Landscape Nevada March 2018

Official Publication of the Nevada Landscape Association | www.nevadanla.com

IN THIS ISSUE...

27th Annual Educational Conference p. 4 2018 LIC Test Application p. 6 NLA Volunteer Project p. 8 Staying Compliant with the Law p. 8 Calendar of Events p. 9 Member Profiles p. 10 Alert! p. 10 Staying Safe to Keep the Lights On p. 11 Living Soils for Healthy Growing in Nevada p. 12 Pollinator Plants Have a Place in the Landscape

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MARCH 2018

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MARCH 2018

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A Letter from the President Why Join the NLA? n my last article titled “Landscape Industry Certification”, I wrote about the benefits of being an NLA member. I thought it covered the topic quite well; I didn’t hear back from anyone saying “Hey Rick, you missed the part about...” However, what I am hearing from people, some members and some non-members, are comments like this: “I just don’t know what I am going to get out of it, and what’s in it for me?” What’s that popular text response SMH? Yeah, SMH. So it occurred to me that myself and many other members never asked ourselves the question, “What’s in it for me?”; it never even crossed our minds.

Our spirit is, well, JFK said it and it goes like this: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Yes, it’s like that, but it’s really “What can I do for the Industry that has afforded me a good living and wonderful career?”

So we ask... “Will you join the NLA, knowing we are not going to rain riches upon you?” We ask for your help in growing the industry, your help in deciding on important issues, such as our environment and water usage. We ask for your desire to determine the future of our industry for generations to come. I think that has the greatest value of all; I’m sure there are others. So in short, what can a person get out of joining? “Much more than you put into it” will be my answer moving forward.

Please join us in creating a future we all want, you are needed.

I

NEVADA LANDSCAPE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rick Clark, President—Omega Environmental Solutions

(775) 376-3334 Gregg Gehlert, President Elect—Affiliate Member (775) 750-5507 Pamela Bedard, Past President—Horticulturist

(775) 560-5192 Christina Volsko, Director—Crop Production Services

(775) 358-6166 Leslie Lyles, Director—Stewardship Horticultural

(775) 849-1215 Brian Dean, Director—Gail Willey Landscapes

(775) 853-8733 Mark Thompson, Director—Reno Green

Sal Perez, Director—Signature Landscapes

(775) 852-8952 (775) 857-4333

Sincerely,

Rick Clark PRESIDENT, NEVADA LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

LANDSCAPE NEVADA is the official publication of the Nevada Landscape Association, P.O. Box 7431, Reno, NV 89510-7431, phone (775) 673-0404, fax (775)673-5828, website: www.nevadanla.com, email: info@nevadanla.com.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS & SUBMISSIONS Write to Landscape Nevada at the address above or contact Julia Gardner at info@nevadanla.com or (775) 673-0404.

Official Publication

IN THIS ISSUE...

ational Conference 27th Annual Educ ication p. 6 2018 LIC Test Appl ct p. 8 Proje teer NLA Volun with the Law p. 8 Staying Compliant p. 9 Calendar of Events p. 10 Member Profiles

www.nevadanla.com pe Association | of the Nevada Landsca

SPECIAL THANKS Leslie Lyles for newsletter submissions and editing.

MARCH 2018

p. 4

Alert! p. 10 the Lights On p. 11 Staying Safe to Keep da p. 12 thy Growing in Neva Living Soils for Heal scape a Place in the Land Have ts Plan Pollinator

Unpredictable spring weather often disrupts our spring flower display, but the hardy Old Fashioned p. 14

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) has no problem handling a light dusting of snow.

MISSION STATEMENT The Nevada Landscape Association provides leadership by promoting professionalism and integrity within the Green Industry through education, high standards and community involvement. We guide policy and uphold responsible resource management for the beautification and enhancement of our community.

PUBLISHED BY JUST IMAGINE MARKETING AND DESIGN WWW.JUSTIMAGINEMKTG.COM

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NEVADA LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

27th Annual Educational Conference

By Heidi Kratsch, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and Chair of the NLA Educational Conference Committee

D

espite the new venue and scaled-down tradeshow, this year’s educational conference was a success. Over half of respondents to our customer satisfaction survey rated it “above average,” with comments such as “great info” and “very good conference!”

