Enjoy the outdoors again with these mosquito fighting strategies In remembrance of a remarkable soul
Remembering Raul Garcia
Star Nursery - Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing!
Garden Centers
Create a maintainable and drought tolerant landscape. Use flagstone for a beautiful and unique walkway.
9 DECORATIVE ROCK YARDS
Nevada
Las Vegas
2600 W. Ann Rd. (702) 471-ROCK (7625)
5380 Blue Diamond Rd. (702) 382-ROCK (7625)
8725 S. Eastern Ave. (702) 251-ROCK (7625)
Pahrump
911 Buol Rd. (775) 775-5300
Arizona
Utah
4140 Stockton Hill Rd. (928) 757-STAR (7827)
Fort Mohave
Kingman 6325 Hwy. 95 (928) 788-STAR (7827)
Lake Havasu
1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. (928) 505-ROCK (7625)
DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
1335 S. Dixie Dr. (435) 673-5436
Dixie 1145 W. Sunset Blvd. (435) 215-4356
St. George
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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
SPRING GARDENERS CALENDAR:
12
14
17
06 20 10 18 22
Plan, plant and prosper, your spring garden checklist starts here. Time to get your hands dirty and your garden ready for a season of growth.
RODEO ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT:
Meet the grit behind the glory, two sisters with courage, skill and heart. The Stefano sisters, two athletes turning every ride into a legacy.
STARTING A GARDEN FROM SEED:
From tiny seeds to thriving blooms, your guide to starting a garden from scratch. Plant, nurture and watch your new garden come to life.
HOW TO CONTROL MOSQUITOES: Tell mosquitoes to buzz off! Learn simple ways to keep mosquitoes at bay this season, and enjoy the outdoors again with these mosquito fighting strategies.
REMEMBERING RAUL GARCIA:
In remembrance of a remarkable soul whose legacy lives on, with a life well lived and memories that continue to inspire with his lasting impact.
GROW YOUR OWN FLAVOR:
Spice up your garden and kitchen with our top 10 must grow herbs. Fresh flavor starts at home, start growing your own to elevate your meals.
STAR NURSERY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Shining a light on the people who make our teams extraordinary. Dedication, passion and teamwork, the wonderful traits of our featured team members.
DR. Q’S SEASONAL RECIPE Fire up the grill and explore a fresh twist on classic grilled chicken. Simple, smoky and sensational, bursting with fresh from the garden flavor.
WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF HISTORY, STAR NURSERY IS YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR GROWING BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES IN THE DESERT. ACROSS OUR 16 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS, WE’VE DEDICATED OURSELVES TO DELIVERING AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY AND EXPERT ADVICE THAT IS TAILORED TO OUR ENVIRONMENT.
OUR HISTORY
In 1983, Craig Keough, founder and owner, noticed the absence of a convenient one-stop shop where the community could purchase affordable landscape supplies. Starting with humble origins, Mr. Keough began selling plants at his first location on the corner of Wynn Road and Tropicana. Over the years, Star Nursery has grown in tandem with the growth of the Southwest. Today, we have locations across Southern Nevada, Southern Utah, and Northern Arizona.
Our journey is marked by a commitment to ensure that the communities we serve can access the resources needed to build gardens and landscapes at a reasonable cost. We believe that beautiful outdoor spaces shouldn’t be a luxury, but a possibility for everyone.
OUR PROMISE HOUSE CALLS
At Star Nursery, our promise is rooted in your success. Aware of the challenges that desert gardening presents, our staff is committed to continuous learning. Through education programs, community partnerships, and the passing down of generational knowledge, we ensure that our plant experts stay up to date on the latest horticultural knowledge.
When you need advice on your landscape, view our online garden resources, stop by and chat with an expert, or schedule a one-on-one consultation!
If you’ve been experiencing problems in your yard and can’t seem to find a solution, call Dr. Q!
