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
Art/Design Doug Ryan
Contributing Staff Kelly Davis Madalyn Watt
Editor Tim Jeffery
Horticultural Experts Joey Lynn Paul Noe Our Staff
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The Story of the Christmas Poinsettia
Liberty Baptist Church
Dr. Q’s Seasonal Recipe: Pumpkin Scones
Keeping Houseplants Cozy All Winter Long
Star Nursery x Utah Tech Athletics
Star Nursery Brings Holiday Cheer
Deciduous vs Evergreen
Snow Much to Celebrate Meet
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
DECEMBER Winter Gardener’s Calendar & Holidays
National
• Pear Month
• Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruit Month
• Selecting a Christmas Tree – Make sure it’s fresh and has a fresh bottom cut. Get it into a stand with water as soon as possible and check the water level daily to prevent it from drying out. Adding Christmas Tree Preservative can give it some nutrients and help to keep it fresh longer!
• Seasonal Flowers – Looking to add some color to your landscape or patio this winter? Try adding, Pansies, Snapdragons, Stock, Cyclamen, Ornamental Cabbage or Ornamental Kale they are all cold hardy choices.
• Icy Sidewalks – Avoid them altogether by starting your watering cycles after sunrise between 9–10am. Do not water overnight.
• Frost Sensitive Plants – Protect them by wrapping or covering them with burlap or N-Sulate when frost is predicted. Cover plant roots with organic mulch as extra added protection.
• Wrap it up – Winterize irrigation systems, hose bibbs, pipes and pool components by wrapping or covering them with insulating materials. Try our convenient PVB and Hose Faucet Protectors.
• Fertilize Your Lawn – To maintain a good green color on your lawn this winter, fertilize with Dr. Q’s Winter Gem cool season lawn fertilizer.
• Houseplant Care – With heaters running this time of year, check your houseplants more often for proper moisture. Use a moisture meter to make this task easier.
• Recycle Your Christmas Tree – Give a gift to the community and recycle your Christmas Tree! The mulch from recycled trees is used in our community parks. Check starnursery.com for a list of drop off sites. Christmas Tree recycling is from December 26th–January 15th
• 1st National Eat a Red Apple Day
• 2nd World Pollution Prevention Day
• 5th World Soil Day
• 12th Poinsettia Day
• 21st Winter Solstice
JANUARY
• Pruning – Prune your dormant fruit trees and roses. Don’t forget the “Rose Potion” to wake your roses up. See Star Note#605 Fertilizer Mixture For Established Roses for details. Unsure where to start, join us at one of our January 2026 pruning seminars. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and stay up to date with our weekly deals, annual events seasonal seminars and more!
• Insect and Disease Prevention – Protect your fruit trees and roses from seasonal pests. Apply Liqui-Cop and Horticultural Oil sprays per label instructions and keep old leaves, twigs and debris cleaned up. This is also a great time to re-paint your fruit tree trunks.
• Spring Vegetable Seeds – Start your warm season vegetable seeds indoors in trays so they will be ready to set out when you start your spring garden. These include Tomatoes and Peppers.
• Winter Citrus Care – Winter is not the time to prune your citrus trees, but you can remove sucker growth. Also keep an eye out for freezing temperatures. If a “hard freeze” is expected (28°F or lower), cover the foliage with burlap or N-Sulate overnight and protect young tree trunks with prefabricated tube pipe insulation. Uncover the plants during the day. Water regularly as hydrated plants better withstand freezing temperatures and icy winds.
• Aphids – Gray aphid populations can quickly get out of hand in the winter months. Try BioAdvanced Rose & Flower Insect Killer.
