Star Nursery's Green Pages Spring 2022

GREEN pages Spring 2022

The VGK Victory Flamingo

Y Project - S I D e

Greenhou g n se li d e

Your #1 Source for

DECORATIVE ROCK & 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

Decorative Rock Yards Nevada

Arizona

Utah

Las Vegas

Kingman

Dixie

2600 West Ann Rd. (702) 216-STAR (7827)

4140 Stockton Hill Road (928) 757-STAR (7827)

1335 South Dixie Dr. (435) 414-5893

5380 Blue Diamond Rd. (702) 382-ROCK (7625)

Fort Mohave

8725 South Eastern Ave. (702) 251-ROCK (7625)

6325 Hwy 95 (928) 788-STAR (7827)

Pahrump

Lake Havasu

911 Buol Rd. (775) 727-5300

1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. (928) 505-ROCK (7625)

St. George 1145 West Sunset Blvd.

(435) 688-STAR (7827)

DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

Our Staff

Contents

Editor-in-Chief

Stephanie Robinson

Art/Design

Doug Ryan Taylor White

Paul Noe (Dr. Q) Joey Lynn Watt Nicholas Huff Shawn Watt Stephanie Robinson

Contributing Writers

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08

09

12

Community Partners

10 ATHLETICS

RODEO

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Spring Gardeners Calendar Gardening Holidays Dr. Q’s Products and Usage Distinguishing Male & Female Trees Protecting Established Trees During a Lawn Removal Dr. Q’s Local Garden DIY Greenhouse The VGK Victory Pink Flamingo Manuel Martinez Castañon Eulogy Certified Nevada Nursery Workers

March 1-April 30

WATER UP TO

3 DAYS A WEEK IT’S THE LAW

Find your SPRING watering schedule at snwa.com

Garden Centers Las Vegas, NV Ann Road & Simmons 2600 W. Ann Rd. North Las Vegas, NV 89031 (702) 216-STAR (7827) West Cheyenne & Tenaya 7330 W. Cheyenne Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 253-STAR (7827) W. Charleston Blvd. & Cimmaron 8170 W. Charleston Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89117 (702) 360-STAR (7827) W. Tropicana & Fort Apache 9480 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89147 (702) 278-STAR (7827) Boulder Hwy. & E. Tropicana 5340 Boulder Highway Las Vegas, NV 89122 (702) 435-STAR (7827) S. Eastern & Pebble 8725 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123 (702) 333-STAR (7827) Blue Diamond & Lindell 5380 Blue Diamond Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89139 (702) 444-STAR (7827)

Pahrump, NV Buol Rd. & Hwy. 372 911 Buol Rd. Pahrump, NV 89048 (775) 727-5300

Star Nursery has been privately owned and operated for 39 years. We are proud to be the premier garden center for all your landscaping needs. Currently, we operate in Southern Nevada, Southern Utah and Northern Arizona with a total of 16 Garden Centers and 9 Decorative Rock Yards. We cater to both residential and commercial clientele.

Star Nursery offers the best in garden supplies. From a large assortment of trees to shrubbery, drought tolerant plants, succulents and houseplants, we have landscape material to suit anyone’s lifestyle. We offer the largest and most complete line of products that include irrigation supplies, gardening accessories, yard tools, succulents, houseplants, pottery and our very own exclusive line of Dr. Q’s Garden Products. This line of products consists of soils and fertilizers that are specifically formulated to help you succeed with your gardening efforts in the Southwest Region. We also carry a selection of hardscape products ranging from flagstone and pavers to decorative rock and bulk soils.

Find everything you need to maintain a beautiful landscape or garden space. We pride ourselves in giving our customers the right price and best advice.

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

Lake Havasu, AZ Lake Havasu Ave. & College Dr. 1141 N. Lake Havasu Ave. Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (928) 505-ROCK (7625)

Kingman, AZ Stockton Hill Rd. & Gordon Dr. 4140 Stockton Hill Rd. Kingman, AZ 86409 (928) 757-STAR (7827)

Fort Mohave, AZ Hwy. 95 & Boundary Cone Rd. 6325 Hwy. 95 Fort Mohave, AZ 86426 (928) 788-STAR (7827)

Mesquite, NV

Bullhead City, AZ

Commerce Cir. & Pioneer 549 Commerce Cir. Mesquite, NV 89027 (702) 613-4770

Mohave Dr. & Miracle Mile 1579 Mohave Dr. Bullhead City, AZ 86442 (928) 758-STAR (7827)

St. George, UT Sunset Blvd. & Bluff St. 1145 W. Sunset Blvd.

St. George, UT 84770 (435) 688-STAR (7827) Dixie Dr. & Gubler Ln. 1335 S. Dixie Dr. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 674-STAR (7827)

Washington, UT Telegraph Rd. & 500 W. 385 W. Telegraph Rd. Washington, UT 84780 (435) 986-0820

Spring Gardeners

Calendar 2022 March • Apply a preemergent, such as Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper, to control weeds in flower beds, planters, and rock landscapes. This preemergent is safe for established flowers and plants. You can also use Bonide Crabgrass & Weed Preventer on your lawn to prevent weed seeds from growing.