A wide range of factors can affect a plant’s health. 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)
Lake Havasu Ave. & College Dr. 1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (928) 505-ROCK (7625)
Kingman, AZ
Stockton Hill Rd. & Gordon Dr. 4140 Stockton Hill Rd. Kingman, AZ 86409 (928) 757-STAR (7827)
Fort Mohave, AZ
Hwy. 95 & Boundary Cone Rd. 6325 Hwy. 95 Fort Mohave, AZ 86426 (928) 788-STAR (7827)
Bullhead City, AZ
Mohave Dr. & Miracle Mile 1579 Mohave Dr. Bullhead City, AZ 86442 (928) 758-STAR (7827)
St. George, UT
Sunset Blvd. & Bluff St. 1145 W. Sunset Blvd. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 688-STAR (7827)
Dixie Dr. & Gubler Ln. 1335 S. Dixie Dr. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 674-STAR (7827)
Washington, UT
Telegraph Rd. & 500 W. 385 W. Telegraph Rd. Washington, UT 84780 (435) 986-0820
MARCH Spring Gardener’s Calendar & Holidays
National
• Celery Month
• Reset Sprinkler Clocks: Adjust according to your local Water Authority’s watering restrictions. Inspect your irrigation system for sprinkler coverage and missing or broken drip emitters.
• Fertilize Trees and Shrubs: Use a balanced fertilizer like 15-15-15 or organic-based fertilizers such as our Dr. Q’s Tree, Shrub & Vine Food.
• Feed Desert Plants and Cacti: Apply Dr. Q’s Desert Plant and Cactus Food for improved spring flowering and growth.
• Survey Your Yard: Clean up debris, tune your irrigation system, and replace irrigation and sprinkler parts as needed. Fertilize lawns with a complete spring fertilizer like Dr. Q’s Royal Flush 16-4-8 or if you have weeds consider Hi-Yield’s Weed & Feed 18-4-4 to kill emerging spring weeds and feed your lawn at the same time.
• Thin Fruit on Trees: Thin fruit to one every 6 inches on the branch to ensure better quality and prevent tree limb breakage.
• Overseed Lawns or Plant New Ones: Follow guidelines in our Star Notes #800 planting a new lawn from seed, #805 planting a new lawn from sod, #810 fertilizing and maintaining a lawn or #830 spruce up and over-seed your lawn, for best results. Find these and more Star Notes on our website at starnursery.com or scan the QR code.
• Control Vegetable Pests: Use chemical or organic insecticides to manage aphids, leafhoppers, & cabbage loopers as they appear.
• Plant Tomato Starts: Ensure a good crop by planting early and selecting heat-tolerant varieties. Try Amy’s Sugar Gem, Heatwave, Juilet Grape, Sugar Rush or ask one of our experts for to suggest their favorite variety at your favorite Star Nursery location.
• Prepare Herb Gardens: Use Cedar Bark Mulch to reduce and control insects without pesticides. This also helps retain moisture and cool the soil.
• 3rd National Peach Blossom Day
• 7th National Plant Power Day
• 11th Johnny Appleseed Day
• 12th Plant a Flower Day
• 15th–21st National Agriculture Week
• 24th National Agriculture Day
• 20th Spring Equinox
• 21st World Planting Day National Flower Day
• 22nd National Daffodil Day
• 25th National Little Red Wagon Day
• 26th National Spinach Day
APRIL
• Support Pollinators with Native Plants: Plant native “host plants” to attract and sustain pollinators. Great options include Globe Mallow, Penstemons (available in many colors), and Milkweed, which is essential for supporting the Monarch butterfly population.
• Deep Watering for Young Trees: Newly planted trees, especially in lawns need deep irrigation beyond what your lawn sprinklers provide. You’ll want to trench and install emitters around the tree’s dripline, connecting them to your irrigation zone designated for trees and shrubs to ensure proper watering.
• Use Beneficial Insects for Natural Pest Control: Introduce beneficial insects like Ladybugs and Praying Mantises to control pests such as aphids and spider mites. Also, consider adding Earthworms to your garden soil to naturally improve soil health and plant growth. You can find these beneficial insects at your favorite Star Nursery Garden Center during through the spring season.
• Protect Plants from Skeletonizer Caterpillars: Watch for Skeletonizer Caterpillars, which feed on the leaves of your grapes, vegetables, texas mountain laurels, and tecoma bell varieties. They can defoliate and weaken plants. Treat infestations with BT Worm Killer to prevent damage.
• Shield Tree Trunks from Sun and Borers: Protect exposed tree trunks by applying diluted tree paint, such as Go Natural Tree Trunk Paint or wrapping them with DeWitt Tree Wrap , a breathable fabric. This helps prevent sunburn, stress, and borer infestations.