• 1st Apple Gifting Day
• 6th National Bean Day Apple Tree Day
• 9th National Apricot Day
• 10th National Houseplant Appreciation Day
• 26th International Environmental Education Day National Green Juice Day
• 28th National Daisy Day
• 29th National Carnation Day
• 31st Eat Brussel Sprouts Day
• 25th National Seed Swap Day National
• Apple & Apricot Month
• Artichoke & Asparagus Month
National
• Grapefruit Month
• Cherry Month
• Fresh Berry Month
• Sweet Potato Month
FEBRUARY
• Prepare Your Vegetable Garden – Early spring is a great time to prepare your vegetable and flower beds for spring planting. For each 100 square feet of soil, sprinkle in four pounds of 16-20-0 Ammonium Phosphate and treat the soil with Dr. Q’s Ironworker. Top this off with three inches of Dr. Q’s Paydirt Planting Mix or other organic mulch. Mix it together well, then water.
• Flower Seeds – Now is the time to sow your early spring flower seeds like African Daisy, Alyssum, Carnation, Delphinium, Gaillardia, Gloriosa Daisy, Hollyhock, Larkspur, Lupine, Nasturtium, Phlox, Shasta Daisy, Snapdragon, Sweet William and Verbena.
• Powdery Mildew – May appear on new plant growth, take a walk around your yard and look for it on your plants. Prevent it by keeping sprinkler overspray off of your shrubs and treat infected plants with a fungicide.
• Repot Your Houseplants – Pep up and get your houseplants ready for spring by repotting them into larger containers. Use a high quality potting soil like Dr. Q’s Filthy Rich Gold enriched with Gold Dust fertilizer. Use Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic for subsequent feedings.
• False Spring – Warmer weather in February can feel like an early spring, this is expected in our climate. It doesn’t mean there isn’t still a possibility of a freeze. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared to cover your frost-tender plants just in case.
• Fruit, Nut and Shade Tree Fertilizing – February is fertilizing time for deciduous fruit, nut and shade trees. Use Dr. Q’s Fruit & Nut Tree Food or Dr. Q’s Tree, Shrub & Vine Food per bag instructions.
• 5th Western Monarch Day National Primrose Day
• 7th National Rose Day
• 16th National Almond Day
• 17th National Cabbage Day
• 22nd National Cook a Sweet Potato Day
KEEPING HOUSEPLANTS COZY ALL WINTER LONG
As temperatures drop and days become shorter, you might notice changes in your houseplants. Winter can be challenging for indoor greenery—reduced sunlight, drier air, and cooler temperatures can lead to stress symptoms.
Recognizing Stress Symptoms
Identifying stress signals in houseplants during winter is crucial for their well-being. Leaf yellowing or browning can indicate problems such as insufficient light, overwatering, or low humidity, requiring adjustments to their environment. While some leaf drop is typical during winter dormancy, excessive shedding may point to stress from temperature fluctuations, drafts, or inadequate light.
Wilting or drooping leaves often suggest overwatering or underwatering, necessitating a check of soil moisture. Although stunted growth is common in winter, it might hint at a lack of light or nutrients, prompting a relocation to a brighter spot or the application of a balanced fertilizer. Weakened plants are more susceptible to pests like spider mites or aphids, so keep an eye out for webs, residue, or insects, addressing infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Mold or mildew can arise from high humidity or poor air circulation, so ensure good airflow and refrain from overwatering. By understanding and responding to these
symptoms, you can help your houseplants thrive throughout the winter.
Maximizing Light Exposure
With winter sunlight being weaker and shorter in duration, your plants might begin stretching or losing leaves if they aren’t receiving enough light. Relocate them closer to bright windows, ideally those facing south or west, and rotate them weekly to ensure all sides receive sunlight. If natural light is limited, consider using a small grow light, as even a compact LED setup can significantly enhance your plants’ color and shape during the darker months.
Watering Wisely
As plants grow slower in winter, their water intake decreases. Overwatering is a frequent mistake during this season. Always check the top inch of soil before adding water; if it remains damp, wait a few days. Allowing the soil to dry slightly longer between waterings promotes healthy roots and prevents rot. If you feel you’re struggling keeping your plants adequately watered, it may be time to invest in a moisture meter. Moisture meters are essential for houseplant care, especially in the winter. These tools provide precise soil moisture readings, preventing overwatering and underwatering. By indicating when to water, they simplify plant care by eliminating guesswork, ensuring healthy
plants with minimal stress.