See Star Note #625 Weed Identification and Control for more information.

• If you already have weeds actively growing, use a contact or translocator herbicide, such as Knock Out Weed & Grass Killer or BurnOut Weed & Grass Killer, containing citric acid and clove oil to kill the weeds before they spread any further.

• If you haven’t already, prepare the soil for spring planting of herbs and vegetables. Check out Star Note #215 Growing Herbs in the Desert and #205 Warm Weather Vegetable Gardening – Garden to Table for a selection of popular varieties successfully grown here.

Head to any Star Nursery location for the best selection of herbs and vegetables, before quantities are gone.

• It’s totally time for tomatoes. An early start ensures a good crop since many varieties will not set fruit in the heat of summer. Plant different types for a continuous supply as harvest dates vary. Some good choices are Early Girl, Patio, Cherry, Roma, Celebrity, Heatwave and Better Boy. • Southern Nevada Water Authority’s spring watering guidelines allow for 3 days a week starting March 1st Find your watering day at www.SNWA.com. The best time to water is in the early morning, an hour before sunrise (night watering can cause fungus).

April • Consider planting native “host plants” as pollinators. Good choices are globemallow and penstamon, which come in many different colors. To support the Monarch population, consider planting milkweed.

• Newly planted trees need additional deep-water irrigation. The sprinkler system for the lawn will not give the tree deep enough watering. Consider trenching and installing emitters around the tree’s dripline, connected to the zone that waters the rest of your trees and shrubs.

• Consider purchasing beneficial insects to combat those persistent harmful insects like aphids and spider mites. Visit your local Star Nursery location for lady bugs, praying mantis, and earthworms.

Specifically, earthworms are an invaluable addition to both flower and vegetable garden soils!

• Skeletonizer caterpillars love to chew on leaves of grapes, vegetables, Texas Mountain laurels and six tecoma bell varieties.

These caterpillars will strip all the green from the leaves and even weaken or kill your vines and shrubs. Treat with BT Worm Killer.

• Paint exposed tree trunks with watered down tree paint, such as Go Natural Tree Trunk Paint, or consider wrapping trucks with DeWitt Tree Wrap, a breathable fabric. These will protect trees from sunburn, reduce stress, and reduce the chance of borer infestation.

• The presence of ants running up and down plants and trees is something to take note of. Not only do the ants feed on the honeydew excreted by aphids, mealybugs and whiteflies, they actually prevent the predators of these damaging leaf-sucking insects from controlling the population. Now is a great time to use an ant bait, such as AMDRO Ant Block, before ants become a problem.

May • May is the month your palm trees will start their growing season.

Fertilize with Dr. Q’s Palm Food which is specifically formulated to fulfill the special requirements of palms and keep them growing and prevent common nutrient deficiencies.

• Prepare your lawn for summer by using Dr. Q’s Royal Flush 16-4-8. This lawn fertilizer lasts up to twelve weeks and conditions your soil while feeding the turf.

• White grub and sod webworm larvae may show up in some lawns this month. Although difficult to control, treating with BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer for Soil & Turf late in the afternoon, when larvae are near the surface, will increase success.

• Southern Nevada Water Authority’s summer watering guidelines allow for six days a week starting May 1st. Find your watering day at www.SNWA.com. However, established trees and shrubs prefer deep infrequent irrigation allowing at least a day if not more between watering. For more information on plant watering, check our Star Note #900A How Much Should You Water Your Trees and Shrubs. For lawns, see Star Note #900B How Much Should You Water Your Lawn.

Spring Gardening Holidays March • 3rd Peach Blossom Day • 5th Daffodil Day • 11th Johnny Appleseed Day • 12th Plant a Flower Day • 11th–17th National Agriculture Week • 15th Ag Day—Celebrating our Bountiful Food Supply • 20th International Earth Day, Spring Equinox • 21st World Planting Day • 21st National Flower Day • 21st National Fragrance Day • 26th National Spinach Day • 30th Little Red Wagon Day

April Lawn and Garden Month | Earth Month National Peach Month | Keep America Beautiful Month • 5th National Dandelion Day • 6th California Poppy Day • 13th Plant Appreciation Day • 14th National Pecan Day • 19th National Garlic Day • 22nd Earth Day • 25th National Zucchini Day • 29th Arbor Day • 29th Peace Rose Day

May • 1st May Day • 1st International Sunflower Guerrilla Gardening Day • 2nd–8th National Wildflower Week • 2nd–8th National Herb Week • 3rd Bird Day • 3rd Garden Meditation Day • 4th Greenery Day • 7th World Naked Gardening Day • 8th National Herb Day • 8th Iris Day • 8th International Migratory Bird Day • 14th–20th National Vegetarian Awareness Week • 16th Love a Tree Day • 19th Plant Something Day • 20th Pick a Strawberry Day • 20th–27th National African Violet Week • 29th Composting Day • 30th Water a Flower Day

Planting Partners

Dr. Q’s VEGETABLE & TOMATO FOOD 6-10-6: Dr. Q’s Vegetable & Tomato Food will encourage the heaviest possible production from all kinds of vegetables. From cucumbers and melons, to peppers and tomatoes, this fertilizer gets the job done!

