Lander Community Garden has a mission of food security and community connection
The Lander Com munity Garden officially opened its gates to the public on June 7, 2025, bringing with it a fresh vision for food security, learning, and community involvement in Battle Mountain. Nestled inside the Ball Fields, the new garden is open from sunup to sunset and offers more than just a place to grow vegetables—it offers a place for reflection, nourishment, and inspiration.
Spearheaded by Pam Harrington, Natural Resource Officer, the garden was established with a clear goal in mind: to promote citizens growing food and to support food security for the community.
The project has been made possible through support from the Nevada Division of Forestry, SSR Marigold Mine, and Lander County. It features 15 raised beds adopted by local families who are learning to grow their own food—some for the first time. These garden beds provide hands-on education and a rewarding experience for participants, many of whom have taken on the challenge with enthusiasm.
CONTINUED 'GARDEN' INSIDE
Solar Lighting: Low Effort, High Impact
One of the simplest lighting upgrades homeowners can make is installing solar lights. These small, stake-style lights are ideal for lining walkways, garden edges, and driveways. Most don’t require wiring or programming — just a sunny spot during the day and some planning for placement.
Today’s solar fixtures are more efficient and longer-lasting than earlier models. Many automatically turn on at dusk and offer several lighting modes. Some come with warm-toned LED bulbs for a cozy glow, while others provide a cooler white light for improved visibility. A few even flicker like candles, offering a decorative touch without the fire hazard.
For best results, solar lights should be placed where they’ll receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. They’re a good fit for low-traffic areas where wiring might be impractical or where a soft glow is all that’s needed.
String Lights: Style Meets Simplicity
String lights, often called bistro or café lights, are another popular option. They lend a festive feel to patios and decks and can easily be installed with screw hooks, poles, or zip ties. Available in everything from bare Edison-style bulbs to twinkling fairy lights, they add character and charm to any backyard.
These lights aren’t just for looks — when strung strategically,
As the sun sets and temperatures ease, outdoor spaces across the region come alive again. Patios, porches, and backyards become the go-to spots for evening meals, quiet conversations, and stargazing. Thoughtful outdoor lighting makes all the difference — not only for ambiance, but also for safety.
Simple lighting upgrades can transform a property’s nighttime appeal without breaking the bank. Whether it’s solar-powered lights tucked into flower beds, glowing string lights draped across a fence line, or low-voltage path lighting leading guests to the front door, there are easy and affordable ways to keep outdoor areas both welcoming and well-lit.
they provide enough illumination for dining or small gatherings. Most are plug-in or USB rechargeable, though solar-powered versions are also widely available.
When choosing string lights, weatherproofing matters. Outdoor-rated cords and bulbs will stand up to rain, wind, and fluctuating temperatures, making them a solid choice in Northern Nevada’s varied climate.
Low-Voltage Lighting: A Subtle Glow with Big Benefits
For more permanent and powerf ul lighting, low-voltage systems offer a polished look. These systems typically include a transformer that reduces household current, making them energy efficient and safer than traditional 120-volt lighting.
Low-voltage lights are commonly used to highlight architectural features, accent trees or shrubs, or define a walkway. Because they use buried cables and are designed to last for years, they require a bit more planning and installation effort than solar or string lights. But for homeowners who want a tailored, long-term solution, they’re hard to beat.
Kits are available at most home improvement stores and often come wit h everything needed for DIY installation. Timers or light sensors can be added to automate operation, helping conserve electricity while maintaining a secure, lit environment.
A “salsa garden” is exactly what it sounds like: a compact planting of tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, and onions grown together with one delicious goal in mind. Whether you're a firsttime gardener or looking for a fun family project, this simple garden setup offers big rewards by the end of summer.
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Sometimes, a home doesn’t need a major renovation—just a little attention to detail and a fresh perspective. For those who want to breathe new life into their living spaces without tearing down walls or dipping into renovation budgets, a weekend refresh can do wonders. By focusing on textiles, paint, and plants, homeowners can create a meaningful transformation that’s easy to accomplish in just a couple of days.