Maintaining Humidity and Temperature
Indoor heating can create dry air, which is particularly harmful to tropical plants. If you observe crispy leaves or brown tips, it’s a clear sign that your plant needs moisture. To combat this, consider placing a humidifier nearby. Plants thrive on consistency, so aim to maintain them in rooms between 65–75°F, keeping them away from sudden cold drafts or hot heater vents. For plants near windows, consider pulling them back a few inches at night or using curtains to block the chill.
Repotting
Winter isn’t the ideal time for repotting, as most plants are resting. However, if your plant is root-bound—roots spilling out of drainage holes or circling the pot— it’s acceptable to give it a new home.
Select a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one and use fresh, high-quality potting mix suited to your plant type. Water lightly after repotting, keep the plant warm, and hold off on fertilizing until spring.
Winter is a period of rest for most houseplants. By maintaining a stable environment with appropriate light, water, and warmth, you will be rewarded with lush, healthy growth come spring.
THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA
The flower of the holy night
For centuries, festive greenery and bright blooms have marked the joy of the winter season. Long before electric lights twinkled on rooftops, families adorned their homes with evergreen branches, symbolizing life’s endurance through the cold and dark months. The Christmas tree, a tradition rooted in Germany, made its way across Europe and eventually to America in the 1800s—becoming a beloved centerpiece of holiday cheer. Garland, too, has ancient roots, once used in Roman celebrations to honor the harvest and later evolving into the lush, fragrant décor we hang across mantels and doorways today.
The poinsettia’s story, though, comes wrapped in legend. Native to Mexico, it was known as La Flor de Nochebuena, or “Flower of the Holy Night.” According to Mexican folklore, a young girl who had no gift to bring to the Christ Child gathered humble weeds from the roadside. When she placed them by the nativity, the weeds miraculously transformed into brilliant red blooms—the first poinsettias. The plant later gained fame in the U.S. thanks to Joel Poinsett, America’s first ambassador to Mexico, who introduced it in the 1820s.
Today, poinsettias are one of the most recognizable symbols of the season—but keeping them vibrant through the holidays takes just a little care. These tropical plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight and temperatures between 65–75°F. Keep them away from drafts, heat vents, and cold windows, as sudden temperature changes can cause leaf drop.
Water poinsettias only when the top inch of soil feels dry, and make sure their pots drain well—standing water can quickly lead to root rot. If cared for properly, poinsettias can last long past Christmas and even rebloom the following year with a little patience and pruning. With their rich history and radiant color, these plants remain a timeless reminder of warmth, hope, and holiday spirit.
Red Poinsettia
Jingle Bells Poinsettia
Picasso Poinsettia
White Poinsettia
Ice Punch Poinsettia
For Dormant Disease and Insect Control...
Spray Trees Now! with Liqui-Cop® & Monterey Horticultural Oil
For healthy new leaves in spring and summer, apply Liqui-Cop® three times a year:
1 New Year’s Day
2 Valentine’s Day (or at bud swell)
3 Arbor Day (March 7-14)
• Combine with Monterey Horticultural Oil to kill insects wintering on the tree.
• Liqui-Cop® is the only copper treatment you can mix with oil.
• Liqui-Cop® will NOT wash off in rain like other copper treatments.
Mix Liqui-Cop® for dormant disease control (Peach leaf curl) at 4 to 6 tsp per gallon.
Mix Monterey Horticultural Oil with Liqui-Cop® or separately to kill wintering insects at 4 tbsp per gallon. Always read and follow directions on label.
STAR NURSERY X UTAH TECH ATHLETICS
Three years of supporting UT athletics
St. George, Utah – For the past three years, Star Nursery has proudly sponsored Utah Tech athletics, strengthening its commitment to the Southern Utah community.
Since 1991, Star Nursery has supported local schools and events throughout Southern Utah. Its partnership with Utah Tech reflects a shared dedication to growth—both in competition and in the community. “Supporting Utah Tech has been an easy decision,” said a Star Nursery representative. “We’re proud to invest in programs that shape future leaders.”
