GREEN pages Fall 2026
Bats: Natures Mosquito Control
Some may find bats scary and mysterious, but these remarkable mammals are among the desert’s most valuable allies
The Living Legacy of the Dunes Golf Course
The Dunes Golf Course was more than a resort amenity; it was a symbol of Las Vegas’ rise as a luxury destination
The Great Watering Question
Once you understand a few basic principles, watering becomes much easier
PLUS
DIY flower pressing on pg. 16
Star Nursery - Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing!
Garden Centers
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
2600 W. Ann Rd.
4140 Stockton Hill Rd.
Las Vegas
(702) 471-ROCK (7625)
5380 Blue Diamond Rd. (702) 382-ROCK (7625)
8725 S. Eastern Ave.
(702) 251-ROCK (7625)
Kingman
(928) 757-STAR (7827)
Fort Mohave 6325 Hwy. 95
(928) 788-STAR (7827)
Pahrump
Lake Havasu
911 Buol Rd.
1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave.
(775) 775-5300
(928) 505-ROCK (7625)
DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Utah Dixie 1335 S. Dixie Dr. (435) 673-5436
St. George 1145 W. Sunset Blvd. (435) 215-4356
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Our Staff Art/Design Doug Ryan Contributing Staff Kelly Davis Madalyn Watt Editor
Tim Jeffery
Horticultural Experts Joey Lynn Paul Noe
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Community Partners RODEO
06 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
FALL GARDENER’S CALENDAR: Your yard’s best season starts now. Learn more from our expert tips that make fall the easiest time to get ahead.
CULTIVATING RESILIENCE: What made the cut? The 2026 S. NV Regional Plant list just dropped! Here’s what’s in, what’s out, and what grows best in our desert climate. BATS: NATURE’S MOSQUITO CONTROL
Learn more about these misunderstood mammals—meet the night shift keeping your backyard bite-free.
THE LIVING LEGACY OF THE DUNES GOLF COURSE: They’ve survived decades of desert heat and neon nights. Find out what makes oleanders nearly indestructible. FLOWER PRESSING:
Preserve your nature walk in an afternoon—the simple art of pressing flowers that actually last.
GROWING TOGETHER: One of the greatest privileges we have
is partnering with organizations to help our communities where we can. THE GREAT WATERING QUESTION:
If you’re seeking a simple answer to the question, “How much should I water my plants?” the truth is there isn’t one. EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Behind every great day at Star Nursery are great employees, meet two of our team members who make it happen.
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WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF HISTORY, STAR NURSERY IS YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR GROWING BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES IN THE DESERT. ACROSS OUR 16 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS, WE’VE DEDICATED OURSELVES TO DELIVERING AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY AND EXPERT ADVICE THAT IS TAILORED TO OUR ENVIRONMENT.
OUR HISTORY
OUR PROMISE
HOUSE CALLS
In 1983, Craig Keough, founder and owner, noticed the absence of a convenient one-stop shop where the community could purchase affordable landscape supplies. Starting with humble origins, Mr. Keough began selling plants at his first location on the corner of Wynn Road and Tropicana. Over the years, Star Nursery has grown in tandem with the growth of the Southwest. Today, we have locations across Southern Nevada, Southern Utah, and Northern Arizona.
At Star Nursery, our promise is rooted in your success. Aware of the challenges that desert gardening presents, our staff is committed to continuous learning. Through education programs, community partnerships, and the passing down of generational knowledge, we ensure that our plant experts stay up to date on the latest horticultural knowledge.
If you’ve been experiencing problems in your yard and can’t seem to find a solution, call Dr. Q!
When you need advice on your landscape, view our online garden resources, stop by and chat with an Our journey is marked by a expert, or schedule a one-on-one commitment to ensure that the consultation! communities we serve can access the resources needed to build gardens and landscapes at a reasonable cost. We believe that beautiful outdoor spaces shouldn’t be a luxury, but a possibility for everyone.
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Green Pages, Fall, 2026
A wide range of factors can affect a plant’s health. Most of the time, our in-store experts will be able to offer gardeners a solution on the spot! However, there are times when diagnosing an issue is more complex. In this case, you may require an expert to visit your home and examine the issue. When you schedule a house call with the Dr. Q team, you’ll receive one-on-one advice from a Star Nursery expert. For a service fee of $90, you will receive up to one hour of consultation in your yard. To set up an appointment, please visit your favorite Star Nursery location to purchase your House Call.