Dr. Q’s GOLD DUST 5-10-5: Dr. Q’s Gold Dust is a superior, one-step, starter fertilizer specifically formulated for use when planting all trees, shrubs, vegetables, and flowers. It’s rich, organic composition helps new plants gain a solid foothold in all landscapes, even those with extreme heat, cold, wind, and poor soils.

It also makes an excellent all-purpose garden fertilizer available in 5lbs, 20lbs and 50lbs bags.

Dr. Q’s PLANT TONIC 5-3-1: Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic is a liquid plant nutrient product developed to provide vital micro-nutrients needed to reduce transplant shock and promote plant health without overstimulating growth. Now formulated with amino acids, it is also very effective as a foliar fertilizer.

T

he Dr. Q’s fertilizer and amendments line have been designed by horticulturists and chemists that know what it takes to succeed in our harsh desert environment, which has poor soils and alkaline water. Additionally, our climate has cold snaps in the winter and scorching hot days in the summer. All of these conditions challenge the plants in our valley like few other places in the world.

The Dr. Q’s Fertilizer line is unlike any other fertilizer line offered in a retail market. It was developed by Seasource, Inc. in Salt Lake City, UT, in response to a need for environmentally safe, soil conditioning fertilizers suitable for use in all parts of the country. All Dr. Q’s fertilizers are made from the finest ingredients using the best possible science. They condition the soil, feed plants, and help protect them from hostile organisms.

Our product line is made with a complete package of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) nutrients. Additionally, there are micronutrients encapsulated in kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum).

This outstanding soil builder is a superior plant growth stimulant and is completely salt free.

All products within the Dr. Q’s fertilizer line are natural, with a base of 70-80% organic materials. Additionally, each fertilizer is perfectly balanced and ground water safe. Our fertilizers are great for preventative maintenance or seasonal feeding for both ornamental and edible plants. Be sure to speak with a Star Nursery expert at the location nearest to you to learn more about products for your specific landscape needs. Our goal is to educate and encourage success in your garden.

Dr. Q’s PAYDIRT: Dr. Q’s Paydirt Premium Planting Mix and Mulch will get your plants off to a great start when mixed with garden soil or desert dirt.

You can use it as a surface mulch because it is completely composted, making it safe, clean, and effective! Paydirt is formulated to see plants through the difficult transition to poor soils, building a foundation for vigorous, healthy growth. It is a superior blend of aged forest humus, mushroom compost, fully composted fir bark, and peat moss. Paydirt contains NO sewer sludge, green waste, construction filler, sawdust, or contaminants! It is 100% organic and safe for all plants, including fruits and vegetables. It helps neutralize alkaline soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.

Dr. Q’s SUCCULENT & CACTUS MIX: Dr. Q’s Succulent & Cactus Mix is a combination of volcanic pumice perlite sand and forest humus blended for all cactus and succulents. It opens heavy soils and improves drainage; making it especially good for containers.

Dr. Q’s VEGETABLE & HERB MIX: Dr. Q’s Vegetable and Herb Mix is the perfect potting soil or garden mix for all herbs, vegetables, and more. It is balanced, complete, and organic with a quick release fertilizer for initial feeding. Use without additives in pots or mix with existing soil in planting beds.

Distinguishing Male and Female Trees

D

flowers have a stigma, the structure which receives the pollen. They also have a style, which is the ‘chute’ for transporting pollen to the ovary.

“Female” Apple Tree Stigma

id you know there are different sexes of trees? When identifying trees, the terms ‘male’ and ‘female’ refer to whether the flowers on the tree will pollinate or develop into a pod. Flowers on male trees will contain pollen, while flowers on female trees have ovaries. When a female flower is pollinated, a fruit or seed pod will develop.

Some tree species, such as cedar, ash, and mulberry, bare only male or female flowers. This type of single-sex tree is dioecious (an Ancient Greek term meaning “two households”). However, most tree species are monoecious, meaning they bare flowers of both sexes.

Interestingly, some trees bare ‘perfect flowers’ containing male and female anatomy in a single bloom. This phenomenon tends to be quite common in hazelnut and apple trees.

“Female” Mulberry Flower

“Male” Apple Tree Stamen If you experience bouts of pollen-induced allergy symptoms, you’ll find tree anatomy to be particularly interesting. Male flowers produce pollen, the very substance responsible for painfully itchy eyes and bouts of sneezing. If you’re picking new trees for your yard, it might be wise to opt for dioecious female trees, as they don’t produce pollen and won’t worsen your allergy symptoms.

