started with Roses
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The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
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Our Promise
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“I FORGOT TO CHANGE MY CLOCK”
“IT’S NO BIG DEAL”
NO MORE EXCUSES! IT’S TIME TO GET REAL. Change your watering clock now. Find your assigned watering day at SNWA.COM
SNWA IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT WATER AGENCY.
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
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 Nursery -Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing Since 1983.
Lake Havasu, AZ Lake Havasu Ave. & College Dr. 1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (928) 505-ROCK (7625)
Kingman, AZ Stockton Hill Rd. & Gordon Dr. 4140 Stockton Hill Rd. Kingman, AZ 86409 (928) 757-STAR (7827)
Fort Mohave, AZ Hwy. 95 & Boundary Cone Rd. 6325 Hwy. 95 Fort Mohave, AZ 86426 (928) 788-STAR (7827)
Mesquite, NV
Bullhead City, AZ
Commerce Cir. & Pioneer 549 Commerce Cir. Mesquite, NV 89027 (702) 613-4770
Mohave Dr. & Miracle Mile 1579 Mohave Dr. Bullhead City, AZ 86442 (928) 758-STAR (7827)
St. George, UT Sunset Blvd. & Bluff St. 1145 W. Sunset Blvd. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 688-STAR (7827) Dixie Dr. & Gubler Ln. 1335 S. Dixie Dr. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 674-STAR (7827)
Washington, UT Telegraph Rd. & 500 W. 385 W. Telegraph Rd. Washington, UT 84780 (435) 986-0820
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Winter Gardening Calendar
National Volunteer’s Month
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DECEMBER •
If you want to add color to your landscape, add: Pansies, Snapdragons, Stock, Cyclamen, Ornamental Cabbage, and Kale. These are all cold hardy plants that thrive in cooler conditions.
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Consider growing rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage indoors, giving them as much light as possible.
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Remember, as the weather gets colder start your watering cycle between 9 am and 10 am. Do not water overnight.
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Protect your sensitive palms and other frost-tender plants by wrapping or covering them with burlap, N-Sulate, or Plant Protector Bags when frost is predicted.
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Cover the plant roots with organic mulch as added protection.
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Protect pipes and pool components by wrapping or covering them with insulation materials. Try our convenient PVB Protectors for aboveground backflow prevention devices.
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It is important to check houseplants more often for proper moisture. As you start to run your heaters more, you will find your houseplants needing more water.
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Protect tender succulents and cacti from cold by covering them with burlap or N-Sulate.
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To maintain a good green color on your lawn this winter, fertilize with a product like Dr. Q’s Winter Gem cool season lawn fertilizer.
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1st National Eat a Red Apple Day
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2nd World Pollution Prevention Day
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5th World Soil Day
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12th Poinsettia Day
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21st Winter Solstice
Green Pages, Winter, 2023
JANUARY •
Make sure to prune your dormant fruit trees and roses! Don’t forget the Rose Potion to wake your roses up two weeks after pruning.
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Protect deciduous fruit trees from disease and insects by using Liqui-Cop and Horticultural Oil sprays. Keep old leaves, twigs, and debris cleaned up. This is also a good time to re-paint fruit tree trunks to protect them from sunburn or you can use a tree wrap by DEWITT.
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Start warm-season vegetable seeds in indoor trays so they will be ready to set when you start your spring garden. These include tomatoes and peppers.
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Protect citrus trees if a hard freeze is in the forecast (anything below 32°F). Cover foliage with burlap or other breathable fabric overnight and uncover during the day. Water regularly as hydrated plants will better withstand freezing temperatures and icy winds.
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Grey aphid populations explode in the winter. Try Bio Advanced Rose and Flower Insect Killers to gain control.