Conference goers loved the online registration process, the check-in process, and the time of year it was held.

They also loved the speaker line-up. Some highlights included Timmy Womick of TreeCircus, who talked about how to talk to the public about the biology and value of trees; Jim Flott from Community Forestry Consultants in Spokane, WA, who talked about diagnosing tree disorders and moving large trees bareroot; and Jeff Knight with the Nevada Department of Agriculture, who did a hands-on “Beetlemania” workshop. Always popular in the middle of winter is a discussion of new plants to the trade; David Ruff from Greenhouse Garden Center was a winner, and made us all hope for an early spring.

“The insights gained from such a frank discussion may have implications for all of us, and result in more beautiful and resilient revegetation projects in our region.”

TOP LEFT: STUDENTS IN THE BEETLEMANIA CLASS LEARN HOW TO IDENTIFY MANY OF THE INSECT PESTS IN OUR AREA. TOP RIGHT: A SPECIMEN BOX OF INSECTS USED IN THE BEETLEMANIA CLASS. LOWER LEFT: ATTENDEES OF THE LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT TRACK ENJOYED THE PANEL DISCUSSION ON MAINTAINING A NATURAL LANDSCAPE.

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Landscape Nevada

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: THE NEVADA SHADE TREE COUNCIL’S BOOTH PROVIDED GREAT INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL; LEE LAWRENCE, OWNER OF ZEE BEST PEST CONTROL & INSPECTION SERVICES LLC., EXAMINES AN INSECT SPECIMEN DURING THE BEETLEMANIA LAB; OUTDOOR POWER’S ROBOTIC LAWN MOWER DISPLAY DREW A LOT OF ATTENTION; CASHMAN EQUIPMENT EXHIBITOR BOOTH; THE ARBORICULTURE TRACK’S BEETLEMANIA CLASS, TAUGHT BY JEFF KNIGHT, NEVADA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE, PROVIDED HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE.

This was a precedent-setting year for the NLA and the annual educational conference. During the Landscape Management Track, a panel discussion was held among landscapers, Nevada Department of Transportation, and landscape architects. The topic was maintaining landscapes with the intent of a naturalized design and planted with native plants. This is one of the few times I’ve seen landscapers and landscape architects come together to discuss their mission and goals. The insights gained from such a frank discussion may have implications for all of us, and result in more beautiful and resilient revegetation projects in our region. I, for one, hope we can keep the conversation going, and include the Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects in future educational events.

Why do industry professionals attend our conference? Well, of course, many attend for CEUs (continuing education units), but others simply like to learn new information and network with their colleagues. A few were disappointed that we didn’t have much of a tradeshow this year. I must admit, I missed it too! The Nevada Landscape Association walks a fine line, balancing the cost of holding a tradeshow with the value of providing education to its members. We’re growing, but not yet big enough to support a full tradeshow.

We continue to look at options to provide an opportunity for NLA members and vendors to interact–including the possibility of holding a separate tradeshow event, and opening it to both the industry and the general public for maximum visibility for NLA members. As always, we welcome your feedback and would love to hear your ideas. You can share them at our board meetings, held on the second Tuesday of the month from 12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension office in Washoe County, 4955 Energy Way in Reno. Board meetings are open to all NLA members.

www.nevadanla.com

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2018 TEST APPLICATION - AUGUST 10TH AND 11TH, TMCC, RENO, NV APPLICANT/PERSONAL INFORMATION Name _______________________________________________ Home Address Street/P.O. Box________________________________________ City/State/Zip _________________________________________ Phone (___) _______________ Fax (___) _________________

FULL TEST FEES NLA or PLANET member...........................$195 for each test Pay for four tests and receive the fifth test FREE! Non-members..........................................$245 for each test RETEST FEES Member Retest fees are $25 plus $10 per problem.

Example: Retest + one problem.................................... $35 Non-member Retest fees are $50 plus $10 per problem.

Example: Retest + one problem.................................... $60

Email ________________________________________________ Work Address Company Name_______________________________________

TRAINING MANUALS: Highly recommended to assist you in preparation for the test.