• Control Ant Activity Early: If you notice ants moving up and down plants or trees, act quickly. Ants feed on the honeydew from aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies and protect these pests from predators. Apply AMDRO Ant Block now to prevent future infestations.
• 4th International Carrot Day
• 6th California Poppy Day
• 11th FREE Lady Bug Day at Star Nursery
• 13th International Plant Appreciation Day
• 19th National Garlic Day
• 22nd Earth Day
• 25th Arbor Day
• 29th Peace Rose Day
• 14th National Pecan Day National Gardening Day National
• Lawn & Garden Month
• Earth Month
• Keep America Beautiful Month
• Pecan Month
• Fresh Celery Month
• Wildflower Month
• Miniature Garden Month
• Asparagus Month
• Strawberry Month
• Gifts From The Garden Month
MAY
• Feed Palms for Healthy Growth: May marks the start of the palm tree growing season. Apply Dr. Q’s Palm Food, specially formulated to meet palm nutrient needs, promote strong growth, and prevent common deficiencies.
• Prepare Lawns for Summer: Get your lawn ready for the heat with Dr. Q’s Royal Flush 16-4-8 fertilizer. This long-lasting formula nourishes turf for up to 12 weeks while improving soil condition and overall lawn health.
• Treat Lawn Pests Effectively: Watch for white grubs and sod webworm larvae as they appear starting in May. For best results, apply BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer for soil & turf late in the afternoon when larvae are feeding near the surface.
• Follow Smart Watering Guidelines: Starting May 1, the Southern Nevada Water Authority allows watering up to six days per week. However, established trees and shrubs thrive with deep, infrequent watering, leave at least a day between waterings. For detailed watering advice, refer to Star Note #900A (trees and shrubs) and Star Note #900B (lawns), scan the QR code under March on page 6 or view them online at starnursery. com/star-notes. Assigned watering days are available at SNWA.com.
• Plant Vibrant, Heat-Tolerant Flowers: Add color to your garden with summer snapdragons, marigolds, vinca, star flower, and zinnia. Enrich your soil before planting and apply surface mulch to retain moisture, boost water efficiency, and keep soil temperatures cooler through the summer ahead.
• 11th Mother’s Day National
• 1st International Sunflower
Guerrilla Gardening Day
• 3rd National Garden Meditation Day
National Herb Day
World Naked Gardening Day
• 4th–10th National Herb Week
National Wildflower Week
• 10th World Migratory Bird Day
• 16th National Love a Tree Day
• 19th Plant Something Day
• 20th World Bee Day
National Pick Strawberries Day
• 18th–24th National Vegetarian Week
National African Violet Week
• 29th National Composting Day
• 30th National Water a Flower Day
The Stefano Sisters
Giada Stefano, an 18-year-old barrel racer and pole bending competitor from Las Vegas, Nevada, has spent nearly her entire life in the saddle. Her journey reflects dedication, family support, and a deep love for the Western lifestyle.
Giada’s passion began at just two years old when she first started riding. Drawn to the speed and precision of barrel racing, she quickly found her calling in rodeo. Though her family had no agricultural background, her enthusiasm inspired them all to embrace the sport—her sister and father learned to ride, and her mother became a devoted caretaker to their horses.
Competing in both barrel racing and pole bending, Giada thrives on the adrenaline of barrels and the technical challenge of poles, describing the latter as a fast-paced dance built on trust and timing. Her recent high school rodeo season showcased her talent: she finished fifth in the state for pole bending, remained in the top ten after finals, and earned multiple wins across Nevada, including sweeping both rounds and the average at the Fallon and Alamo High School Rodeos. Winning her first high school rodeo buckle in Fallon marked a defining milestone in her career.
As a member of the Las Vegas High School Rodeo Club through the Nevada State High School Rodeo Association, Giada continues to train and prepare for collegiate competition. Her current partner, Smooch—a six-year-old grey gelding—embodies the strength and athleticism that fuel her success.
A key part of Giada’s journey has been the support of Star Nursery, a proud advocate for youth sports and the Western way of life. As a sponsored athlete for nearly three years, Giada credits Star Nursery with helping her compete at a higher level through financial and moral support. Representing the company is a source of pride, and she strives to reflect its values of leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication both in and out of the arena.
From a young age, Sophia Stefano has been captivated by the world of horses and rodeo. Growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, her passion quickly evolved into a dedicated pursuit of barrel racing and pole bending. At 16, Sophia has already achieved remarkable success, fueled by unwavering family support and a deep connection with her equine partner, Rousey.