LOCATIONS Las Vegas, NV Ann Road & Simmons 2600 W. Ann Rd. North Las Vegas, NV 89031 (702) 216-STAR (7827) West Cheyenne & Tenaya 7330 W. Cheyenne Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 253-STAR (7827) W. Charleston Blvd. & Cimmaron 8170 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89117 (702) 360-STAR (7827) W. Tropicana & Fort Apache 9480 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89147 (702) 278-STAR (7827) Boulder Hwy. & E. Tropicana 5340 Boulder Highway Las Vegas, NV 89122 (702) 435-STAR (7827) S. Eastern & Pebble 8725 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123 (702) 333-STAR (7827) Blue Diamond & Lindell 5380 Blue Diamond Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89139 (702) 444-STAR (7827)
Pahrump, NV Buol Rd. & Hwy. 372 911 Buol Rd. Pahrump, NV 89048 (775) 727-5300
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
Fall Gardener’s Calendar & Holidays
SEPTEMBER • Planting: Cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for establishing trees and shrubs of all types. Plant deciduous vines and groundcovers early enough so they can develop strong roots before winter dormancy sets in. Add vibrant seasonal color to your landscape with garden mums! • Watering: As temperatures drop, scale back your irrigation to match recommendations from your local water authority. • Fertilizing: Take advantage of the Labor Day weekend to nourish your lawn, roses, citrus, and fruit trees. For edibles, consider organic options like Dr. Q’s Organic Fertilizers. Important reminder for palm owners: September marks your final opportunity to fertilize palms for the year. • Palm Trees: Remove only damaged or dead fronds, over-pruning reduces the palm’s ability to produce and absorb nutrients. Watch for yellowing leaves (chlorosis) caused by drainage issues, root damage, soil compaction, high pH, or nutrient deficiencies. Address chlorosis with Dr. Q’s Ironworker. • Lawn Care: September–November is the perfect window to rejuvenate your turf. Aerate, dethatch, overseed, and apply a half an inch of top dressing. For detailed guidance, check out Star Note #830 – Spruce Up and Over-Seed Your Lawn available on our website at starnursery.com/ star-notes. • Roses: Once daytime temperatures consistently stay below 100°F, give your roses a light trim. Save any major pruning for January. • Desert Trees: Remove unwanted suckers and clear away dead or broken branches. Reserve heavy pruning for spring, after the last frost has passed. • Perennials: Regularly hose down plants to control spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. When necessary, apply Monterey Insecticidal Soap or come speak with one of our experts for a pest management action plan.
National •
• 7th Labor Day
Organic Month
•
Honey Month
•
Potato Month
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Green Pages, Fall, 2026
• 5th National Hummingbird Day • 11th National Patriot Day &
National Day of Service & Remembrance
• 16th International Day For The Preservation of the Ozone Layer
• 17th–23rd World Clean & Green Week • 20th–26th National Indoor Plant Week
• 13th National Peanut Day
• 22nd Fall Begins (Autumnal equinox)
• 15th National Greenpeace Day
• 26th National Johnny Appleseed Day
OCTOBER •
Vegetable Planting: Take advantage of the temperature drop and start your cool-season crops like broccoli, cabbage, radishes, and garlic. For step-by-step guidance, see Star Note #200 – Cool Weather Vegetable Gardening available on our website at starnursery.com/star-notes. Looking ahead to spring? Scatter wildflower seeds now to create a thriving pollinator garden come March!
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Mulching: Refresh any mulch that’s broken down or scattered over the summer months. A fresh layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture as you transition to less frequent watering schedules.
•
Shrub Relocation: Notice any shrubs that struggled in their summer location? Fall’s milder conditions make this the safest time to transplant them. Use Dr. Q’s Planting Partners (Dr. Q’s Paydirt, Dr. Q’s Gold Dust, and Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic) to help minimize transplant shock and support healthy establishment.
•
Frost Prep: Stock up early on frost protection like burlap, frost cloth, and cactus covers before the first frost arrives. Being prepared makes all the difference when temperatures suddenly drop.
•
Harvesting: Pomegranates are ready to pick! Look for fruit with a red to reddish-brown outer shell as your ripeness indicator.
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Weed Prevention: Get ahead of winter weeds by applying pre-emergent herbicides like Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper to desert landscapes, rockscapes, flower beds, and established lawns. Stopping weeds before they germinate saves effort later.
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Pruning: Give mature evergreen shrubs a light trim to remove sunscorched foliage. Follow up with an application of Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic to encourage fresh, healthy growth.
• 1st World Vegetarian Day National Kale Day
• 7th National Flower Day
National Pumpkin Seed Day
• 12th National Farmer’s Day • 21st National Apple Day • 22nd National Nut Day
• 26th National Pumpkin Day
National •
Vegetarian Awareness Month
•
Apple Month
•
Pickled Peppers Month
•
Rhubarb Month
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NOVEMBER •
Planting: November is prime time for planting aloe vera, a cool-season succulent that thrives in fall conditions. Choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, ensure the soil drains well, and water sparingly. Aloes store moisture in their leaves and use it gradually. In cooler weather, succulents transpire more slowly and need less frequent watering. For seasonal color, add Cyclamen and Pansies to your landscape. Cyclamen are especially cold-hardy and will brighten your garden well into spring!