Member $99 Non-Member $125

Street/P.O. Box________________________________________ City/State/Zip _________________________________________ Phone (___) _______________ Fax (___) _________________ Email ________________________________________________ Release results to:

Applicant

Employer

Signature: ___________________________________________ PLEASE REGISTER ME FOR THE FOLLOWING DESIGNATION: (Check one only) Softscape Installation Hardscape Installation Turfgrass Maintenance Ornamental Maintenance Irrigation IMPORTANT! Check if you would like the test book in Spanish.

Check if you require special testing accommodations.

Check if you are retaking this test.

Retest Problems ______________________________________

Installation

Irrigation

Maintenance

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations received prior to the Deadline date will be refunded the registration fee minus a $50 administration fee for a Full Test, and $25 a Retest.

Cancellations received after the Deadline date receives no refund.

DEADLINE: Application must be postmarked or faxed at least two weeks prior to the Test date.

APPLICATION/PAYMENT INFORMATION: Please return application with check made payable to the Nevada Landscape Association, or provide credit card information below, to: Nevada Landscape Association P.O. Box 7431, Reno, NV 89510-7431 Fax (775) 673-5828 CREDIT CARD INFORMATION: Please charge my:

Visa

MasterCard

Credit Card #: ________________________________________ Expiration Date: _____________ 3 digit security code ________ Total Amount Authorized: _______________________________

YEAR YOU ENTERED THE GREEN INDUSTRY (To become Landscape Industry Certified, PLANET recommends that you have a minimum of 2,000 hours work experience. Please check your work experience.) _____ 1 year (2,000 hour minimum) _____ 5–10 years 6

Landscape Nevada

_____ 2–5 years _____ 10+ years

Name on Card: _______________________________________ Signature: _____________________________________________ QUESTIONS? Contact the NLA office (775) 673-0404 or e-mail info@nevadanla.com

GET CERTIFIED! Our Sponsors

ASK ABOUT OUR TEST DISCOUNTS

Certify In One or All Five Designations

(1) Softscape Install

(2) Hardscape Install (3) Irrigation

(4) Turfgrass Maint.

(5) Ornamental Maint.

Field Training:

8a.m. Saturday August 4th at TMCC. Mock Test is $50, which will be reimbursed towards Landscape Industry Certified Field Test.

HANDS-ON Test

Written Test Friday is August 10th, 2018 at 4 p.m. at Truckee Meadows Community College, 7000 Dandini Blvd, Reno, NV 89512. Field Test is Saturday August 11th at 8a.m.

Test fee is $195 per test for NLA Members and $245 for Non-members. Lunch will be provided for the Feild Test. Application deadline is August 1st, 2018.

Lateral Repair r Lateral Installation r Valve Repair r

Mainline Installation r Valve Wiring r Controller Programing r

Benefit to You

ation enhances your professionalism! www.NevadaNLA.com

o you may include:

For test application and more information, visit the NLA website & Click on the “Certification� tab. Or call Julia Gardner at 775-673-0404 or email info@nevadanla.com

e of personal achievement. sed respect and recognition in the industry or profession. www.nevadanla.com

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The Children’s Cabinet Dear Friends, The Nevada Landscape Association has taken on a rehabilitation project at The Children’s Cabinet at 405 S. 21st Street, in Sparks.

The Children’s Cabinet is State run assisted living facility for young people who were in the State’s foster care program, who are now too old to be eligible. It is my understanding that the facility provides housing and education for these young people to help integrate them into society. Our goal is to help provide them with a facility that is both safe and clean.

The issue that we are addressing is the overall condition of the grounds around the facility. The grounds are in very poor shape and the State does not have the money in their budget to address all the issues.

Here are some of the issues: • The lawns need rehabilitation; turf mowing and trimming, lawn weeds, lawn feeding and lawn irrigation.

• The shrub beds need weeds and tree suckers removed, debris clean up and shrub pruning.

• Many of the landscape trees are in need of pruning. There are also many Siberian Elms that need work, some need to be removed.

• Perimeter Clean up—there are stands of immature Siberian Elms that need to be removed. They are now a hiding place for vagrants and pose a safety hazard for the residents.

• The exterior lighting system needs to be gone through.

• There is a river cobble wall that is falling apart, we are looking for help replacing it with keystone blocks or the like.

• There are several fences that need to be removed.