Sophia’s journey began with simple pony rides and a growing fascination for all things equestrian. This early interest was nurtured by her family, who have enthusiastically supported her rodeo dreams. With her family by her side, Sophia quickly advanced, honing her skills and developing a competitive spirit.
Sophia’s hard work and dedication have translated into significant achievements in youth rodeo. A highlight of her career thus far includes winning the prestigious LVGA Season Championship. The Stefano sisters were awarded the first varsity rodeo letters at Palo Verde High School, a testament to their athletic prowess and commitment to the sport.
Central to Sophia’s success is her partnership with her horse, Rousey. Their bond is built on trust, understanding, and countless hours of training. Together, they navigate the arena with precision and grace, showcasing a synergy that is both captivating and effective.
Beyond her individual accomplishments, Sophia is an active leader in the rodeo community. As Secretary of the Las Vegas Rodeo Team, she demonstrates responsibility and a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for her peers. Her leadership extends to encouraging younger riders and promoting the values of sportsmanship and dedication.
Sophia’s training regimen is rigorous, balancing schoolwork with consistent practice. She emphasizes continual improvement, always seeking to refine her technique and strengthen her connection with Rousey. Sophia also acknowledges the vital support from sponsors like Star Nursery, which enables her to pursue her rodeo ambitions.
Sophia cherishes her family’s rodeo traditions, which add a special dimension to her competitive journey. Whether it’s pre-event rituals or post-competition celebrations, these traditions reinforce the bonds of family and community that make rodeo so meaningful.
Sophia’s story is one of dedication, perseverance, and the power of community support. As she continues to excel in the arena, she remains grounded in her values, demonstrating that success is not just about winning, but also about embodying the spirit of rodeo and giving back to the community.
Sophia & Rousey Sophia & Rousey
STARTING A GARDEN FROM SEED
Simple, fun and incredibly rewarding
We can all think back to our elementary school days — carefully planting seeds in tiny cups as part of a science project, checking on them daily, and waiting excitedly for the first signs of life. When everything went right, we were rewarded with a small but mighty seedling, ready to begin its next stage of growth.
Starting seeds at home is just as exciting — and with the right steps, it can be simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding. Here at Star Nursery, we want to make sure you have everything you need to start your garden from seed and feel confident every step of the way.
Understanding A Seed
Although they may look simple and unremarkable, seeds are actually extraordinary. Small and easy to store, they are built to survive extreme conditions, making them far tougher than they appear. When kept in the right environment — even at room temperature — seeds can remain dormant yet viable for decades, and sometimes even centuries.
In fact, Mimosa seeds discovered in the French Museum of Natural History successfully germinated after 221 years in storage, a remarkable reminder of just how resilient and powerful these tiny beginnings truly are.
For a seed to germinate, several factors come into play. One of the most important is the thickness and hardness of the seed coat, which determines how quickly water can penetrate the seed. Seeds with thick or tough outer coatings often require scarification — a process that lightly damages the seed coat so moisture can enter and activate germination.
In nature, scarification happens through natural weathering, microbial activity, or movement in soil. Gardeners can replicate this by gently nicking seeds with a file or rubbing them lightly with sandpaper to help encourage successful sprouting. Germination Requirements
Successful germination relies on three essential conditions: moisture, temperature, and oxygen. Seeds need consistent moisture, appropriate warmth, and a loose, well-draining soil mixture that allows air to reach developing roots.
Some seeds, depending on their native environment, require special pre-treatments before they will germinate. One common method is stratification, which involves exposing seeds to a prolonged period of cold, moist conditions to mimic winter. This process helps break dormancy and prepares the seed for spring growth.
For desert-native plants, pre-treatment may involve the opposite approach. Some species benefit from heat exposure — such as briefly warming freshly collected seeds to mirror extreme desert temperatures — helping trigger germination.
While most commercially packaged seeds won’t require these advanced techniques, they can be helpful for gardeners interested in experimenting with native or specialty plants.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Seeds Successfully
Step 1: Choose the Right Seeds Start by selecting seeds suited for your climate and season. Here in the Desert Southwest that means tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, melons, and herbs. It’s important to always check planting calendars and seed packets for best timing.