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1st
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6th National Bean Day
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9th National Apricot Day
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10th National Houseplant
Apple Gifting Day Apple Tree Day
Appreciation Day
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26th International Environmental
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27th National Seed Swap Day
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28th National Daisy Day
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29th National Carnation Day
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31st Eat Brussel Sprouts Day
Education Day National Green Juice Day
Apple, Apricot, Artichoke & Asparagus Month
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FEBRUARY •
Early spring is a great time to prepare your vegetable and flower beds for planting. For every 100 square feet of soil, sprinkle in four pounds of 16-20-0 Ammonium Phosphate and treat the soil with Dr. Q’s Ironworker. Top this off with three inches of Dr. Q’s Paydirt Planting Mix & Mulch or other organic mulch. Mix it together well and then water.
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Plant your early spring flower seeds like African Daisy, Alyssum, Carnation, Delphinium, Gaillardia, Gloriosa Daisy, Hollyhock, Larkspur, Lupines, Nasturtium, Phlox, Shasta Daisy, Snapdragon, Sweet William and Verbena.
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Powdery mildew may appear on new plant growth, take a walk around your yard and look for it on your plants. You can prevent this by keeping sprinkler overspray off your shrubs. Treat infected plants with copper-based fungicides like Daconil.
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Pep up your houseplants and get them ready for spring by repotting them into larger containers. Use high-quality potting soil like Dr. Q’s Filthy Rich Gold Potting Soil and a good indoor plant food like Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic.
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Warmer weather that turns into an early false spring can be expected, but this doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods for possible freezes. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared to cover those frost-tender plants when the warnings come.
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February is fertilizing time for deciduous fruit and shade trees. Use Dr. Q’s Tree, Shrub & Vine Food per bag instructions.
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Fruit trees, including pecan trees and grape vines need extra zinc. To help them produce their best, use Dr. Q’s Fruit & Nut Tree Food.
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Prune wisteria & trumpet vines before they bud or send out foliage. Consider a “hard pruning” to rejuvenate and retrain.
National Cherry Month
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5th Western Monarch Day
National Fresh Berry Month
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7th
National Grapefruit Month
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16th National Almond Day
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17th National Cabbage Day
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22nd National Cook a
National Sweet Potato Month Canned Food Month
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Green Pages, Winter, 2023
National Primrose Day National Rose Day
Sweet Potato Day
You're invited! JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST WITH THE EXPERTS During the cold, winter months, many plants will experience a period of rest, also known as “dormancy.” As they rest, gardeners have the perfect window of opportunity to conduct seasonal pruning, which will encourage vigorous growth during the spring season. If you’re not sure what or how to prune, don’t fret... Our experts are hosting a FREE pruning seminar, just for you!
asonal pruning Join us in January to learn all about se es. And have a for roses, fruit trees, and deciduous tre our experts! chance to get one-on-one advice from
SCAN THE QR CODE
to view event details and sign up!
Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing!
Oh, Christmas Tree!
Unwrap the magic of the holiday season at Star Nursery It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and all your friends at Star Nursery are sending you and yours warm wishes for a joyous holiday! Within our nursery, a sense of magic and the smell of pine fill the air as our patios come alive with the spirit of Christmas. For many who celebrate, the annual quest for the perfect tree is the essence of this season. It’s a tradi-
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tion held dear, a time for cherished family gatherings, where hot cocoa, heartwarming movies, and treasured memories take flight. As you prepare for the holidays, we hope you’ll stop by a Star Nursery Christmas Tree Farm to browse our selection of premium-grown decorations. Here, you’ll find high-quality Christmas trees at an affordable price, beautiful wreaths, long gar-
Green Pages, Winter, 2023
lands, and colorful poinsettias that are sure to fill your home with cheer. Once you’ve found a tree that warms your heart, we’ll go the extra step to make sure it arrives at your home in its best condition. We offer each tree a fresh cut and protective bag, with the option for convenient delivery. This year, let your heart be light and have yourself a merry little Christmas.
PRO TIPS FOR CARE Christmas Trees •
Place your tree in water as soon as possible after it receives a fresh cut. Keep away from high-traffic areas, drafts, vents, and fireplaces.