•
Frost Protection: Keep an eye on the forecast for freeze warnings, as the first frost typically arrives mid-month. Protect plants when temperatures dip below 28°F. For young, frost-tender vines, lay them flat and cover with a thick mulch layer for winter insulation. Mark your calendar to uncover them once spring arrives.
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Potted Plants: Move cold-sensitive container plants to sheltered locations. Small pots like succulents can come indoors, while larger specimens like your citrus trees and pygmy date palms can overwinter in a garage until the freeze risk passes.
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Cactus Care: Stop watering cacti from now through February. This encourages natural dormancy and reduces the risk of problems like root rot and freeze damage through the wintery months ahead.
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Pepper Plants: Remove spent pepper plants from your garden beds to give the soil a winter rest. Alternatively, you can use this opportunity to start a crop rotation. Planting winter crops like cabbage, broccoli, kale, and peas helps prevent soil-borne diseases and nutrient depletion.
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Yard Maintenance: Fallen leaves from healthy deciduous trees and conifers make excellent natural mulch. Instead of raking them away, let them decompose in place to enrich your desert soil with valuable organic matter.
National
• 1st World Vegan Day
•
Pepper Month
• 10th National Forget-Me-Not Day
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Pomegranate Month
• 11th Veteran’s Day
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Sweet Potato Awareness Month
• 14th National Pickle Day
•
World Vegan Month
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Daylight Savings Time Ends
Green Pages, Fall, 2026
• 28th National Maize Day
Football Season is FALL
WATERING SEASON
Find your mandatory watering days at snwa.com Keep saving water where it matters most: outdoors
SNWA is a not-for-profit water agency.
CULTIVATING RESILIENCE
Your guide to the 2026 Southern Nevada regional plant list As our valley adapts to an evolving climate, the way we design our landscapes must evolve too. A collaborative team, including local extension educators, landscape architects, arborists, urban foresters, city planners, and SNWA conservation experts, has finalized the 2026 revisions to the Southern Nevada Regional Plant List. Now available on the SNWA website, the updated guide represents a significant, science-backed shift toward prioritizing vegetation that is truly climate-resilient. Streamlined and Enhanced: What’s New? The 2026 revisions were designed to make your plant selection process clearer and more effective than ever: • A Focus on Sustainability: Now officially compiled by the SNWA, the guide places a renewed emphasis on selecting species that can withstand our specific regional conditions, supporting long-term urban health. • Prohibited Plant Updates: The list of banned plants has been refined to clarify which varieties are restricted due to their status as noxious weeds or their known allergenic properties. Notably, this update includes the removal of the beloved Chaste Tree from the prohibited list. • “Bulletproof ” Selections: They have introduced a specific designation for “bulletproof ” shrubs, plants identified for their extreme drought tolerance, cold hardiness, and natural resistance to pests and diseases once established. • Expert Tree Guidance: The updated guide now highlights the importance of selecting trees with a 3-star rating or higher. These selections are specifically vetted for their ability to thrive in our desert heat and seasonal drought, offering a better long-term investment compared to lower-rated trees.
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Green Pages, Fall, 2026
• Improved Clarity: The tables now clearly flag the specific traits that lead to a “not recommended” status, such as high water needs or poor heat tolerance, helping you avoid problematic choices. Additionally, trees that were previously “under review” have now been fully assessed and integrated into the main tree section for your reference. Navigating the List To get the most out of the document, begin by exploring the categorization by plant type, which ranges from trees and shrubs to groundcovers, vines, and desert-adapted succulents. Each entry is organized alphabetically by botanical name, with accompanying attribute columns that allow you to filter plants based on specific project needs, such as water use, sun exposure, or growth rate. • Tree Metrics: Trees, palms, and cycads are evaluated on a 1-to-5-star scale based on climate resiliency factors like environmental tolerance, water efficiency, and pathogen resistance. The list also provides critical data, including mature size (based on SNWA canopy coverage), growth rate, and even air quality ratings for biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) levels. • Shrubs, Succulents, and More: Beyond trees, the guide includes dedicated sections for groundcovers, vines, and a specific section for
agaves, cacti, succulents, and yuccas. These entries include mature dimensions and guidance on exposure and water use. • Deciphering Comments: Both the tree and shrub sections utilize numeric codes to highlight specific requirements, such as the preference for organic mulch, potential toxicity, or the necessity of a protected microclimate. Grow More for Less with the SNWA Tree Rebate As you plan your next landscaping project, remember that Star Nursery is a proud partner in the SNWA Tree Canopy Enhancement Program. When participating in the Water Smart Landscapes program, you may qualify for a $100 incentive per tree for installing new, qualifying varieties. Star Nursery stocks a wide range of these high-performance trees, including the African Sumac, Chilean Mesquite, Chinese Pistache, Coolibah, Desert Museum Palo Verde, Desert Willow, Fruitless Olive, Holly Oak, Mastic Tree, Red Push Pistache, Shoestring Acacia, Silver Dollar Gum, Southern Live Oak, and Willow Acacia. Our knowledgeable team at Star Nursery is ready to assist you to verify your selections and help you maximize your savings while contributing to a more sustainable, climate-resilient valley.