Star Nursery’s sponsorship has helped enhance the fan experience, promote school spirit, and support the continued rise of Trailblazer athletics at the Division I level.
As the partnership enters its fourth year, both Star Nursery and Utah Tech look forward to continued success—on the field, on the court, and in the community.
LIBERTY BAPTIST CHURCH
Christmas Experience festival
At Star Nursery, we believe in growing more than just gardens—we believe in growing strong, supportive communities. That’s why we’re proud to once again partner with Liberty Baptist Church for their annual Christmas Experience festival in Las Vegas.
Last year, this incredible event gave away 300 Christmas trees to local families. This year, we’re stepping up to help meet even greater demand by donating an additional 200 trees—bringing the total to 500 Christmas trees for families in need.
That means 500 families will be going home with a real Christmas tree to brighten their holidays.
The Christmas Experience, held at 6501 W. Lake Mead Blvd, is a free, family-focused event that includes food trucks, games, a live nativity, photo ops, and more. It’s become a wonderful tradition in the Las Vegas community, and we’re honored to be a part of it.
We know that the holidays can be financially stressful for many families, and a Christmas tree, while symbolic, is sometimes out of reach. Our team is grateful for the opportunity to help make the season a little more joyful for those who need it most.
We look forward to seeing the smiles, the celebrations, and the community coming together once again. From all of
us at Star Nursery: Merry Christmas and thank you for letting us be part of your holiday tradition.
Visit: experienceliberty.com for more information or scan the QR code.
STAR NURSERY BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER
To Walker Furniture’s “Home for the Holidays”
Star Nursery has been a proud supporter of Walker Furniture’s “Home for the Holidays” program for nearly a decade. This heartfelt community initiative brings comfort, warmth, and hope to Las Vegas families in need during the holiday season. Each year, Walker Furniture selects 30 families facing serious challenges, nominated by teachers, first responders, social workers, and community members, to receive brand-new furniture and home essentials. But it’s the thoughtful touches that truly make a house feel like home during the holidays—and that’s where Star Nursery comes in.
As part of the program, Star Nursery donates live-cut Christmas trees and festive decorations to each selected family. These additions help transform the space into something joyful and meaningful, bringing the spirit of the season right into their living rooms. In addition to trees and decorations, Star Nursery employees, customers, and vendors generously raise funds to provide each family with a prepaid gift card. These gift cards help families buy presents or anything they need to make the holiday season even brighter and more memorable. “It’s more than just a tree—it’s a symbol of hope, a reminder that someone cares,” said a Star Nursery representative. “We’re honored to help create a true holiday experience for these families.” Over the years, Star Nursery’s contributions have helped hundreds of families celebrate Christmas with dignity, warmth, and a renewed sense of belonging.
The program is made possible through a network of local nonprofits, first responders, and community leaders who help vet and select families, ensuring the support goes where it’s needed most. When the deliveries are made, Star Nursery’s trees and decorations, along with the gift cards, are part of the final touch—turning a new space into a holiday-ready home filled with joy. By giving back year after year, Star Nursery continues to grow its commitment to the Las Vegas community—one tree, one family, one Christmas at a time.
Joey Lynn - House Call Team
Joey Lynn has been with Star Nursery since 2015 and brings over 10 years of experience and a lifelong passion for gardening. She loves teaching and learning alongside others, helping the community create beautiful, nourishing spaces. A proud Las Vegan, Joey holds several professional certifications, including Master Gardener, ISA Arborist, and Nevada Nurseryman, and continues to grow her expertise every year.
Donald Moore - Ann Road
Donald Moore has been with Star Nursery for two years, though he’s been a landscape contractor for 34 years. In the industry since 1976, he holds multiple certifications and volunteers as an instructor. He finds real joy in watching long-term plant growth and helping seminar attendees succeed.
Gary Gibson - Tropicana
Gary Gibson has been with Star Nursery for three and a half years and brings over 50 years of gardening experience. With some college education, nursery program training, and time as a foreman, he’s built a deep foundation in horticulture. He sees gardening as painting on a fresh canvas and loves bringing his vision to life while being of service to others.