Step 2: Use the Right Soil Seeds grow best in light, airy, well-draining soil. A quality seed-starting mix holds moisture while preventing compaction, allowing roots to grow easily. Avoid any heavy garden soils, which can restrict growth and drainage.
Step 3: Plant at the Proper Depth A general rule is to plant seeds at a depth about twice their size. Very small seeds should be gently pressed into the soil surface instead of buried. The seed packet will have recommendations for best results.
Step 4: Water Gently and Consistently Seeds need consistent moisture, but not soggy soil. Water lightly and evenly — soil should feel like a damp sponge, not a muddy puddle. Mist sprayers work especially well to avoid disturbing newly planted seeds.
Step 5: Provide Warmth and Light Most seeds need warmth to germinate and bright light once they sprout. Place trays in a warm location (65–75°F for most plants). Once seedlings emerge, provide bright indirect sunlight or grow lights and rotate the trays regularly to encourage even growth.
Step 6: Thin and Transplant Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin crowded sprouts and prepare them for transplanting into larger containers or garden beds. Handle the seedlings gently by their leaves, not their stems, to avoid damage. Harden off seedlings gradually before planting outdoors
Hardening Off Seedlings
Hardening off seedlings is the gradual process of acclimating them to outdoor conditions to prevent shock and encourage strong growth. Start by placing seedlings outside in a shaded, protected spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing both sunlight and exposure over 7–10 days. This strengthens stems, reduces stress, and helps ensure seedlings thrive once planted in the garden. With patience and the right conditions, your seedlings will be ready to transplant in just a few weeks. Remember, hardening them off before planting will help them thrive outdoors. And as always, don’t hesitate to stop by your local Star Nursery for tips, supplies, or any gardening questions you might have. Happy germinating!
HOW TO CONTROL MOSQUITOES
Keeping the pests out of your desert outdoor space
When people think of mosqui toes, the desert isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind. But heading into spring and summer 2026, residents of the Desert South west should be prepared for a no ticeable increase in mosquito activ ity—and take steps early to keep outdoor spaces comfortable and safe.
• Birdbaths
• Blocked drains or low spots in yards
• Buckets, tarps, tires or unused containers
Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap of water, so regularly checking and eliminating standing water is one of the most effective prevention steps.
Everyday preventatives that work
In addition to killers, preventative solutions add another layer of
• Bugable® wrist bracelets – A convenient, DEET-free option for adults and kids, especially useful for gardening, walks, or outdoor
• Citronella oil – Whether used in candles, torches, or diffusers, citronella helps repel mosquitoes and is a popular natural option for out-
Plants and herbs that help to repel mosquitoes
While plants alone won’t eliminate mosquitoes, they can support your overall control strategy. Consider adding these mosquito-repelling plants to patios and landscapes:
• Lantana
• Lavender
• Basil
• Rosemary
Why mosquitoes will be worse in 2026
This past wet, mild winter created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes across the region. Warmer temperatures combined with increased rainfall allow mosquito eggs to survive and hatch in far greater numbers than usual. Unlike colder winters that naturally reduce populations, mild winters let mosquitoes get an early start.
Standing
water:
A big desert problem
In the desert, standing water doesn’t have to be obvious to become a mosquito breeding ground. Even small amounts can cause big problems.
Fast-acting
mosquito control products
When mosquito populations rise, targeted control products can make a big difference:
• Mosquito Beater from Bonide – A proven mosquito killer designed for outdoor spaces, helping reduce adult mosquito populations where you live and relax.
• OFF! Mosquito Foggers – Ideal for patios, yards, and outdoor gatherings, foggers quickly knock down mosquitoes, creating a more enjoyable environment for several hours. Using these products early in the season helps prevent mosquito numbers from exploding later.
• Mint
Crushing leaves or placing pots near seating areas can enhance their effectiveness
Start early for the best results
Mosquito control works best when it starts before pop ulations peak. By eliminating standing water, using effective mosquito repellents, adding pre ventive measures, and incor porating repellent plants, homeowners in the Desert Southwest can stay ahead of the mosquito surge expected in 2026.
A little preparation now means more enjoyable out door spaces all spring and summer long.
If you’ve ever wondered why every Star Nursery has the same feel and look— and why everything is always so well maintained—it’s probably because of Raul Garcia-Ojeda. Long before standards were written down or processes formalized, Raul was quietly shaping the way Star Nursery operates, one yard and one employee at a time.