SNWA is a not-for-profit water agency
Scan the QR code to view the full list or visit SNWA.COM Star Nursery carries the following SNWA Tree Enhancement Program qualifying trees*: Botanical Name Acacia salicina Acacia stenophylla Chilopsis linearis Eucalyptus microtheca Eucalyptus polyanthemos Olea europaea Parkinsonia x ‘Desert Museum’ Pistacia chinensis Pistacia lentiscus Pistacia x ‘Red Push’ Prosopis chilensis Quercus ilex Quercus virginiana Searsia lancea (=Rhus)
Common Name Willow Acacia Shoestring Acacia Desert Willow Coolibah Silver Dollar Gum Fruitless Olive Desert Museum Palo Verde Chinese Pistache Mastic Tree Red Push Pistache Chilean Mesquite Holly Oak Southern Live Oak African Sumac
Tree Size
Water Needs
Key
L L M L L M M L M L L L L M
L L M L, M L, M M V, L M L M L, M M M L, M
Tree Size (based on both height and width): Medium (20-29 ft), Large (30-45 ft) Water Needs: Very Low, Low, Moderate *Other trees on the SNWA list may be available via “special order”. Ask an associate for details.
BATS
Nature’s mosquito control As the sun slips below the horizon in the Mojave Desert, another group of hardworking residents begins its nightly routine. Bats quietly emerge from their roosts, filling the evening sky in search of one thing: insects. While some people may find bats scary and mysterious, these remarkable mammals are among the desert’s most valuable allies, especially when it comes to controlling mosquito populations.
Mosquito Control Experts
Bats are incredibly efficient insect hunters. A single small bat can consume hundreds, and in some cases more than a thousand insects in a single night. Mosquitoes are certainly on the menu, along with moths, beetles, flies, gnats, and other flying insects that become active after dark. Although mosquitoes make up only part of a bat’s diet, healthy bat populations help reduce the overall number of biting insects. This natural form of pest control benefits both people and the desert ecosystem, reducing the need for chemical insecticides while keeping insect populations in balance.
Hunting in Complete Darkness
One of the most fascinating things about bats is how they find their prey. Rather than relying primarily on eyesight, most insect-eating bats use a biological sonar system called echolocation. As they fly, bats emit high-frequency sound pulses that are far above the range of human hearing. These sounds bounce off nearby objects, including tiny flying insects, and return as echoes. By analyzing those echoes in a fraction of a second, a bat can determine an insect’s location, size, direction, and even its speed. This extraordinary ability allows bats to catch insects in complete darkness with incredible accuracy.
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Green Pages, Fall, 2026
Did you Know?
Why Do Bats Fly So Erratically?
There are over 45 different species of bats that call the United States home, of them, 28 can be found in Arizona, 23 in Nevada and 18 in Utah. The most popular sightings go to the three pictured below!
If you’ve ever watched bats darting across the evening sky, you’ve probably noticed their unpredictable flight patterns. They aren’t flying randomly, they’re making rapid, calculated adjustments while pursuing fast-moving prey. Mosquitoes, moths, and other insects don’t fly in straight lines. They zigzag, dive, climb, and change direction without warning. Bats constantly respond to these movements, using echolocation to track their prey while making split-second turns, climbs, and dives. Their highly flexible wings and agile bodies allow them to perform aerial maneuvers that would be impossible for most birds. What looks chaotic to us is actually a display of remarkable precision and athleticism.
Why Are We Seeing More Bats?
Many Mojave Desert residents have noticed an increase in bat activity during warm evenings, and there are good reasons for that. Bats naturally gather where food is abundant. Periods of warmer weather, increased irrigation, seasonal rainfall, standing water, and expanding urban landscapes can all contribute to larger populations of mosquitoes and other flying insects. When insect numbers rise, bats often become more active in those areas because they have more opportunities to feed. This doesn’t necessarily mean there are dramatically more bats overall. In many cases, it means bats are concentrating on their hunting efforts where insect populations are highest. As neighborhoods create more water sources through ponds, swimming pools, irrigation systems, and landscaping, they can unintentionally provide breeding habitat for mosquitoes, attracting bats that take advantage of the plentiful food supply.