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Refill the water reservoir daily. Add Tree Preservative to the water to prolong its freshness.
Poinsettias
Did you know? Picking a fresh tree isn’t just about holiday aesthetics; it’s also the more eco-friendly choice. Artificial trees require substantial energy consumption to produce, and because many are produced overseas, a large amount of carbon emissions are released during transportation. Not to mention, these trees are made using non-biodegradable plastics like polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), a material associated with carcinogenic byproducts. In contrast, when you opt for a real Christmas tree, you’re supporting sustainable practices. During its time growing on the farm, one Christmas tree can absorb roughly 1 ton of CO2 in its lifetime. With around 350 million trees growing in the US at any given time, Christmas tree farms make a substantial impact on our air quality. When recycled, trees are chipped into mulch, providing a renewable resource
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Place near a sunny window with indirect light.
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Keep away from drafts, vents, or winds.
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Use a moisture meter and check drainage frequently.
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Avoid the toxic milky-white substance that emerges if a leaf or stem is broken.
that can be used to grow plants in future gardens or green spaces. After the holiday season, do your part to protect the environment. Residents of the Las Vegas Valley can recycle their trees for free at more than 30 drop-off locations from December 26th - January 15th. Since 2001, our valley has saved around 300,000 trees from landfills! Visit www.springspreserve.com to find a tree recycling location near you.
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From Frost to Flowers: The Art of Winter Gardening Nature is a place of constant transformation. With winter on the horizon, it’s time to shift our focus from planting and harvesting to making preparations that will ensure a blooming spring garden. Let’s go over a few essential tasks to complete in the coming months that will help to protect and prepare your home for the seasons ahead.
Winterizing your wonderland Despite the fact that desert dwellers hardly see any snow, our climate will still experience freezing temperatures. Before it’s too late, be sure to safeguard your plumbing and irrigation systems, which are susceptible to freezing and bursting. Essential insulation materials include faucet protectors, tube insulation, foil wrap, and/or PVB protectors. It’s wise to take preventative measures since costly bills from a burst pipe are sure to cause a headache later down the road. In addition to pipes, you’ll want to extend frost protection measures to your plants. When temperatures drop to near or below freezing, use a breathable material, like burlap or N-sulate, to keep plants warm and cozy. If temperatures exceed 32 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime, remove the covers then replace them at night. To protect root systems, apply a generous 2-inch mulch layer, shaped like a donut to avoid pests. Opt for a quality mulch such as Dr. Q’s Premium Paydirt Planting Mix which will keep roots warm and deposit vital nutrients back into the soil. From November to February, remember to adjust your watering schedule to one day per week. Not only does this adhere to the SNWA’s water conservation guidelines, but it also prevents over-watering and allows the plant to go into a period of rest. If continuous growth happens during this time, there is a good chance that tender, new growth will be damaged by the cold. If you have cacti in your landscape, provide one last deep watering in November, then don’t water at all until January or February.
Blossoms on the horizon While your efforts to protect against frost are great for the present, the winter months also provide the opportunity to look ahead and pave the way for a bountiful spring garden.
Trimming for triumph Pruning, the selective removal of plant parts, plays a vital role in the optimal health and longevity of fruit trees, deciduous trees, and roses. Beyond its aesthetic benefits, pruning serves to control plant height, width, and form, and when conducted during winter dormancy, it can also enhance flower
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Green Pages, Winter, 2023
and fruit production in the following year. To learn more about pruning, read Star Note #105 on our website or learn directly from the experts! Scan the QR code to sign up for one of our FREE pruning seminars in January.
Preventative maintenance January is the optimal time to complete your next task - the prevention of unwelcome garden guests. For many, weeds stand as a persistent challenge, but utilizing a pre-emergent herbicide is a proactive approach that will help prevent weed seeds from germinating. For those looking for an organic approach, SAFER Weed Prevention Plus is an excellent option because it is made with 100% corn gluten meal. Before using any herbicide in the garden, be sure to read all instructions listed on the package label and take necessary cautionary measures.