If you have fruit trees, you’ll also find the sex of your tree to be an important subject, because fruit growth requires pollination. You’ll need a reasonable ratio of male to female flowers, situated within a small distance of one another since pollen can’t travel far by itself.

Sometimes, even perfect flowers have trouble with pollination and need a little help from the insect world.

Now that you understand the basics of tree anatomy, you can get started on identifying your trees! What’s in your backyard?

“Male” Mulberry Flower So, how can you tell whether your trees are male or female?

Unfortunately, determining the sex of a tree is difficult until the tree is several years old, with large enough flowers. However, once you have an established tree, you may begin determining its sex. You’ll want to begin by familiarizing yourself with the flower anatomy and any other anatomy-related issues for the specific trees in your yard.

You’ll find that male flowers have a stamen, a structure consisting of thin filaments topped with pollen-containing anthers. Female

1 application controls insects for up to 8 weeks

Easy E asy to to aapply pply pp ggranules ranules

• • • •

TRUSTED SINCE 1926

Roses Roses Flowers Flowerrss Ornamental Orrn namental p plants lanttss Container Contaiin ner plants plants

Dr. Q Does House Calls “Stop by your local Star Nursery Garden Center to schedule an appointment...

Or email housecalls@starnursey.com.”

®

Protecting Established Trees During a Lawn Removal

S

ince the early 2000’s, voluntary turf reduction (lawn removal) for the purpose of conserving water and reducing maintenance has become a very popular method of landscape renovation.

The removal of turf grass greatly reduces water usage and, therefore, helps the environment and saves you money. So, congratulations to all that are taking water conservation seriously.

On March 22, 2021, the Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill AAB356@ which makes the removal of nonfunctional decorative grass areas mandatory by December of 2026. Meaning that the grass between roads and sidewalks, in medians and traffic circles and the decorative grass outside of commercial sights, housing developments, etc., will need to be removed. This Bill does not affect the grass in backyards, parks or areas generally used for recreation.

Should you be involved with a lawn removal project, please be aware that if there are trees in that lawn area, some risks are involved if you don’t protect them during this procedure. Trees can be put under a great deal of stress when a change to their environment occurs.

When a plant is stressed, it’s left vulnerable to secondary insect and disease infestations. All these factors can lead to further decline and possibly premature failure.

So, how do we avoid stressing our trees during a landscape conversion? Well, before we go there, we need to understand some tree and tree root basics.

The root system of a tree performs many vital functions. They store food needed to produce spring foliage, absorb and transport water and minerals from the soil to the rest of the tree, and anchor the above ground portion of the tree. Perceptions about tree roots are quite different from reality. Trees growing in urban areas seldom develop tap roots. Root systems actually consist of large perennial roots and smaller, short-lived, water absorbing roots. The large, woody tree roots, and their primary branches, increase in size and grow horizontally. They are usually located in the top 6 to 24 inches of the soil.

In contrast, small feeder roots, averaging only 1/16 inch in diameter, constitute the major portion of the root system’s surface area. These roots grow outward and usually upward from the large roots near the soil surface and are mixed in with the lawn and shrub roots, where minerals, water, and oxygen are relatively abundant. The major

function of feeder roots is the absorption of water and minerals.

About 50 percent of the root system grows beyond the dripline and can be three times as far from the trunk as the crown.

this is fine for a newly planted tree, but an established tree? No way!

Emitters must be installed in a pattern and quantity that will most benefit the tree. As mentioned above, roots radiate a good distance

Once a tree has established itself in a lawn, it adapts to that environment and will begin to rely on the regular, and sometimes excessive, applications of water and/or fertilizer provided to the lawn. Additionally, lawn thatch can serve as a temperature buffer for tree roots. Any disruption to those growing conditions, such as removing the grass, can dramatically stress a tree and make it susceptible to numerous problems. It’s probably safe to say that considering the extent and shallowness of a trees water absorbing roots, even under the most carefully executed projects, much of the tree’s root system is frequently torn out during the lawn removal process and/or other types of construction. Those roots that are left behind will lose the temperature buffer and water source that the lawn and sprinklers had provided which can lead to desiccation and additional root loss.

So, how can we protect our trees and minimize stress during the landscape transformation? First, make certain that the trees are healthy enough to undergo the environmental change. Are the trees already declining? Are they worth saving? Will they be able to adapt to their new environment? If not, you may consider removing them as there is a good chance that they won’t survive the environmental change for very long.

If they appear healthy enough to survive, examine the area around the trees and attempt to identify some of the roots that are close to the surface. Note their location and keep removal and/or damage to them at an absolute minimum.

Next, try to plan turf removal during cooler times of the year.