The appeal of a room refresh is in its simplicity. It doesn’t require a contractor, special permits, or weeks of disruption. Instead, it’s about using color, texture, and natural elements to change how a space looks and feels. Even in rural areas where homes may have a mix of older design elements or practical layouts, these strategies work well to modernize and personalize a space.
Start With Textiles
One of the fastest ways to change the mood of a room is to update the textiles. Throw pillows, rugs, curtains, and bedding all play a role in how a space feels. For summer, many homeowners are opting for light fabrics like linen, cotton, or soft gauze. Neutral base colors—whites, tans, and pale grays—pair well with small pops of seasonal color like sage green, terracotta, or dusty blue.
Swapping out heavy winter curtains for light sheers can brighten a room and make it feel larger. Replacing a dark rug with a lighter, patterned area rug can do the same. Even something as small as changing out pillow covers can shift a space from cozy to airy.
Layering is another popular strategy. Lightweight throws can be draped over a couch or chair for texture and color. For bedrooms, changing a duvet cover or layering fresh sheets with a new quilt can make a room feel newly designed without moving a single piece of furniture.
Paint for Instant Impact
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most budget-friendly and transformative tools in home design. Painting an entire room is one option, but for those short on time or supplies, painting a single accent wall can make a dramatic
difference.
Current trends favor muted, earthy tones that bring warmth without overwhelming a space. Shades like clay, olive, and muted navy are popular, as are soft creams and barely-there blushes. For a bolder look, many homeowners are painting door frames (color drenching), window sashes, or even ceilings to add depth and interest.
Paint isn’t limited to walls, either. Older furniture—especially wood pieces—can be updated with a quick sanding and a fresh coat of paint. A worn-out dresser or table can become a centerpiece with the right color and finish.
Bring in the Greenery
Plants bring life—literally—into a space. They add color, texture, and a sense of calm that’s hard to replicate with other decor. For a weekend room refresh, incorporating houseplants is one of the easiest and most satisfying updates.
Small Changes, Big Results
Low-maintenance options like pothos, snake plants, and ZZ plants are well-suited to homes that receive a mix of sunlight throughout the day. Hanging planters or small shelves can make use of vertical space and add visual interest. Larger plants, like fiddle-leaf figs or rubber plants, can anchor a room and create a more styled appearance.
Even faux plants have a place if natural light is limited or if upkeep is a concern. The goal is to bring softness and a sense of the outdoors into the space.
The beauty of refreshing a room with textiles, paint, and plants is that the investment is minimal compared to a renovation, but the effect is significant. A room can go from dated to inviting in a matter of hours. And because these updates are flexible and temporary, homeowners can make changes with the seasons or whenever they’re ready for a new look.
For rural homeowners—especially those in older homes—these kinds of updates offer a way to blend personal style with practicality, bringing comfort and beauty into everyday life without the mess of construction.
The key is zoning. Just like rooms in a home serve different purposes, outdoor spaces can be divided into functional “zones” for rest, recreation, and productivity. Even modest yards can benefit from a thoughtful layout that makes the most of every square foot.
Start with a Plan
Before digging in, it helps to step back and consider how the yard is used — and how the homeowners want to use it. Do they need a place for kids to run around? A quiet retreat for reading or relaxing? Space for gardening or DIY projects? A yard doesn’t have to do it all at once, but a rough plan helps clarify priorities.
A well-designed backyard can be more than just a patch of grass behind the house. With a little planning, it can become an extension of indoor living space — a place to unwind, play, grow food, get work done, and gather with others.
Using a simple sketch or even walking the space with chalk or stakes can help define natural boundaries. Look for existing features — shade trees, fences, patios, or slopes — that can guide the layout. Think about where the sun falls, which areas offer privacy, and how people naturally move through the yard.