Mexican Free-Tailed Bat
Appreciating Our Nocturnal Neighbors
Canyon Bat
The Mojave Desert is home to several species of insect-eating bats that play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. By feeding on enormous numbers of insects each night, they help support healthier ecosystems and provide a valuable service to nearby communities. Despite common myths, bats are not aggressive toward people. They generally avoid human contact and are focused on finding insects to eat. Like any wild animal, they should be appreciated from a distance and never handled but simply watching them hunt overhead can be one of the most fascinating sights of a desert evening. The next time you see bats zigzagging across the twilight sky, remember that you’re watching some of nature’s most skilled insect hunters at work. Their seemingly erratic flight is actually a sophisticated aerial pursuit guided by echolocation, allowing them to capture insects with astonishing precision. As mosquito and flying insect populations fluctuate throughout the Mojave Desert, bats continue to provide a valuable, natural form of pest control. Far from being something to fear, these remarkable animals are hardworking members of the desert community, helping make warm summer evenings a little more comfortable—one insect at a time.
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat
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THE LIVING LEGACY OF THE DUNES GOLF COURSE
How oleanders still mark one of Las Vegas’ greatest lost landscapes Long before Bellagio’s fountains became a Las Vegas icon, the same land held one of the desert’s most remarkable golf courses. The Dunes Golf Course was more than a resort amenity; it was a symbol of Las Vegas’ rise as a luxury destination. Today, traces of that vanished landscape still remain in plain sight. The most enduring reminders are
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Green Pages, Fall, 2026
not buildings or signs, but rows of mature oleanders still blooming along portions of Frank Sinatra Drive, that can be seen from the I-15 freeway. These hardy flowering shrubs are living artifacts from an earlier Strip. The Dunes Hotel and Country Club opened on May 23, 1955, on an 85-acre parcel near the southern
end of the Strip. With its Arabian Nights theme, luxury accommodations, and celebrated golf course, the Dunes helped define a new era of Las Vegas resort development. Unlike today’s tightly packed Strip, the Dunes offered broad green fairways stretching from Flamingo Road toward Tropicana Avenue. Palm trees, lakes, flowering shrubs,
and carefully maintained plantings transformed open desert into an oasis that drew celebrities, professional golfers, high rollers, and tourists. Among the course’s signature plantings, dense hedges of oleanders, valued for their colorful flowers, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in Southern Nevada’s harsh climate. Many were planted during initial construction in the mid1950s, making some surviving shrubs roughly 70 years old today. Oleanders also shaped the approach to Las Vegas. During the city’s rapid expansion in the 1950s and 1960s, they were planted along Interstate 15 beside the Dunes property, filling the median with a colorful, low-maintenance barrier. For travelers arriving from Southern California, the flowering shrubs and emerald fairways helped create the impression of an oasis in the Mojave Desert. For decades, the Dunes Golf Course was one of the defining images of the Strip. Before mega-resorts occupied nearly every acre, its open green space stood in dramatic contrast to the surrounding desert and remained visible from hotel towers and aircraft approaching McCarran International Airport. That era ended in the early 1990s. Steve Wynn purchased the Dunes property in 1992, and the hotel closed in January 1993. On October 27, 1993, the north tower became the first major Las Vegas resort to be imploded, followed by a second demolition in July 1994. The spectacle drew an estimated 200,000 spectators and changed how Las Vegas retired its historic resorts. Bellagio opened in 1998 on much
of the former Dunes property, introducing a new vision of luxury to the Strip. Later, portions of the old golf course became home to The Cosmopolitan, CityCenter, ARIA, Vdara, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, and other developments that now define the modern skyline. Yet despite all the construction, the oleanders endured. To most visitors, they are simply flowering shrubs along roads and medians. To longtime Las Vegas residents, they are silent witnesses to a vanished landscape, rooted in a time when golfers walked lush fairways where thousands of hotel rooms now stand. In many ways, these oleanders are among the oldest surviving living features on the central Las Vegas Strip. Each spring and summer, their pink and white blossoms offer a living connection to the Las Vegas of the 1950s, when an emerald golf course in the desert symbolized ambition and possibility. The Dunes may have disappeared beneath Bellagio and the surrounding mega-resorts, but its legacy never completely vanished. It still blooms each year in the oleanders lining the roads where one of Las Vegas’ most iconic golf courses once flourished. Bringing a Piece of Las Vegas History Home For those inspired by the historic oleanders that still line the Las Vegas Strip, Star Nursery offers many of the same dependable varieties that have thrived in the Desert Southwest for generations. Customers can choose from classic pink, light pink, red, and white flowering oleanders, along with dwarf selections for smaller landscapes and tree-form varieties that create a striking focal point. Whether used as a privacy hedge,