Moisture loss from tree leaves is usually lower and, therefore, the need to replenish water will also be less. Water the tree deeply several times in the weeks prior to the project date enabling it to build up some reserves.

The use of herbicides and a dethatcher are preferred over tractors to kill and remove the grass. Tractors or other heavy equipment can crush existing tree roots, break branches, and wound bark tissue. In the event it becomes necessary to use a sod cutter, tractor, or other heavy equipment, a protective barrier should be erected around the above ground portion of the tree(s).

A temporary fence around the tree at the edge of the canopy (dripline) will help to keep renovation equipment a safe distance from the tree and avoid physical injury to the trunk and branches.

Keeping the equipment away from the base of the tree will also reduce damage to the large woody roots and keep soil compaction to a minimum. Soil compaction restricts water and oxygen uptake by roots.

Irrigation is probably the most important step and is often installed incorrectly. The new irrigation system must supply water where it will be most needed, under the canopy, at the drip line, and beyond! Too often, in landscape conversion projects, three or four drip irrigation emitters are installed at the base of the tree. Certainly,

out from the tree. The regeneration of feeder roots will require the application of adequate amounts of water. Your goal is to provide 50 to 75 percent of the water (depending on tree variety) that was being applied to the root zone before you removed the turf grass. If other plants are being installed under and/or near the tree canopy, those emitters will provide a portion of the moisture needed by the tree. However, additional emitters need to be installed solely for use by the tree(s). Ideally, they would be isolated on a separate irrigation valve allowing longer and less frequent applications of water.

As you finish the project, don’t use plastic sheeting under the rock or organic mulches. Water and oxygen cannot penetrate the film.

Therefore, in-lieu of plastic, use a landscape fabric. Landscape fabrics, also known as geotextiles or weed barriers, allow the penetration of water and oxygen yet reduce weed growth. Fabric generally costs a little more than plastic but the benefits and longevity of the material are far greater.

Finally, the mulch, whether rock or some other type, must be installed correctly. If it is too deep it can actually cause significant harm to trees and other landscape plants. Deep layers of mulch can work well at suppressing weeds but it can also lead to excess moisture in the root zone of your plants which can stress the plant and cause root rot. Piling mulch against the trunk or stems of plants can stress stem tissues and may lead to insect and disease problems. Keeping mulch to 2-4 inches thick and tapered away from the base of your trees will provide much better, and long-term results.

Compliments of the Southern Nevada Arborist Group (SNAG) For more information visit www.lvsnag.org

Dr. Q’s Local Garden Spotlight

S

pring is the season of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. If you’re looking for inspiration for your garden’s rebirth or you just want to enjoy the season’s promise of renewal, you’ll find an inviting, inspirational oasis at the Springs Preserve Botanical Garden.

With thousands of desert-adapted plants, the Botanical Garden at the Springs Preserve is a living testament to the beauty of a lush, yet water-efficient garden or landscape. Meander through acres of plant collections, including the Rose Garden, Cactus Alley, and the Palm Garden.

Take a trip to all five of the world’s major deserts by traveling through the Deserts of the World collection which houses a variety of unique cacti and succulents from around the globe. The Mojave Cactus and Succulent collection is a nationally-accredited, comprehensive display of the species found in the Mojave Desert. The Botanical Garden added more than 100 new species of cacti and succulents, bringing it closer to having a complete collection of all Mojave Desert native species at the Springs Preserve.

The Enabling Garden provides gardeners with physical challenges useful planting techniques such as vertical planting walls and raised planters. Learn how to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard with vibrant, colorful plants that entice and feed our winged friends in the Wildlife Garden.

In the spring and fall (dates vary based on weather), the Butterfly Habitat serves as a living exhibit of the fascinating dance between free-flying butterflies, the plants that sustain them and their important roles as pollinators in the ecosystem. Adjacent to the Butterfly Habitat, the Mariposa Splash Pad offers a refreshing play area for children during warmer weather.

No matter your age or gardening interests, the Springs Preserve Botanical Garden offers a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Las Vegas off US 95 at 333 S. Valley View Blvd.

The Botanical Garden is open Friday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Date-specific general admission tickets must be reserved online in advance. To purchase tickets and verify current hours and times, visit springspreserve.org.

DIY Project Seedling Greenhouse

A simple and sustainable DIY project for kids, the at-home gardener, and the eco-conscious!

Did you know that the strawberry containers you get from the grocery store cannot be recycled? At first glance, you might think your strawberry containers, officially called clamshells, are recyclable because they are marked as a #1 plastic (a variety of plastic that is technically recyclable).

Soda bottles, which are also made with #1 plastic, are created in a blowing-like process that results in a thick product. When #1 plastic is melted down from a thicker product, the plastic can then be recycled and made into a new product. On the other hand, clamshells are created by using a mold, resulting in a flimsy, thin product. Unfortunately, when a thin #1 plastic is melted, it only turns to ash and is thrown out.