The NLA is looking for volunteers and donations to help us get this project completed. Our first work day was March 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and was a huge success (Look for the write up in our next issue of Landscape Nevada!), but there is still work to be done. Our next work day is March 24th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m, and others to come. Please call Julia Gardner at (775) 673-0404 if you’d like to help out with future work days.

Any help will be appreciated and your Company will be mentioned in Landscape Nevada!

CONTRACTORS BOARD RESOURCES HELP LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS STAY COMPLIANT WITH THE LAW

By Margi Grein, NSCB Executive Officer

R

esidential and commercial owners across the state are always in need of landscapers to keep their property looking manicured and groomed.

While basic maintenance, such as lawn mowing and trimming of bushes and plants, often do not require a license, there are many services that do. That’s why the Nevada State Contractors Board offers a wealth of resources to help landscaping professionals become licensed and stay in compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements under Nevada Revised Statutes and Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 624.

“The Board’s mission to protect the public’s health, safety and wellbeing is not only upheld through the Board’s enforcement efforts, but by the daily efforts made by legitimate, licensed contractors,” explained NSCB Executive Officer Margi Grein. “Our Board strives to provide contractors with the tools and information they need to be successful in obtaining a license and working their business within the parameters of the law.”

New businesses looking to become licensed are encouraged to attend the Board’s Business Assistance Program. This two-hour seminar is held twice a month and offers an in-depth overview of the license application, including review of specific requirements in greater detail, tips to mitigate issues that may delay processing times, and additional guidance relative to exam, workers’ compensation, and bonding requirements. An online video and brochure are also available on the Board’s website, which highlight some of the key points covered during the seminar.

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Landscape Nevada

The Board also makes it easier for retired veterans and the spouses of active-duty military personnel to obtain contractor’s licenses through its Military Assistance Program, which assists applicants with receiving credit for all construction-related experience and education they garnered while in uniform. The program also streamlines the process for spouses licensed in other states to become licensed in Nevada when they follow their service member to the state.

Those who are unsure if a license is required to perform work on a specific job are encouraged to submit the full, detailed scope of work in writing to the Board prior to bidding a project. Doing so allows Board staff to review the details of the work to be performed and issue a written response to the requestor indicating what license(s) may or may not be required under the law. This process aims to afford individuals greater confidence and understanding in their legitimacy to submit a bid on a project.

Additionally, the Board’s website hosts a number of forms, documents, and instructions related to contractor compliance, license verification, consumer protection, filing complaints, and other matters that are likely to come up during the course of business. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the Board’s Henderson or Reno offices, which are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).

www.nscb.nv.gov; (775) 688-1141 (Reno); (702) 486-1100 (Henderson)

MONTHLY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AT UNCE (all meetings at 12:00 p.m.)

April 10, May 8, June 12, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11 TROPHY AWARD ENTRIES BEGIN — June 1 LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION MOCK FIELD TEST AT TMCC — August 4 LIC WRITTEN EXAM AT TMCC — August 10 LIC FIELD TEST AT TMCC — August 11 TROPHY AWARD ENTRIES ARE DUE — August 17 NLA TROPHY AWARDS BANQUET AT SILVER LEGACY CASINO November 2

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

GARDENING IN NEVADA AT BARTLEY RANCH Tuesdays, February & March, 6–8 p.m. www.growyourownnevada.com

GROW YOUR OWN, NEVADA! Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 3–26, 6–8 p.m.

Selecting and Caring for Fruit Trees – April 3 Gardening in Nevada’s Soils and Composting Basics – April 5 Vegetable Garden Pollinators and Other Beneficial Insects – April 10 Identifying and Controlling Common Garden Weeds – April 12 Critter and Insect Pests of the Garden and Landscape – April 17 Raised Beds 101 – April 19 Greenhouse/Hoophouse Part 1: Designing and Building – April 24 Greenhouse/Hoophouse Part 2: How to Grow Vegetable Crops – April 26 www.growyourownnevada.com HISPANIC LANDSCAPER BILINGUAL TRAINING Pruning Techniques – April 4, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Planting Techniques – April 11, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Managing Nuisance Weeds – April 18, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Using Pesticides Safely – April 25, 5:30–8:30 p.m. https://2018hispaniclandscapetraining. eventbrite.com

Board Member Profiles Rick Clark

Omega Landscape Solutions, LLC

Rick has worked in the Green Industry since 1975, he is a former member and chair of the City of Reno, Urban Forestry Commission. Rick is continuing as the 2018 NLA President.