Raul’s journey with Star Nursery began in 1989, when he joined the company at a young age. Early on, the owner of Star Nursery recognized Raul’s work ethic, curiosity, and potential, and took a special interest in his development. That early mentorship set Raul on a path spanning 36 years and left a lasting imprint on the company. What began as a job quickly became a lifelong commitment to Star Nursery and the people he worked with.
Over the years, Raul grew into the role of Nursery Maintenance Manager, but his true influence went far beyond any title. Raul became the foundation of the company’s nurseryman training. He was the person nearly everyone learned from—the one who showed new employees how things were done and, more importantly,
REMEMBERING RAUL GARCIA-OJEDA
1969 – 2025
why they mattered. From daily maintenance to long-term planning, Raul passed on not just skills, but pride in the work itself.
Many of today’s yard managers and leaders trace their careers back to Raul. He trained them patiently, challenged them to do better, and trusted them with responsibility when they were ready. Raul had a rare ability to see potential in people and help them grow into it. He believed that great looking nurseries came from great teams, and great teams came from proper training.
Raul was also known for his unwavering reliability. He never said “no” to a task—no matter how big, how complicated, or how time-consuming. If something needed to be done, Raul made it happen. He didn’t look for shortcuts or excuses; he looked for solutions. Whether it meant long hours, hands-on problem solving, or stepping in wherever he was needed most, Raul approached every challenge with determination.
What truly set Raul apart was how he led. He led, by example, working side by side with his teams and holding himself to
the same standards he expected of others. He never asked anyone to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself. His leadership was steady, quiet, and rooted in respect—earning him the trust of coworkers across every level of the company.
In November of 2025, Raul Garcia-Ojeda passed away, leaving behind a profound sense of loss throughout Star Nursery. His absence is deeply felt not only for the work he did but also for the person he was. Raul’s influence remains visible in every well-maintained yard, every consistent layout, and every employee who continues to carry forward the lessons he taught.
Though Raul is no longer with us, his legacy is woven into the fabric of Star Nursery. It lives on through the countless individuals he trained, the leaders he helped shape, and the standards he helped establish over nearly four decades.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Raul’s family, friends, and loved ones. He will always be remembered as a mentor, a teacher, a leader, and an irreplaceable part of Star Nursery’s story.
GROW YOUR OWN FLAVOR
Things are changing fast in the Desert Southwest — especially when it comes to prices. Your favorite lasagna at the neighborhood Italian spot is suddenly $25, and that mojito you love from the Mexican place down the road? Well it’s not exactly in the budget anymore.
When everything costs more, saving where you can really adds up. Cooking your favorite “night out” meals at home can make a big difference — but recreating those bold, delicious flavors isn’t always easy. Fresh herbs help a lot — but at $4 a pack, and with half of them going bad before you finish them, it’s not exactly the best deal.
That’s where growing your own herbs can be a game changer. Many herbs
The top 10 herbs to grow in the desert southwest
absolutely thrive in the Desert Southwest. With a little sun, water, and love, you can grow your own fresh flavor right at home — saving money while leveling up every meal.
Here are 10 of the best herbs to grow in the Desert Southwest, plus tips to help them thrive.
This dome-shaped plant has small leaves that produce intense spicy/sweet basil flavor. Compact and tidy when full grown, only 6-10 inches. Great in containers and can be successfully grown indoors.
Ocimum basilicum
Spicy Globe Basil 1
The dried leaves are commonly used to flavor soups, stews and sauces. Also used for tea, pest control and as an ornamental tree/shrub. Good choice for container gardening. This will also control the full grown size of the plant.
The citrusy fragrance is similar to that of Bergamont oranges so it makes a flavorful, strong tea. Pollinators love this plant! With a long history of use in herbal medicine it can also be used to treat those bee stings.
Fragrant, ferny foliage that is similar to Dill. Young leaves are a nice addition to salads. One of the most used spices in the world and one of the oldest too! Dried seeds are used whole or ground in the cuisines of many cultures.
An aromatic perennial herb - gray leaves have a strong curry smell when crushed. Not to be confused with true curry (Murraya koenigii). This plant is grown for beneficial oils rather than culinary use. Thrives in the heat and has brilliant yellow flowers.
Not at all like the yellow flowering dandelion. This multi-use plant is packed with nutrients. Young leaves are used in salads, older leaves are better braised and the roots are dried, roasted and ground for a New Orleans coffeelike brew.