So, what can you do with your produce containers, salad containers, egg cartons, takeout containers, and all other flimsy #1 plastic products? The answer is to upcycle them! Upcycling is the practice of reusing discarded objects or material to create a new product.

There are millions of ways that you can upcycle everyday goods, but here we will focus specifically on upcycling your used containers into DIY greenhouses.

Below are a few examples of containers you can use for this project; however, you will find that you can upcycle all sorts of container types! Please note that upcycled plastic containers can and should be kept for continued use, while cardboard containers can be planted directly in the ground or composted.

• • • • •

Produce containers from the grocery store Food containers from a takeout restaurant Milk bottles cut in half Yogurt cups Egg cartons

What you will need: • • • • •

Seedling Mix Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic Trowel Seeds of your choice Container of your choice

Instructions:

1. Find a container you would like to use. An ideal container has a lid to create a humid environment, holes on the top to allow air to the seedlings, and holes on the bottom for good drainage.

(If your container does not have holes, you can – safely – cut out your own holes.)

2. Pick out the seeds you would like to grow.

3. Add seedling mix to containers (about ¾ full). Be sure to use soil that is specific to seed starting. Other soils, such as potting soil or compost, might contain ingredients that will overwhelm the seedling.

4. Press seeds into the soil. Desired depth will vary by seed variety.

Check the seed packaging for specific instructions.

5. Water seeds so that the soil is fully moist. Be careful not to water too little where the soil is still dry or overwater where the soil is completely saturated with water.

6. Place container in an area with stable temperatures and bright, indirect light.

7. As necessary, water seeds through the bottom of the greenhouse or pot.

8. When the seeds sprout and have two sets of leaves, remove the covering and place the container near a south-facing window.

Rotate the container every 2-3 days to prevent seedlings from bending to reach the light.

9. As the seedlings begin to crowd each other, snip off the weaker ones with scissors. If you pull out the weaker seedling sprouts, rather than cut with scissors, you will disturb the root system below.

10. About three weeks after the seeds sprout, fertilize them lightly with a liquid plant food such as Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic.

11. When your seeds are ready to be transplanted into the garden (around the time the roots begin to grow through the bottom of the container), expose the seedlings to a few hours of direct sunlight and outdoor temperatures for a few days so the seedlings can harden and adapt to their new environment.

Be sure to keep the seedlings out of strong winds during their exposure period and keep the soil moist.

R

®

Professional Bird Control Products Since 1992

Inc.

Available at all Star Nursery locations!

BEFORE

AFTER

One stop shop for residential bird control!

Humane and effective products that work!

Protect your fruits and vegetables from pest birds!

Keep pest birds away and the diseases they carry!

R

Stainless Steel Spike

R

Hawk Decoy

Recycling is SMART! Do your part and be rewarded! Bring in your empty black plant pots and receive IN-STORE CREDIT toward future garden purchases.

We accept the following sizes: • 1 Gallon..........................5¢ per pot • 3 Gallon........................10¢ per pot • 5 Gallon........................25¢ per pot • 15 Gallon.......................60¢ per pot

The VGK Victory Flamingo Est. March 18, 2018 The Vegas Golden Knights’ Victory Flamingo tradition began with a visit to Star Nursery.

Fans tossing good luck charms on the ice is nothing new in the NHL. Such traditions have been around since 1952, when a couple of Detroit Red Wings fans hurled an octopus on the ice – the critter’s eight arms represented the number of playoff victories needed to win the Stanley Cup at the time.

Years later, Nashville fans countrified the Red Wing’s tradition by throwing dead catfish to rally the Predators. Additionally, Florida Panthers fans shower the ice with rubber rats following wins.

“We wanted something that was fun and would represent Las Vegas.

We also wanted something family-friendly that other fans would embrace,” Drew said.

When the Vegas Golden Knights began playing, Summerlin residents and season ticket holders, Drew and Sarah Johnson, put a very Vegas twist on the tradition with a little help from a pink lawn flamingo from Star Nursery.

Unlike the Detroit and Nashville traditions, they didn’t want to throw a dead animal on the ice.

Towards the end of the Golden Knights’ magical inaugural season, the team was going through a bit of a slump. The Knights had lost two games in a row, including an 8-3 drubbing by the New Jersey Devils.

The Johnsons, who spent most of their lives in Nashville before moving to Las Vegas in 2015, decided they should try to help the Golden Knights turn things around by tossing something on the ice during a break in play at the next game. But what?

“Even being from Nashville, killing an animal like a catfish or an octopus for no good reason, then making the team’s ice crew clean up a smelly carcass wasn’t something we wanted to imitate,” said Sarah.

After some debate, the couple decided that a plastic, pink flamingo would be just the thing to toss on the ice to encourage the Golden Knights.

“We thought plastic flamingos would be perfect,” Drew said.

“They’re Vegas! They’re loud, they’re bright, they’re fun, they’re silly.