Gregg Gehlert Rail City Garden Center

Gregg started his career in 1986 working for the University of Nevada Reno. In September 2004, Gregg became the first certified landscape technician in the state of Nevada. Gregg is currently the general manager of the landscape division for Rail City Garden center and he teaches training classes for up-and-coming landscape personnel.

This is Gregg’s second term on the board of directors; he also served from 2002 through 2006. Gregg was given the distinguished honor of Ambassador of the Industry in 2015.

www.nevadanla.com

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NEVADA ENERGY P.O. Box 98910 Las Vegas, NV 89151-0001 Para Servicio en Español (702) 402-5554.

Call Before You Dig, Locate underground utility lines 811 Call Before You Crane Overhead line safety (702) 227-2929 Tree Trimming (702) 402-4102 Business Solutions Center Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(702) 402-1000 | Toll-Free: (866) 791-0345 For more than a century, NV Energy has provided Nevada homes and businesses with safe, reliable energy. The company delivers electricity to more than 1.2 million customers and a state tourist population of more than 43 million annually through its nearly 46,000-square-mile service territory. The company also provides natural gas to more than 165,000 citizens in the Reno-Sparks area.

In addition to providing reliable service, NV Energy continually works to deliver stable, predictable and low prices. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Nevada’s rates were 17.1 percent lower than the national average and 8.8 percent lower than the other Mountain States through August 2017. Plus, the company’s commitment to customer service makes it a leader in offering a variety of energy efficiency products and services that allow customers to monitor and understand their energy use, helping them save even more.

NV Energy also cares deeply about the environment and the preservation of its beautiful home state. This is evident in the nearly 50 renewable projects in the company’s portfolio, producing enough renewable energy to power more than one million homes at once. And, more are on the way as the company has committed to double its renewable energy resources by 2023. Further, the company has financially supported more than 20,000 private rooftop solar installations at homes, schools, civic buildings, nonprofits and businesses.

Finally, NV Energy and its employees are dedicated to making a difference in the places where they live and work. In 2017, the company, the NV Energy Foundation and its employees gave $7.1 million through both financial and in-kind donations, and more than 40,000 volunteer hours to Nevada nonprofit organizations that support local communities.

These are just a few of the ways that at NV Energy, the power of good is always on.

NORRIS ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS

Our approach to pest control has always been one of Integrated Pest Management: education primarily—arming the customer with information on tolerance of beneficial insects, or how to take care of the problem themselves. Recommending the use of other methods such as mechanical or exclusionary to reduce pest populations. We believe that informing our customers is the best way to reduce chemicals and pests in their environment. However, if the problem is too big for them or they choose us to take care of the pests, we have many options. When we apply chemicals we use a range of chemistry from essential oils and pyrethrins to synthetics, depending on the customers concerns and needs.

We hope that you contact us with any questions you have, and if we don’t know the answer—we know where you can find the information you need!

CARSON CITY PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE 3303 Butti Way Carson City, NV 89701 | Phone: (775) 887-2262 Carson City’s Parks and Recreation Department’s mission is to provide exceptional parks, open space, and diverse recreational opportunities to enhance the quality of life in Carson City while preserving our natural resources for future generations.

The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space vision will be a trusted, community partner providing essential recreational services for community residents of all ages and abilities today and for generations to come.

Carson City Parks and Recreation’s Kids club is always looking for opportunities to create new experiences and create an interesting learning environment for the children. This is why they have teamed up with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) four weeks ago they provided an n aquarium-chiller combination and over 200 rainbow trout eggs.

The Aquarium has been placed in the Kids Room at the Community center, and the children have been watching the eggs hatch and grow into their first stage; alevins. These little alevins (baby trout) are living mostly in the dark and live on the yolk from their egg sacs. Soon they will start to swim around and eat real food. After 6 to 8 weeks the trout are released into the wild!