windbreak, screen, or colorful accent, oleanders remain one of the region’s most time-tested landscape plants. Oleanders are evergreen shrubs that typically mature around 10 feet tall and wide, while tree-form selections can reach approximately 15 feet in height. They thrive in full sun, tolerate virtually any soil type, and are well adapted to Southern Nevada’s intense heat, wind, and drought conditions. Once established, they perform best with deep, infrequent watering and require only occasional pruning or shearing to maintain their desired shape. Star Nursery recommends feeding with Dr. Q’s Tree, Shrub & Vine Food (16-8-4) during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Like the surviving oleanders that have quietly witnessed nearly seven decades of Las Vegas history, today’s varieties are built to last. With proper care, they can provide decades of vibrant color and evergreen beauty, continuing a landscaping tradition that has become part of the city’s living heritage. starnursery.com
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FLOWER PRESSING
Preserving the beauty of nature Have you ever wished you could bring your flowers inside and enjoy them even more than just seeing them in your surroundings? Pressing flowers is a wonderful way to preserve the beauty of blooms long after their time in the garden has passed. Whether you want to save flowers for a special occasion, preserve blooms from your own yard, or simply create lovely art, flower pressing is an easy and rewarding past time.
COLLECTING MATERIALS
One of the best parts of flower pressing is that you can use flowers and greenery you already have. For example, your rose bush needs to be trimmed! Gather the roses instead of throwing them away. Mix flowers with interesting greenery to create more texture and variety. Dusty miller, feathery cassia, and star jasmine all add delicate details and make arrangements more visually interesting. Select blooms that naturally have a flatter shape because they press more easily. Some great choices include: • Hibiscus • Perky Sue flowers • Daisies • Pansies • Cosmos Consider the fact that some flowers are much more difficult to press because they are thick or have large centers. Examples include: • Sunflowers • Cone-centered flowers • Succulents • Cactus Fresh, dry blooms will keep their color better and are less likely to develop mold while pressing.
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Green Pages, Fall, 2026
STEPS WITH A TRADITIONAL PRESS
Roses are one of the most stunning flowers to preserve, but they need a little preparation before pressing. Start by gently tearing away any outer petals that are worn, or discolored until you reach the nicer-looking petals underneath. Next, carefully bend the remaining worn so they are slightly inverted. This helps the rose open up and press into a flatter shape. Remove the small flower parts from the center of the rose. Taking out some of the middle allows the flower to remain flatter while drying and creates a more attractive finished result. Now assemble your flower press: 1. Place a piece of cardboard on the bottom of the wood. 2. Add a sheet of blotting paper. 3. Arrange your flower so the petals are spread the way you want them to look when finished. 4. Cover with another sheet of blotting paper. 5. Attach the top piece of cardboard. 6. Once everything is connected, tighten the wingnuts as much as possible. You can repeat steps 2-4 as many times as your press allows, stacking multiple flowers in one pressing session. The tighter the press, the flatter your roses and pieces will dry. Leave the flowers in the press for approximately two to four weeks. Resist the temptation to open the press too often. When the flowers feel completely dry and papery, they are ready to use.
CRAFTING OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS
Once your flowers are prepared, there are many creative ways to enjoy them.
Picture Frames
Make a picture frame stand out by surrounding a favorite memory with pressed flowers or display a collection of your favorite blooms together. This makes a thoughtful DIY gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, or weddings.
Flower Journal
Capture the flowers that have been part of your home and garden over the seasons. A flower journal lets you remember what bloomed throughout the years and creates a beautiful record of your garden from then and now. Label each page with the flower name, location, or date to make it even more meaningful.
Botanical Prints
Create distinctive artwork using your pressed flowers. • Lay the preserved botanicals on a sheet of paper. • Spray paint evenly over the entire surface. • Delicately remove the flowers once the paint has dried enough to avoid smudging. The areas beneath the flowers remain untouched, creating beautiful botanical silhouettes.