In Las Vegas, we all know Flamingo Road and the Flamingo hotel.

A lot of us already have lawn flamingos in our yards. They’re easy to throw and they don’t hurt people or damage the ice.”

On their way to the March 18, 2018, game against Calgary, the Johnsons stopped by the Star Nursery on West Tropicana and bought a plastic flamingo.

At the first opportunity, right after a goal brought play to a stop, Drew tossed the rally flamingo on the ice. It seemed lucky right away. The Golden Knights went on to win the game 4-0. William Karlsson recorded a hat trick. Marc-André Fleury notched a shutout.

A few days later, a representative from the Golden Knights called the Johnsons to ask a favor. “Our season ticket rep asked if we could turn the rally flamingo into a victory flamingo,” Sarah recalled. “The team was worried that people might toss a flamingo during the game and cost the Knights a penalty. We immediately liked the idea of throwing the flamingos on the ice after the game. It gave more fans the opportunity to toss them, and allowed players to interact and celebrate with the flamingos.”

Within a couple of weeks, the Johnsons weren’t the only ones tossing Victory Flamingos after Golden Knights’ wins.

“The tradition caught on pretty quickly,” Drew remembers. “By the time the playoffs started that first year, there would be 4 or 5 flamingos on the ice after home wins. Soon after, they started hitting the ice after road wins, too. Players carried them off the ice for luck.

The team began selling Victory Flamingo stuffed animals, pucks and socks. It was something everyone – the players, the team and the entire community—really embraced.”

Now, with the Golden Knights in their fifth season, the tradition shows no signs of slowing down.

More plastic flamingos are tossed on the ice after Vegas victories than ever. @VGKFlamingo, the Victory Flamingo’s social media handle, has thousands of followers on Twitter and Instagram. Better yet, some fans come to games dressed as flamingos. After wins, fan favorite, Reilly Smith, often shoots a Victory Flamingo into the goal. After the game, Chance, the Golden Knights big yellow Gila Monster mascot, collects flamingos from the ice and gives them to kids in the stands.

When people ask Drew where to get their Victory Flamingos, he recommends Star Nursery. “The flamingos at Star are big and bright, so they show up really well on the ice. I also love the googly eyes. It gives them some personality. Beyond that, I really appreciate what Star does for the community.

They support the Knights and UNLV, sponsor races at the Speedway, and give back to charities, like Three Square Food Bank.”

According to Drew, there is some etiquette that goes with tossing a Victory Flamingo after the Golden Knights win.

He suggests leaving the metal legs at home, never tossing flamingos before the game ends, always waiting for the officials and opposing team to leave the ice, getting as close as possible to the glass before throwing a flamingo, and always throwing flamingos towards an empty area of the ice.

“With all the injuries the team has had this year, I don’t want a player missing games due to a flamingo-related incident,” Drew said with a laugh.

The Johnsons say they’re proud of the tradition. “I love that the Victory Flamingo is positive, fun, and inclusive,” said Drew.

“Anyone can toss them. It has become a way for fans to celebrate with players and a way for players to engage with fans. People who can’t come to the games post videos of their kids tossing flamingos at home or lighting up flamingo-shaped neon lights windows. During the playoffs, some fans will even put a flamingo in their yard for every win.”

Even though the Victory Flamingo is a Golden Knights institution and no Vegas victory would be complete without plastic flamingos on the ice, the Johnsons say there’s still one thing they want to see the Victory Flamingo accomplish.

“Our goal is to see a plastic flamingo in the Stanley Cup,” said Sarah.

Manuel Martinez Castañon 9/8/1959–11/17/2021

May we forever remember the life of a wonderful man, carried, his contagious laugh, and the way he could make even the grumpiest employee a little happier. who is dearly missed - Manuel Martinez Castañon:

M

anuel was a caring son, brother, husband, father, and friend to all. In his time with us, Manuel filled our lives with laughter, light, and love.

Born in Zacatecas, Mexico on September 8, 1959, Manuel was one of thirteen siblings, son of Isabel Martinez and Emilia Castañon.

At an early age, Manuel met Maria Del Refugio “Cuca” Muñoz de Martinez and soon fell in love. The pair were married in the late ‘70s and created their own family, having a total of seven children. He is survived by his wife Maria Del Refujio Muñoz de Martinez; daughter, Mirna Martinez; son, Favian Martinez; son, Rito Martinez; daughter, Mariela Martinez; son, Manuel Martinez; son, Miguel Martinez, daughter, Marisol Martinez; and sixteen grandchildren.

During his career with Star Nursery, Manuel formed many lasting bonds and relationships with those he worked with and has left an imprint on the hearts of many. Employees who were closest with Manuel often tell lighthearted stories about the fun times they had together and the special nicknames Manuel would give each of his friends - the most popular nickname being “Gordo.” In fact, while working at the warehouse, a trend started with Manuel and all the warehouse pullers hollering “Gordo” back and forth across the warehouse, in “Marco-Polo” style. Earning a nickname from Manuel was a very special honor because it meant he liked you, respected you, and considered you a friend; and everyone who received a nickname from Manuel wore that name like a badge of honor.