Spearmint is a classic favorite for mint juleps but here are some other unique varieties: Black Currant, Chocolate, Mojito & Strawberry. Mint grows quickly and is very invasive so plant in a pot to keep it under control.
This variety is nothing like the Mediterranean oreganos. The bold citrus and peppery flavors make it essential in Mexican, Tex-Mex and Latin cooking. It is easy to grow, tolerates heat and doesn’t require heavy watering.
A succulent perennial herb that has many common names – Spanish Thyme, Mexican Mint, Soup Mint, etc. Although not a true oregano, the strong, savory flavor is used in Caribbean, Filipino, and Indian dishes. This herb has fleshy leaves known for their medicinal qualities.
A showstopper in the herb garden, this sage is a beauty. Hummingbirds can’t stay away from the bright red flowers. The sweet, fruity leaves can be used for tea and in savory recipes. Strongly scented, so this herb is popular for homemade soaps and scrubs.
Laurus nobilis
Monarda fistulosa
Balm
Cuminum cyminum Cumin
Helichrysum italicum
Salvia elegans Pineapple Sage
Chicorium intybus
Clio Italian Dandelion Greens/Chicory
Mentha
Cocktail/Mocktail Mints
STAR NURSERY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
At Star Nursery, our team members are the heart of everything we do. Their dedication, passion, and commitment help create welcoming spaces for our customers and strong connections within our communities. This month, we’re proud to highlight Faton Lena, Miley Sotelo, and Moses Flores — three incredible employees who go above and beyond every day.
With four years at Star Nursery, Faton has worked across multiple locations and now serves as Assistant Manager at the Tropicana store. Known for his patience, leadership, and willingness to help wherever needed, Faton finds the most fulfillment in helping customers solve landscaping challenges and succeed in their projects. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, working on hands-on projects, and continuing personal growth.
A high school senior, Miley brings positivity, strong communication skills, and a welcoming attitude to every customer interaction. She joined Star Nursery to save for a car and grow her plant knowledge — and quickly became a bright presence in the store as a Sales Associate. Outside of work, Miley loves theater, movies, and preparing for her future college goals.
Since joining Star Nursery in 2022, Moses has grown into his role as Assistant Manager through dedication, hard work, and determination. He takes pride in hands-on yard work and finds fulfillment in seeing the beauty of completed projects. Outside of work, Moses enjoys spending time with family, staying active, and focusing on selfimprovement.
Green Pages, Spring, 2026
Faton Lena Moses Flores
Miley S otelo
Tropicana LocaTion
BouLder Hwy. LocaTion
Tropicana LocaTion
Praying Mantis
DR. Q’S SEASONAL RECIPE
Prep Time: 30 min.+ Cook Time: 25-30 min.
Pollo al Carbon
Ingredients:
Ǻ 4 Skin-on, Bone-in Chicken Breasts
Ǻ 2 Large Oranges
Ǻ 2 Limes
Ǻ 1 Medium Onion
Ǻ 6 Cloves Garlic, peeled
Ǻ 1 tbsp. Vegetable Oil
Ǻ 11/4 tsp. Salt
Ǻ 1 tbsp. Ancho Chile Powder
Ǻ 2 tsp. Ground Cumin
Ǻ 1 tsp. Dried Mexican Oregano
Ǻ 1 tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Directions:
1) Zest both the oranges and limes into a blender or food processor.
2) Cut the oranges and limes in half and juice. You should get about 11/4 cups of juice. Add juice to the zest.
3) Cut the onion into quarters, and peel 6 garlic cloves. Add both to the mix.
4) Add the vegetable oil, salt, chile powder, cumin, mexican oregano & pepper to the mix and blend or process until slightly chunky but uniform in color.
5) In a mixing bowl add the chicken breasts and pour the blended mixture in, toss until evenly coated.
6) Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
7) Remove chicken from marinade, discard any left over marinade. Grill skin side up on a grate over indirect heat. Continue cooking until internal-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 155°, 25-30 minutes.
8) Next, place chicken breasts over direct heat. Grill until crispy and lightly charred in some spots underneath, about 2 minutes. Flip and char the other side another 2 minutes. Check internal temperature again, the thermometer should read 160°.
9) Transfer chicken to a platter and let rest 15 minutes. Pair with your favorite salsa, tortillas and rice or use to top your new favorite salad.