Sowing the seeds of spring If you intend to grow from seed this season, take caution in using a pre-emergent, as it might discourage your desired seed from germinating. Instead, begin growing your seeds indoors, then transplant them in the garden. Be sure to pick out your spring seeds in advance so they’ll have enough time to sprout before they head to the garden bed. Depending on the variety, you’ll want to start an indoor greenhouse sometime in January or February (about 4-6 weeks before you intend to transplant). To kickstart your seedlings successfully, opt for eco-friendly plant-able peat pots or pellets, or get creative by upcycling egg cartons or other household materials into mini greenhouses. Use a planting mix specifically formulated for seeds, such as Black & Gold Seed Starting Mix, then push the seeds into the soil at the depth indicated on the seed packet. Once your seedlings develop two sets of leaves, transition them to a location with bright, indirect light. As they continue to grow, carefully trim away the weaker seedlings with scissors, keeping only the strongest sprout per container or section of the container. While frosty temperatures may be nipping at your nose, each day’s passing brings us closer to the lively, sunlit days of spring. With your protective measures in place and plans for a blooming garden, soon enough you’ll enter a season filled with blossoms, fragrance, and beauty.
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Urban Forestry
Branching out to grow healthier, happier cities When we think of forestry, our minds often wander to woodlands hidden away in remote areas of the country. Rarely do we picture the trees lining our streets or the greenery of our local parks. For a moment, pause to imagine a city without trees. In the United States alone, urban forests span over 141 million acres, encompassing city parks, tree-lined
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streets, arboretums, gardens, greenways, wetlands, and many other green spaces within our cities and towns. Urban trees don’t just pop up naturally. They’re carefully planted and nurtured by dedicated forestry groups, city planners, arborists, and landscapers. Let’s peek behind the curtain to see how our urban forests are maintained…
Green Pages, Winter, 2023
National
State
Local
At the national level, the US Forest Service leads the Urban and Community Forestry Program. This initiative collaborates with state agencies and community tree groups to support urban tree populations. They provide guidance and funding across the country, ensuring diverse, healthy, and resilient tree canopies with the goal of making sure everyone can access the benefits of trees.
At the state level, forestry agencies play a pivotal role by offering grants, region-specific tree care advice, canopy data, pest control resources, and technical assistance to local partners. They also team up with national non-profits like the Arbor Day Foundation and American Forests to coordinate grants for new projects. In addition, state agencies actively promote community involvement and encourage communities to invest in effective tree management.
Here, we find that local arborists and landscapers are the unsung heroes who bring the mission of Urban Forestry to life. They handle the planning, planting, and protection of urban tree populations. Also at this level, we find community tree boards that focus on advocacy, assisting city foresters, and engaging in activities like tree ordinance development and public education.
In a nutshell, Urban Forestry is a bustling field filled with individuals and organizations working to maintain the beautiful trees that are often taken for granted. Their commitment ensures we continue to reap the benefits of urban trees, transforming our concrete jungles into greener, happier places. So, next time you take a stroll along a tree-lined street or unwind in a city park, take a moment to honor those working behind the scenes, quietly working to make our urban landscapes a little greener and happier.
Want to learn more?
Trees in need of help?
Help cool Las Vegas...
Scan the QR code to browse local organizations that are committed to supporting urban residents and ecosystems.
Speak with an ISA Certified Arborist! These professionals are trained in all aspects of arboriculture and are guaranteed experts for tree-related issues. To find an arborist, use the “Find an Arborist” tool or contact Joey Lynn, Star Nursery’s resident Certified Arborist! Email housecalls@starnursery.com for tree-related questions.
Scan to learn how you can earn a $100 cash incentive to plant a tree!
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Ask Dr. Q For more expert plant advice tailored to your landscape, speak with an expert at your favorite Star Nursery location or schedule a house call!
Q: Our tree has grown considerably and is very tall. Can we top it?