While Manuel and his brother, Salvador, were some of the first Martinez’ to work for Star Nursery, they certainly were not the last.

The Martinez family has become the backbone of Star Nursery, with close to thirty family members, spanning four generations.

Manuel’s father, Isabel, and many of his siblings, children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren have been Star Nursery employees and have all left their own impact on Star Nursery.

Manuel’s untimely passing on November 17, 2021 has left an enormous hole in the hearts of his family and friends. May we forever remember Manuel Martinez Castañon, the man who loved his heritage, loved his friends, and most of all - loved his family.

From an early age, Manuel experienced great love and passion for music, and many will remember how enchanting it was to listen to him play. Manuel discovered his passion when he began playing his first instrument, the drums. Later, he would learn to play nearly every instrument he could get his hands on. From being a self-taught guitarist to launching his musical career playing the saxophone, Manuel was a true artist. Early on in his career, Manuel was a member of the band Tamborazo Los Venados and would play various shows around town. After a few years of playing with Tamborazo Los Venados, Manuel then joined his next band, Atrebidos, which was a six-piece band and included a few of his cousins as bandmates. With Atrebidos, Manuel’s career thrived as he and the band toured Mexico for ten years. In 1995, Manuel moved his family to Las Vegas, playing the saxophone for Tamborazo Tony Flores. When Manuel wasn’t playing, he was collecting and fixing old instruments from yard sales and swap meets to sell or gift to those he loved.

Not only was Manuel a talented musician, but he was also beloved to Star Nursery. After moving to Las Vegas, Manuel’s brother, Salvador Martinez (AKA “The OG Star Nursery Martinez”), brought Manuel to Star Nursery’s Cheyenne location, where he, too, was hired. While Manuel was most definitely a strong, hardworking employee, he will be remembered by the smile he

Certified Nevada Nursery Workers

H

ere at Star Nursery, we understand the challenges gardeners may encounter while planting in the desert climate. Since 1983, Star Nursery has committed to providing the community with the best advice and the right price. To accomplish this, Star Nursery employees participate in on-going educational development programs to ensure our community has the best gardening advice possible.

Most recently, Star Nursery has partnered with the University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension program in Las Vegas to provide our employees with learning opportunities from experienced desert gardeners. Over the course of twelve weeks, team members from every location attended weekly classes at the Cooperative Extension.

Specifically, the University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension classes covered plant anatomy, soil compositions, water-smart irrigation, the use of pesticides, and bug/pest issues. In attending classes, Star Nursery team members were able to experience a hybrid learning environment, gaining informational knowledge and handson experience with plants, soils, and insects.

We would like to thank our invested team members at Star Nursery who committed their time to continued education! In the future, Star Nursery aims to have even more certified nurserymen, to ensure our community is given the best advice and the right price.

Our annual tomato plant and ladybug giveaway events have quickly become favorites for everyone. Spring 2022 has arrived and we are so excited to safely welcome everyone into the stores to kickstart your spring gardening!

March 5th & 6th

Free 3in Early Girl Tomato Plant Early Girl tomatoes are aptly named because they are an early ripening, indeterminate variety*. They are a medium size, flavorful red fruit, good for slicing or salads. Give afternoon shade, rich well drained soil, and regular water. Protect young plants from late frost with Hot Caps. Use Bonide Tomato & Blossom Set Spray to help hold flowers on and increase yield. Support vines with stakes or tomato cages to keep the fruit off the ground and avoid pests and diseases. Use mulch to cool soil and keep moisture in summer. *Indeterminate growth means the plant will produce flowers and fruit until the plant is killed by either frost or other means.

April 9th & 10th

Free 150ct. Ladybug packet There’s always lots of talk about ladybugs because they are one of the hardest working, beneficial beetles for your garden. The proper way to release these mighty workers is to wait until evening, when their activity level is low. Simply open the package under a rosebush or plant known to be susceptible to aphids, and by morning they will be hard at work.

If after a few days, you don’t see ladybugs in your garden, don’t worry, after the April 9th & 10th giveaway, millions of ladybugs will be at work throughout the community. You might not see them because they have already done their job in your garden and have moved on.

Ladybugs are only present in gardens that have aphids and other plant-eating insects. Once they devour all the insects, as many as 5 dozen per day, they move on to the next plant. So, not seeing a ladybug in the garden is a good sign that you are not struggling with an aphid or other plant-eating insect infestation.

Star Nursery and all our employees would like to thank you for your continued support and efforts during the upcoming events. Please follow all CDC guidelines* to ensure everyone’s safety. *Strict safety restrictions and guidelines will be followed. Social distancing and masks required. Free gift with any purchase. While supplies last.