Joe Rivela - Eastern
Joe Rivela has been with Star Nursery for nearly 25 years and has spent just as long in the industry. An early graduate of the UNR Nursery Certification program, he brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to his work. He enjoys assisting customers, seeing their results, and teaching in a clear, positive way.
Each year, we proudly host free seminars designed to educate and inspire both retail customers and professional landscapers. Our topics include How to Prune, Preparing Your Garden for Spring, Summer Stress Management, Post-Summer Recovery, and Winterization.
These sessions are led by our knowledgeable in-store staff, who bring hands-on experience and practical advice to every event. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend gardener, our seminars offer valuable insights tailored to the season’s challenges. Attendees consistently share how impactful and informative these events are, helping them make smarter decisions for healthier landscapes. We’re committed to supporting our community through education, and these seminars are a cornerstone of that mission. Join us and meet the experts who make a difference—one garden at a time.
We invite you to join our experts at one of our upcoming January 2026 pruning seminars. Sign up for our weekly newsletter at starnursery.com/subscribe and be the first to know when RSVPs go live!
Craig Hayes - Boulder Highway
Craig Hayes started with Star Nursery in the early 90s and left for an opportunity in the landscape industry. He’s been back now for almost two years and has over 33 years of experience in the industry. An ISA Certified Arborist, he brings expert insight to every interaction. He loves working with plants and helping customers solve their gardening challenges.
Paul Noe - House Call Team
Paul Noe is an award winning horticulturist and has spent over 40 years advancing horticulture in Las Vegas. He started his nursery career at 15 and has now served as Staff Horticulturist at Star Nursery for over 25 years. He has led industry education programs, contributed to regional plant guides, and appeared as “Dr. Q” on local news.
Tricia Scott - Southern Utah
Tricia Scott has been with Star Nursery for nine years and has 30 years of personal experience as a homeowner. A Master Gardener who’s taken Star classes and is studying for her Arborist Certification, she brings both knowledge and passion to her work. She loves connecting with the earth and helping others succeed in desert landscaping.
Mark Hudson - Pahrump
Mark Hudson has been with Star Nursery for over 30 years and has 45–50 years of experience in the industry. With extensive certifications and training, he brings deep expertise to his work. He loves eating what he grows organically and enjoys answering customers’ questions.
James Cooper - Blue Diamond
James Cooper has spent 12 years at Star Nursery, which is also his entire industry experience. A graduate of Star University and the UNR Nurseryman Program, he’s nearly ISA Certified. He loves blossoms, plant variety, and helping others succeed in their gardening endeavors.
DECIDUOUS vs EVERGREEN
Creating a stunning, low-maintenance garden in the Desert Southwest is easier than you think. The key is understanding a mix of plant materials. This includes not just resilient natives, but also a blend of evergreen and deciduous varieties that provide yearround interest. While all these plants offer beauty and shade, their seasonal habits and care are fundamentally different. Understanding their unique biology is essential to creating a thriving, four-season garden.
How Deciduous Plants Work
Deciduous plants, such as the Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis), Chinese Pistache ( Pistacia chinensis ), Crape
Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), Chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus), are the drama queens of the plant world. They undergo a complete transformation with each season. This cycle is a clever survival strategy to conserve water during the cold months.
• Spring: The plants emerge from dormancy. As days lengthen and temperatures rise, they break bud, and new leaves and flowers burst forth. This is a period of rapid growth and energy production.
• Summer: The plants are in their prime, with a full canopy of leaves performing photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy. This is a period of
sustained growth, and many deciduous plants will flower during this time to attract pollinators.
• Fall: As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, the plant begins to prepare for winter. It stops producing chlorophyll, the green pigment in its leaves, causing them to turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. The plant reabsorbs valuable nutrients from the leaves before dropping them, a process called abscission.