It’s a special experience for the children watching the life cycle of these fish. Their enthusiasm and excitement is just great to see and encourages us to keep looking for opportunities like this! www.ndow.org/Education/ Wildlife_Ed/

P.O. Box 17093 Reno, NV 89511 | Email: NorrisEnvSol@1791.com Phone: (775) 331-5545 9 a.m.–5 p.m. PST Monday through Friday

Drip irrigation systems need regular maintenance to function properly.

Spring is the perfect time to: 3 Open end-caps and flush drip lines 3 Clean out drip filters 3 Replace clogged or broken drip emitters 3 Insure that drip lines are not being crimped by trunk growth 3 Check that the irrigation schedule is appropriate to the season and age of the landscape 10

Landscape Nevada

Staying Safe

By Gerald Fassett on behalf of NV Energy Affiliate Member of the Nevada Landscape Association

H

aving most recently travelled back to the East Coast to see family in January 2018, and despite several visits back since starting my career in Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) in 2002, I must admit that I always find myself looking to see whether the power lines there too are being kept clear from trees and vegetation…they were.

This is always a comforting reminder that this duty isn’t specific to just NV Energy’s service areas. In fact, it occurs anywhere the two have the potential to come in conflict with each other and colleagues at other utility companies (domestically and abroad), share many of the same aspects of keeping power lines clear that we do here at NV Energy.

One of the most important common objectives all utility companies share is to deliver service to its customers in a safe and reliable manner, and NV Energy strives to be an industry leader in doing so. Representing the Nevada Landscape Association in an Affiliate membership role, and for the purposes of this article, focus will be more on the common objective of safe electrical service delivery, and less of an emphasis on electrical service reliability, though both go hand in hand and are equally important.

Although it may appear to occur behind the scenes, and often with very little fanfare, managing vegetation within NV Energy service territories is a year-round job for our team of Certified Arborists, Utility Specialists and contracted Line Clearance Qualified tree crews. By conducting property inspections, collecting tree inventories and pruning branches or removing trees within utility rights-of-way that pose a risk of growing into (or failing onto) energized lines, this relatively small department can have a big impact in both reducing threats to public safety and increasing electrical service reliability. These arboricultural activities all aid in reducing the potential for fires, shock or electrocution resulting from direct or indirect contact with electrically-energized fixtures, and damage to the electrical infrastructure resulting in momentary or sustained power outages—all which have a direct impact on public safety.

to Keep the Lights On

The message for private companies within the green Industry that offer tree trimming to residents and businesses is to both be aware of, and stay away from, trees that are within 10-feet to distribution lines, and even greater distances to transmission lines. Nevada State Law (NRS 455.200 to 455.250) requires that prior to any work commencing within this boundary, NV Energy must first be contacted, but must also give their consent to the performance of the work. Only Line Clearance Qualified tree workers under contract are recognized by NV Energy as allowed to work within 10-feet to energized power lines and equipment, and they still must maintain Minimum Approach Distances (MAD) to these lines for their safety.

Less obvious than overhead conductors, but not any less an important or dangerous target in the landscape that rarely shows any sign of being present, are power lines located underground.

The most important role landscapers can play to be safe when excavating or digging as part of their landscaping businesses is to “Call before You Dig” to 811 two working days before the start of a project. It’s a free service to have utility lines marked to “Know what’s below,” before the digging and excavation begins.

NV Energy Vegetation Management are proponents of the “Right Tree, Right Place” concept, which we try to convey to customers who are thinking about planting trees around their home or business. When the recommendations are followed, properly sized trees or vegetation for the site can exist in the landscape requiring little if any NV Energy vegetation maintenance. Additionally, it may also be managed into the future by the landscape service or private tree company for their client without an electrical hazard present. On the contrary, when site considerations were not accounted for in the past, mature and well-established trees and vegetation present, (propagated naturally or poor installation choice) require ongoing maintenance to mitigate risks to multiple targets. While other targets in the landscape can be repaired or replaced, the most important target continues to be the safety and welfare of the public.

www.nevadanla.com

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SPRING 2018

By Farmer Craig Witt, Full Circle Owner, Soil Enthusiast

Living Soils For Healthy Growing In Nevada

S

pring is right around the corner and it’s almost time we get back to gardening and landscaping here in Northern Nevada. The love of gardening and landscaping has always been about creating your own healthy food and watching the fruits of your labor flourish in your own backyard. Making your neighbors jealous of your beautiful yard and bountiful garden is just an extra perk!