A: When your tree grows tall, avoid topping it (cutting off the tops and
leaving stubs). Topping causes many small, weak branches to sprout. In turn, this makes the tree bushy, in need of more pruning, and vulnerable to diseases. A better method is called “thinning,” where you carefully remove some of the tallest trunks from the bottom. By doing this, the younger trunks can grow to fill the space and you can shape the tree as it continues to grow. On the other hand, if your tree wasn’t pruned well early on and lacks a strong structure, topping may help. In this case, you should cut the trunks down during the dormant period. This will encourage the tree to branch out and will set the stage for future thinning.
Q: What is the best way to revive soil? A: Throughout the growing season, plants absorb vital micronutrients from the soil, depleting its reserves. To maintain healthy growth, it’s crucial to replenish these nutrients. A multipurpose approach is to apply a layer of organic matter to the soil’s surface, enriching it with nutrients and enabling plant roots to access water and air more effectively. Additionally, the soil in our climate is typically alkaline (high pH), which can lock up nutrients, making them inaccessible to plants. You can successfully lower the pH of your soil by mixing in elemental sulfur. For more information on improving desert soils, scan the QR code! Finally, If you’ve found that your plants have been struggling due to diseases or nutrient issues, it’s best to get a soil analysis from a local lab or garden extension service to figure out what your soil needs. This way, you can give your plants the best chance to thrive.
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Green Pages, Winter, 2023
Q: Is it fine to leave my container plants outside in the winter?
A: Leaving container plants outdoors during winter is possible,
but it’s important to take the proper precautions. Firstly, you’ll want to ensure that there is proper drainage in the container, as compacted soil can suffocate roots, causing water pooling. By incorporating organic matter at the beginning of the season, not only will you improve soil structure, but you’ll also be insulating the roots and protecting them from the cold. For added security, you can wrap your plants with burlap or another type of plant insulation cloth. If you have a particularly cold-sensitive plant, consider relocating the container to a sheltered area away from cold winds, like the garage or your house. For more details on cold sensitivity, visit our plant library. If a plant is cold-sensitive, it will be indicated in the plant description.
Q: When is a good time to divide perennials? A: Dividing perennials is the practice of splitting established plants into smaller ones,
usually performed every 3-4 years. This is important because, over time, perennials can outgrow their available space, causing their growth to stagnate. The ideal times for division vary. Spring-blooming perennials benefit from division in the fall, while others are best divided in the spring. It’s advisable to divide when the plant is not in bloom, allowing it to direct all its energy into rooting and leaf development. Like with most things in life, there are exceptions to the rule. Daylilies and turf lilies can be divided year-round, but not while flowering. Clumping plants like these will typically take well to division. On the other hand, some woody or long-rooted perennials like lavender and milkweed shouldn’t be divided. Prior to dividing your perennials, look up the specific plant varieties you have in your garden to check if they will be happy being moved to a new home.
Dr. Q does house calls!
To schedule an appointment stop by your favorite Star Nursery Garden Center or email housecalls@starnursery.com. *House call fee applies. For more information visit starnursery.com.
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DITCH YOUR USELESS GRASS FOR WATER SMART LANDSCAPING and get a $3 per sq. ft. cash incentive from the Southern Nevada Water Authority, which can cover the majority of the costs. Stop wasting money on your water bill. Switching to a Water Smart Landscape allows you to enjoy less upkeep and look good doing it. LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR THE WATER SMART LANDSCAPES PROGRAM AT SNWA.COM
SNWA is a not-for-profit water agency
Getting Started with Roses
In the desert, roses do best with afternoon shade and at least 6 hours of full sunlight each day to produce abundantly and reach their peak quality. You might be surprised to learn that roses can thrive in the desert. Although their delicate beauty might seem unmatched for our climate, they bloom to life every spring and fall. With various types to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect rose for your space. • Non-patent Bush Roses: Choose from an assortment of bush roses and be wonderfully surprised at the color of the first blooms. • Patented Roses: With dozens of varieties available in the spring, each one is specially propagated to deliver a specific set of colors. • Flower Carpet Roses: These low, 2 x 3 feet beauties showcase bright blooms with minimal pruning required. • Iceberg Roses: These non-patented floribunda roses boast large, fragrant blooms. • Climbing Roses: Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden, their vine-like qualities will elevate any landscape design.