• Winter: The plant enters a state of dormancy . It essentially “sleeps” to survive the cold. Without leaves, it doesn’t need much water, making it perfect for our low-water desert win-
Understanding your desert landscape
ters. Insect populations that feed on the leaves also go dormant, burrow into the soil, or migrate.
How Semi-Deciduous Plants Work
A fascinating category in the desert is the semi-deciduous plant. These plants, including Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans), Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis), and Valentine Bush (Eremophila maculata), can be a bit of a chameleon. Their behavior depends largely on winter temperatures.
In a mild winter, a semi-deciduous plant may hold onto most of its leaves, providing a near-evergreen appearance. However, in a cold winter with hard freezes, it will shed most of its foliage, acting more like a deciduous plant to protect itself from frost damage. This flexibility allows them to adapt to the unpredictable nature of our desert seasons.
How Evergreen Plants Work
Evergreen plants are the backbone of the landscape. They maintain their foliage throughout the year. Their leaves or needles are often waxy or tough to prevent water loss and survive the harsh winter sun. Examples include Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum) formerly (Sophora secundiflora), Oleanders (Nerium oleander), Euonymus (Euonymus spp.), and Pyracantha (Pyracantha spp.).
• Spring: Evergreens begin a new flush of growth. New leaves or needles emerge, and many species will flower during this time. The Texas Mountain Laurel, for example, is famous for its clusters of beautiful purple flowers that smell like Grape Crush Soda to some or Tutti Frutti to others!
• Summer: The plant continues to photosynthesize, providing continuous shade and visual interest. Their specialized leaves are designed to withstand intense heat and sun, allowing for efficient energy production.
• Fall: Growth slows down, but the
plant’s appearance remains largely unchanged. It continues to perform photosynthesis, though at a reduced rate due to cooler temperatures.
• Winter: The plant continues to function, albeit in a state of lowkey maintenance. While not actively growing, it provides constant color and structure to the winter landscape. Insect populations tend to find refuge on evergreens, burrowing into the bark or under the leaves to survive the cold.
Pruning and Maintenance: A Seasonal Guide
No matter the type of plant, providing the right care is essential for its success in our unique desert climate.
Dormancy, Freeze, & Pruning Rules
For most plants and trees, the best time for heavy structural pruning is the dormant season , typically running from late November through February in the Desert Southwest. This is when the plant’s metabolism and growth have slowed, minimizing stress, sap loss, and the risk of attracting pests. Pruning during this time also promotes better air flow and improves wind resistance. It’s important to understand the difference in dormancy. While deciduous trees clearly enter dormancy when they drop their leaves, many desert-adapted evergreens, such as the Holly Oak and Mastic, are also dormant in the winter even though they retain their foliage.
Important Cautions:
• Flower Bud Protection: When planning winter cuts, remember to avoid pruning plants that set their flower buds on old wood during the previous growing season. Pruning in the winter will remove the current year’s blooms. Examples include Texas Mountain Laurel and Purple Robe Locust (Robinia ambigua ‘Purple Robe’). For these, you should prune immediately after they finish flowering in the spring.
• Freeze-Sensitive Warning: Pruning must be carefully timed for plants that are sensitive to freezing. Pruning in late fall or early winter encourages tender new growth just before a hard freeze. This new growth is very vulnerable to cold damage, which can harm the plant and leave it susceptible to disease. For these plants, defer structural pruning until late winter or early spring (Feb-Mar), after the last chance of a hard frost has passed. Examples include Citrus trees, some varieties of Oleanders, and Dwarf Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus ‘Little John’). What about Ornamental Grasses?
Ornamental grasses are a popular choice for desert landscapes. In the winter, grasses like Regal Mist (Muhlenbergia cappilaris ‘Regal Mist’) will go dormant, and their feathery plumes and foliage will turn a tan or brown color. This is a natural part of their life cycle. To prepare for new growth in the spring, it is recommended to cut these grasses back to the ground in late winter. This removes the old, dead foliage and allows sunlight to reach the crown of the plant, promoting a fresh flush of growth when the weather warms.