In Nevada, the overall “growing” part of having a successful garden and lush landscape is a little tougher due to our climate. We have a limited growing window that is always plagued with early and late frosts.

We also face a challenge with the lack of biology and nutrition in Nevada soil. In this article, let’s chat about sustainable living soils and how you can overcome obstacles to grow a bountiful garden and beautiful landscape.

LIVING SOILS:

Healthy growing all starts with sustainable living soils. Achieving BIG and nutritious harvests all starts with what your plants and veggies are growing in, the soil! Nevada soil inherently lacks nutrition and biology. But, you can build nutrition and biology sustainably in your own backyard. Your goal is to create a living soil. What is a living soil? Soil that comes packed with its own biology and nutrition so it will continue to sustain growth long term by breaking down plant matter all by itself. For Nevada soil, this means you need:

A LITTLE AT A TIME

and patience. You do not want to over do it all at once. It is in our human nature to think, “If I put on loads of manure, woodchips, straw and other stuff all at once, this has to be good.” In reality, it’s not! Nevada soil does not have the “digestive capacity” to eat raw materials. You have to “pre-turn” the materials into “food” that our Nevada soil can eat and then provide nutrition directly to the plants. Think of Nevada soil as a fussy baby. You cannot give a baby a raw carrot to eat. You have to cook it, blend it, and make it into baby food because they can only handle food that’s easy to consume and digest.

Nevada soils are the same. Due to our arid climate and lack of biology, you need to give the soil “baby food.”

QUALITY COMPOST:

The sustainable way of doing this is to give your soil small amounts of quality made compost (humus) that has been fully broken down by an approved composting program such as the US Compost Council Seal Of Testing Assurance program (Shhhhhhh! There is only 1 compost site in Northern Nevada that is approved by this program!). This compost will have been digested by microbes first and put into a form your soil (and plants) can work with. Look to find quality compost made out of recycled materials from your own local area. If the compost is made from local ingredients, it will have a similar biological fingerprint to the native soil. If you are bringing in compost made from organic waste that is from an ecosystem far away (like another state), our soil may find it foreign and might not know what to do with it.

Also, you need to watch out for cheap compost that may have harmful materials (like human waste YUCK!).

MINERALS:

Let’s talk mineral nutrition: Organic matter and compost only bring certain food to your soil which then goes on to feed your plants. To create sustainable living soil full of nutrition that will then go into your food and landscapes, you need to give the microbes and the plants the “stuff” they crave. This is a buffet of minerals and nutrients that need to be added to the compost you apply to your soil. Microbes and plants crave calcium, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, boron, iron, copper, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other elements. The bigger the buffet, the more choices you’re giving your plants. Look for quality compost that is also focusing on macro- and micro-nutrition to bring more overall nutrition to the soil that will then transfer to the plant.

SOIL TEST:

How do you know if your soil will perform this spring and give you a bountiful harvest?

How do you know if the compost and soil amendments have all the yummy minerals your plants crave? You need to get a comprehensive soil analysis with recommendations on how to “fix” your garden and landscape soil. You also need to only buy compost and soil products from suppliers that can provide soil tests on their products. This crucial step is just like getting a blood test for your overall health. It tells you what is good, what is bad, and how to change it!

We’ve shared this information to help you create a more sustainable and nutritious garden this year for your family. Please reach out to us with any questions, tips, or tricks at info@fullcirclecompost.com or at (775) 267-5305. We are always willing to do our part to help you grow happy, healthy and more sustainably this spring. Full Circle can provide soil testing services and reporting. Full Circle also has 20+ locations across Northern Nevada and Northern California that provide living soils, high quality compost, and all-in-one soil fertility products with all-natural minerals already added and balanced. Full Circle has already done the hard work so you can GROW BIG and GROW SMART!

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Landscape Nevada

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here is an ever-increasing desire in Nevada to plant drought tolerant, native species of plants and trees that are suitable to our environment. Even more popular is adding pollinator plants that attract bees, birds, and other beneficial insects. Pollinators are critical to agriculture for fruit and vegetable production and are essential in the building components of habitats and the ecosystem, which provide food and shelter for wildlife; however, finding a balance between designing landscapes and incorporating pollinator plants can be challenging.