Before you dive in, it’s important to research the specific variety you are interested in, and double-check that its required light, temperature, and wind conditions will be met in the spot where you intend to plant.
To keep your roses healthy and blooming, here’s what you need to know: •
For planting, follow these simple steps: 1. Review Star Note #001 for gen- • eral planting instructions. 2. Position the root ball in the hole, ensuring that the crown (the knobby area where roots and top • meet) stays above the ground. 3. Add soil to cover the roots by at least 2 inches, lightly pack the soil, and water thoroughly. • 4. Create a 2-foot diameter irrigation basin around the rose, and water again using a root stimulator like Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic.
Dr. Q’s Rose and Flower Food is your best friend for heavy flower production. Apply when you see a new crop of buds begin to show color. Don’t wait until they fully open. Do not use nitrogen fertilizers from November-January or before the first bloom on new roses. During winter dormancy, conduct pruning to ensure a happy and healthy plant in the seasons to come. Opt for deep and infrequent watering. Light, frequent irrigation leads to shallow root growth, causing stress during hot summers and windy days. Frequently use a moisture meter to prevent over or underwatering.
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The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Step into a dazzling winter wonderland this holiday season! As the holiday season draws near, it’s a time when our hearts naturally turn towards giving and helping those in need. Opportunity Village, an organization with a rich history and profound mission, offers the perfect way to support our local community and make lasting family memories. Since 1954, Opportunity Village has been dedicated to helping people with disabilities find the very best version of themselves. Every endeavor undertaken is aligned with its core mission to empower, employ, and serve adults with disabilities in our community. Through a wide range of programs, from workforce development and community employment to inclusive housing and arts and social recreations, they provide the tools and opportunities for individuals to explore their creative passions, achieve independence, and become an integral part of their community. Operating across four main campuses with more than 60 community partner locations, Opportunity Village thrives from the funding of its social enterprises, signature events, and the generous philanthropy of its donors and community partners. To continue their mission, they are on the verge of groundbreaking a new residential campus. The forthcoming Northwest Residential Campus is set to break ground
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Green Pages, Winter, 2023
in 2024 and will span 17.6 acres, making it the largest endeavor that Opportunity Village has ever undertaken. The campus is envisioned as a vibrant community where individuals with disabilities can find a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment to call home. This space represents Opportunity Village’s commitment to ensuring every individual they serve can live life to the fullest. During the holiday season, local families can play a significant role in supporting Opportunity Village’s mission while creating cherished memories of their own. The Magical Forest, now in its 31st season, is a dazzling winter wonderland that has been welcoming families and friends for over three decades. With every visit, you’re helping Opportunity Village fund programs and services for over 3,000 individuals with disabilities. Thousands of sparkling lights, exciting rides, fun games, delectable food, and an abundance of holiday cheer await visitors at the Magical Forest. You’ll even have the chance to meet Santa and tell him all your holiday wishes. The atmosphere and festive spirit offer the perfect backdrop for families to come together, celebrate the season, and support a worthy cause. For more information on the Magical Forest, including event dates and ticket purchase details, be sure to scan the QR code. This holiday season, warm your hands with a cup of hot cocoa and warm your heart knowing you are making a positive impact on someone’s life.
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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’ve 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.
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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 winter semester. This past summer, we had 11 additional students
Green Pages, Winter, 2023
graduate and become certified experts! Each store in the Las Vegas area now has multiple resident experts who 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!
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Thank you for voting us #1 Garden Center in the Southwest!
Best of Las Vegas for 23 years!
Best in Bullhead City and Fort Mohave Arizona
Best in Southern Utah
Best in Kingman, AZ