No matter which plants you choose, providing the right care is essential for their success in our unique desert climate. The key is to amend our native soil before planting with Star Nursery’s Planting Partners to improve drainage and nutrient retention. Remember to irrigate deeply and infrequently yearround, simply reducing the frequency in the winter. This ensures your plants, whether they drop their leaves or retain them, have a healthy root system to thrive. By understanding these fundamental differences, you can choose the right plants to create a dynamic, water-wise garden that provides beauty in every season. Come into your local Star Nursery, and we’ll help you find the perfect match for your unique home garden.
DR. Q’S SEASONAL RECIPE
Pumpkin Scones
Prep Time: 40 min.
Bake Time: 20-25 min.
Ingredients:
Scone Batter
Ǻ 1 Stick of Butter, cold
Ǻ 21/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
Ǻ 1/4 cup Sugar
Ǻ 11/2 tsp. Baking Powder
Ǻ 11/2 tsp. Cinnamon
Ǻ 11/2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ǻ 1/2 tsp. Salt
Ǻ 1/4 tsp. Baking Soda
Ǻ 1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree
Ǻ 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (plus a little extra for step 8)
Ǻ 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
Ǻ 11/2 tsp. Vanilla
Ǻ 1 Egg
Glaze
Ǻ 11/2 cups Powdered Sugar
Ǻ 2 tbsp. Milk
Directions:
1) Start by cutting butter into small, even cubes and letting it rest in the freezer. (No more than 10 minutes).
2) Then, mix the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, and egg into a mixing bowl with a whisk.
3) In a separate bowl, add flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Add butter cubes last. Combine with hands (or pastry cutter). *Using your hands, keeps the butter chunks from not getting too small and will help keep the scones flaky.
4) Next, pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour. Don’t over mix.
5) Add flour to the table or surface. Place dough down and pat into an eight-inch square. Add flour as needed since dough is sticky.
6) Cut your dough into 4 even squares. Cut 4 squares again. You will have a total of 8 triangular pieces. Transfer them to a baking sheet on parchment paper.
7) Rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
8) After you take them out of the fridge, brush lightly heavy cream on top of each piece.
9) Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
10) As the scones are baking, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl add powdered sugar and milk. Mix with a spoon.
11) Once the scones are out of the oven and have completely cooled, you can drizzle or spread the glaze on how you desire.
SNOW MUCH TO CELEBRATE
Honoring our summer Nurseryman graduates
As the year ends, we’re reflecting on growth—both in the garden and on our team. This past summer, 19 of our Star Nursery team members graduated from the Nevada Nursery Professional Training program, a hands-on pro gram in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno Exten sion.
The training is an extensive course, taught by subject matter experts and green industry profes sionals, provides nursery pro fessionals and other green in dustry workers the opportunity to expand their knowledge on a wide range of topics. Throughout the program, participants explored tree selection and care, irrigation techniques, plant taxonomy, desert plants, soils, and fertilizers,
all reinforced through in-person labs. Guided by experienced desert gardening experts, they built practical skills to help landscapes thrive in the Southwest while protecting its delicate ecosystem. Now proudly wearing their blue Nevada pins, our graduates are ready to share their knowledge with the community.
As you browse our aisles this winter, be sure to connect with our certified Nevada Nursery Professionals. Whether you’re looking for the best plants for your desert garden or need expert advice on soil, care, or irrigation, our team is here to help your garden and the season flourish. We are immensely proud of their achievements and excited to see how their newfound expertise will blossom in the coming years. Their
dedication and hard work are not only a testament to their passion for horticulture but also a reflection of the vibrant community we strive to cultivate here at Star Nursery.
In addition to their professional growth, these graduates have become invaluable resources for our customers, offering personalized advice and innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges of gardening in our region. By utilizing their skills, they ensure that every plant has the best start possible and every garden can reach its full potential.
As we celebrate their success, we invite you to join us in recognizing the commitment and enthusiasm that each graduate brings to our team. Together, we are not just growing plants—we’re nurturing a community dedicated to sustainable and thriving landscapes. Here’s to a future filled with learning, growth, and endless possibilities!