Plant availability is not always found at your local nursery and very few nurseries do what it takes to grow them in their greenhouse, because it requires harvesting the seeds in the field. Despite the difficulties, there are organizations and groups making efforts to proliferate these wonderful pollinator plants in our communities.

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Landscape Nevada

At the University of Nevada, Reno, a collaborative effort to incorporate pollinator plants into the aesthetic landscape of the campus grounds began as early as 2015. Grounds Services and the Fish and Wildlife Services worked together to create three pollinator sites on campus. In trying to find a suitable location to begin, it felt befitting to install the first gardens in the open space area, or Ag Quad, of the Fleischmann Agriculture Building. Also housed in this location is the Museum of Natural History where students from the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources (CABNR) and the College of Science benefit from the close proximity of plant materials that attract the types of pollinators they are studying; making this a creative, outdoor classroom environment.

Setting up the garden required several steps to make it a success. First, the interior courtyard and adjoining terraced beds had to transition from their existing conditions, to the preferred conditions for pollinator plants. As far as soil goes, these preferences are for low organic, porous, rocky soils (even fill dirt will suffice). The first soil composition used was a grainy decomposed granite with various sizes of granules, which acted as the growing medium up to 4”-6” in depth. On a later project, fill dirt and a ¾” Nevada Gold aggregate was incorporated. The seeds were collected 6-8 months in advance from the time of planting and grown in the greenhouses at Valley Road. In the spring, the plants were installed, and drip irrigation laid out for establishing roots the first year and providing additional watering in extreme heat. Many of the plants already do well in drought tolerant conditions, requiring very little water, which helps mitigate excessive water use. Unsure of how well the plants would do the first year, it was surprising to see by midsummer how large and prolific they had become.

The results were amazing, not only from the high yield of plants, but the diverse color pallet and visual beauty created. There was no doubt that form, function and aesthetics could intertwine into a successful landscape display.

Piggy-backing on our success, the gardens were stretched out into campus creating what is now dubbed “the Pollinator Corridor” which currently connects to a hillside and cart path renamed “Pollinator Way”. The latest venture took place on Valley Road in the parking lot planter bed area which is 15’W x 330’L. A dilapidated landscape was given a facelift and has become a visual attraction for the users of the nearby facility.

In making the decision to promote pollinator plants and add them to our plant selection, it was convincing from the outcome that these do have a place in the urban landscape and are not just for roadways and easements

in rural settings. They can bring a stunning attraction with numerous environmental, as well as psychological, benefits. There is more planning and preparation involved in creating such a garden, but the ease of installation and maintenance rival many other commercial plants in the landscape. Though nurseries are providing only a few pollinator plants on the market, it is still a weakly tapped resource that needs further consideration. As more uses are discovered and demands increase, local groups, contractors and organizations can be a determining force in promoting pollinator plants in residential, commercial and even industrial landscapes… and they should.

Marty Sillito has been the Assistant Director for Grounds Services at the University of Nevada, Reno for the past four years. Prior to that, he served as Grounds Operations Manager and Urban Forester for Texas A&M University for five years. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree with a minor in Ornamental Horticulture from Utah State University and a Master of Landscape Architecture degree with a certificate in Sustainable Urbanism from Texas A&M University. He engages in all processes of landscape management by designing, planning, constructing and maintaining landscapes. He incorporates sustainable practices and water wise planting in his designs, and is a tree enthusiast.

A selection of pollinator plant varieties used at the University of Nevada, Reno: Bitterbrush – Purshia tridentata Showy Milkweed – Asclepias speciosa Blue Mountain Buckwheat – Eriogonum strictum Sulphur-flower Buckwheat – Eriogonum umbellatum Basin Wildrye – Leymus cinereus Lewis Flax – Linum lewisii Rocky Mountain Penstemon – Penstemon strictus Firecracker Penstemon – Penstemon eatonii Desert Peach – Prunus andersonii Indian Ricegrass – Achnatherum hymenoides Desert Globemallow – Sphaeralcea ambigua Princes plume – Stanleya pinnata Scarlet gilia – Ipomopsis aggregate

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