Themed Tea-Light Candle Holders
Pressed flowers can be attached to glass candle holders simply with crafting glue. Choose colors to match the occasion: • Oranges, reds, and yellows for fall. • Soft pinks for Mother’s Day. • Whites and greens for weddings. • Bright mixed colors for spring and summer. When the candle is lit, the flowers create a natural glow that adds warmth and charm to any space. Flower pressing is a timeless craft that transforms everyday blooms into lasting memories. Whether you’re preserving flowers from your own garden or creating heartfelt handmade gifts, each pressed flower tells a story. With just a little patience, you can enjoy the beauty of nature long after the growing season has ended. starnursery.com
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GROWING TOGETHER
Honored to serve our community At Star Nursery, we believe our responsibility extends far beyond helping customers create beautiful landscapes. One of the greatest privileges we have is partnering with organizations to help our communities where we can. We’re honored to work alongside Clark County at community events that bring families together, inspire children, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s donating Christmas trees during the holidays, volunteering our time, or finding creative ways to engage local families, we’re grateful for every opportunity to give back. The partnership has grown into something far greater than event spon-
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sorships—it’s become a shared commitment to serving Southern Nevada. Commissioner Justin Jones has witnessed that commitment firsthand. “The partnership between Clark County and Star Nursery has been incredible,” Commissioner Jones said. “They don’t just bring their products— they bring an amazing team that is always willing to jump in wherever they’re needed. Whether it’s cutting Christmas trees for families at A Holiday to Remember or showing up with rope and zip ties to help us break a Guinness World Record, Star Nursery is always there with a smile and a can-do attitude.”
One event that holds a special place in our hearts is A Holiday to Remember. For the past two years, we’ve been honored to provide hundreds of fresh Christmas trees to local families while our team volunteers to help prepare and load each one. “Watching families leave with a Christmas tree and seeing the joy on children’s faces is a reminder of how meaningful community partnerships can be,” Commissioner Jones said. Throughout the year, we’re also proud to participate in events like Mighty Motor Mania, where we showcased our double-transfer aggregate dump trucks, giving families a rare upclose look at the equipment behind Southern Nevada’s landscape industry. “Star Nursery has an incredible ability to identify ways they can make a meaningful difference,” Commissioner Jones said. “It’s those thoughtful ideas and their willingness to go above and beyond that truly set them apart.” As our community continues to grow, we’re excited to continue building this partnership and serving even more neighborhoods throughout Clark County. “The opportunities are endless,” Commissioner Jones said. “I would love to see partnerships like this expand across all seven County Commission districts so even more families and neighborhoods can benefit from the incredible work Star Nursery does in our community.” We’re deeply grateful to Commissioner Jones, Clark County, and every volunteer who helps make these events possible. Being invited to serve our community alongside so many dedicated organizations is a privilege we never take for granted. At Star Nursery, we’re proud to help our neighbors grow beautiful landscapes—but we’re even prouder to help grow a stronger Southern Nevada. starnursery.com
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THE GREAT WATERING QUESTION
How much is enough? Hey there, Dr. Q here, bringing you some tips and tricks to help your landscape survive and thrive! Over the years, I’ve been asked one question more times than any other: “How much should I water my plants?” My answer today is the same answer my mentor, Lynn Mills, taught me many years ago: “It depends.” I know that’s probably not the straightforward answer most homeowners are hoping for, but it’s the most accurate one. Every landscape is different, every plant is different, and the conditions surrounding those plants can dramatically affect how much water they need. The good news is that once you understand a few basic principles, watering becomes much easier. One of the biggest mistakes new gardeners make is assuming all plants need the same amount of water. In reality, several factors influence how much your plants require. Soil type plays a major role. Sandy soils drain quickly and dry out faster, while clay soils and caliche can make it difficult for water to penetrate deeply into the root zone. The time of year, sun exposure, drainage, plant size, and plant type all affect watering needs as well. Another often-overlooked factor is the location of the plant. Plants growing on slopes behave differently than those planted on level ground. Water naturally follows gravity and tends to run downhill before it has a chance to soak deeply into the soil. As a result, plants on slopes often need slower and longer watering cycles to ensure moisture reaches the root zone. Whenever possible, I recommend creating a level planting area when installing plants on a slope. Constructing a small terrace and building a 2- to 4-inch berm outside the root ball creates a reservoir that helps hold water in place and improves soil penetration. By maintaining even soil moisture from the root ball into the native soil, roots are encouraged to grow outward rather than remain confined to the planting hole. Getting New Trees and Shrubs Off to a Strong Start Newly planted trees and shrubs require special attention because their roots are confined to a relatively small area and depend heavily on consistent moisture. When determining how much water to apply, I generally look at two things: the size of the plant and the type of plant.
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For leafy ornamental shrubs and trees, a good rule of thumb is to provide at least one gallon of water for every foot of height or width, whichever is greater, during each watering cycle. For example, if you have a shrub that is 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, use the larger measurement. That plant should receive a minimum of 6 gallons of water each time it is irrigated. I recommend placing emitters on opposite sides of the root ball to provide even moisture distribution. Depending on the plant size, 2-gallon-per-hour or 4-gallon-per-hour emitters are usually sufficient. Desert Plants Play by Different Rules Living in the desert Southwest gives us access to some amazing drought-tolerant plants. However, many homeowners accidentally overwater them because they assume all landscape plants have similar water requirements. Desert-adapted plants evolved under harsh conditions and are naturally designed to survive with less water. As a general guideline, smaller-leafed desert-adapted shrubs typically require about half the amount of water needed by leafy ornamental plants of the same size. Cacti and succulents require even less. These plants store water in their stems, leaves, and tissues whenever it is available, allowing them to go much longer between watering cycles. In fact, excessive irrigation is one of the leading causes of failure in desert landscapes. When it comes to cacti and succulents, remember this: it’s usually easier to recover from underwatering than overwatering. For cactus and succulents, use smaller volume emitters like ½ to 1 GPH size. Caring for Established Trees and Shrubs As trees and shrubs grow, their root systems expand well beyond the original planting hole, yet many irrigation systems never change after installation. As plants mature, emitters should be moved progressively outward toward the edge of the canopy, where most active feeder roots are developing. At the same time, increase either the number of emitters or their output to ensure adequate moisture reaches the expanding root system. Encouraging roots to grow outward creates stronger, healthier plants that are better equipped to withstand heat, drought, and environmental stress. Think of it this way: if all the water remains concentrated near the trunk, that’s where the roots will stay. By widening the watering zone, you’re encouraging the plant to build a larger and healthier foundation below ground. Final Thoughts If you’re still looking for a simple answer to the question, “How much should I water my plants?” the truth is there isn’t one. The correct answer will always depend on the plant, the soil, the season, and the conditions in your landscape. The more you understand those factors, the better decisions you’ll make about irrigation. Healthy landscapes aren’t created by watering more—they’re created by watering smarter. Dr. Q’s Parting Tip Plants don’t drink from a schedule—they drink from the soil. Understanding your soil, your plants, and your site conditions will always lead to better watering decisions than simply setting a timer and forgetting about it. Until next time, keep your landscapes healthy, your roots growing deep, and your irrigation working smarter—not harder. — Dr. Q
Dr. Q’s Quick Answers Q: How often should irrigation systems be checked for proper operation? A: Every chance you get. At a minimum, perform a monthly irrigation audit. Regular inspections help identify clogged emitters, broken lines, leaks, and coverage issues before they become expensive problems and help you maintain better control of your water usage. Q: How can I tell if water is reaching deep enough into the soil? A: My favorite method is the screwdriver test. After watering, push a long screwdriver into the soil. If it slides in easily to a depth of approximately 12 inches, you’re achieving good soil penetration. I also highly recommend using a soil moisture meter to monitor how quickly your soil dries and how deeply water is penetrating. Q: Should I water differently during different seasons? A: The amount of water applied during each watering cycle generally stays the same. What changes is the frequency. During the summer, you’ll typically water 4-5 days per week. During spring and fall, 2-3 days per week is common. In winter, most landscapes require watering only once per week. Adjustments may be needed depending on weather conditions and plant types. Q: What are the signs of overwatering? A: One of the most common symptoms is yellowing leaves that begin at the bottom of the plant and gradually move upward. This often indicates root stress or root rot caused by excessive moisture. Q: What are the signs of underwatering? A: Plants that aren’t receiving enough water often show symptoms from the top down. Leaf tips may curl, dry out, or become crispy as the plant struggles to move moisture to its uppermost growth. starnursery.com
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Our team is what makes Star Nursery special. Meet two Star team members whose hard work, passion, and positive attitudes make a difference every day.
Blue Di a
mond Loc ation
Molly Lenihan
Molly has been part of Star Nursery’s Inside Sales team at our Blue Diamond location in Las Vegas for three years. Inspired by her love of nature, she’s currently pursuing a dual major in Business Administration and Landscape Architecture. Molly’s favorite part of the job is seeing customers return to share the success of their gardens and landscape projects. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her brother and her Bachon, Japanese for grandmother. She also has a special love for orchids because they remind her of home. Kaylee has been with Star Nursery for nearly four years and currently works in Contractor Sales at our Cottonmill location. She enjoys building strong relationships with contractors and loves seeing projects come to life from start to finish. Outside of work, Kaylee enjoys reading and listening to music. She also has a unique skill that surprises many people: operating heavy equipment! Her advice for new team members is simple. Never stop learning. There is always something new to discover at Star Nursery. We’re grateful to have Molly and Kaylee on the Star Nursery team. Their dedication, knowledge, and positive attitudes help make Star Nursery a great place for both our customers and our employees
Kaylee Winchester Cottonmill Loc
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• Seasonal Plant Stress Issues
• Pest or Weed Problems • Landscape Diagnostics • Irrigation Problems
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