Play Zones: Safe and Visible
If young children or grandchildren are part of the household, a designated play space can be both fun and functional. Open lawn areas are great for kicking balls or running around, while a mulched corner with a sandbox or climbing structure keeps mess contained.
Visibility from the house matters, especially for families with toddlers. Placing play areas within sight of kitchen windows or patios can make supervision easier and keep kids close to the action during gatherings.
Simple borders, like garden edging or low fencing, can help separate play areas from more tranquil zones — keeping stray balls out of the flower beds and ensuring toys stay in their place.
Rest Zones: Shade, Seating, and Serenity
Everyone needs a place to relax. That might be a hammock hung between trees, a bench under a pergola, or a few Adirondack chairs around a fire pit. The goal is to carve out a space that invites people to pause.
Shade plays a big role in comfort. Trees, umbrellas, or fabric canopies can make even hot afternoons bearable. Natural screens like shrubs or lattice can add privacy from neighboring yards or busy streets.
When seating is comfortable and thoughtfully placed — facing a garden, overlooking a view, or tucked into a quiet corner — people are more likely to linger. Add a small table for drinks or books, and it quickly becomes a favorite spot.
Work Zones: Function Meets Form
Backyards are often a hub for hands-on projects. Raised beds, compost bins, sheds, or even small greenhouses can be
grouped together to create a work zone that supports gardening or maintenance tasks.
Locating these elements near a water source and away from high-traffic areas helps keep things practical. Gravel or paver paths can make it easier to move tools or wheelbarrows between work areas and storage.
Sheds or workbenches don’t have to be eyesores. With a coat of paint, climbing plants, or tidy organization, they can blend into the landscape while still serving their purpose.
Connecting the Zones
The best backyard designs allow for movement and connection between zones. Pathways, stepping stones, or mown walkways can subtly guide foot traffic. Plantings, trellises, or decorative fences can act as soft dividers without creating hard barriers.
Lighting, color, and materials can also tie the whole space together. Using similar tones or textures — like matching stone borders or repeated flower varieties — helps create visual harmony even among different zones.
Zoning a backyard doesn’t require a big budget or professional crew. It starts with intention — making each part of the space serve a purpose and reflect the people who use it. Whether it’s a quiet garden bench, a buzzing kid’s corner, or a tidy shed full of tools, a well-zoned yard offers something for every season of life.
By Pam Robinson| Evergreen
Home Loans Branch
Manager / Loan Officer
When you’re thinking of buying a home and need a home mortgage, the first step is to meet with a lender and find out how much you qualify for. When you are ready to make an offer on a home, preapproval is very important. Most realtors ask for a preapproval letter even before showing properties and definitely before presenting an offer to the seller. Here are some of the things your lender will cover with you.
*Income Available to Qualify - Providing complete information about your income when you meet with your lender will allow them to properly analyze your ability to qualify for a loan. Your most recent paystub and last two years’ W2 forms are a good start if you are an employee. If you own your own business, you will need to supply most recent one or two year’s tax returns. Without seeing income documentation, the lender may only be able to give you a “prequalification” letter. This type of letter is not a preapproval but merely advises you and/ or your realtor that it looks like you could be able to qualify for the loan requested, but it is not a preapproval and doesn’t carry much weight.
*Credit Report – In addition to reviewing income, credit history is another major factor. If there are areas needing attention, your lender can give you some strategies to work on. Your credit score often determines which programs you can qualify for, and higher credit scores are a good indicator of low risk. interest rates are calculated based on market conditions and risk.
*Funds to Close - Your lender will want to verify enough money for your down payment, closing costs, prepaid items, and reserves, if required, and will go over figures with you. You will need to provide bank statements showing available funds as well as documentation of any large recent deposits. If you are receiving funds
from a family gift, there are additional requirements. Other sources of funds include sale of assets or borrowing against assets. Various forms of documentation are required on those, too, and your lender will go over them with you. There are several down payment assistance options available for first-time homebuyers as well.
*Payoff of Debt to Qualify - You may need to pay off some existing debt to qualify for your new home loan payment, and this is important to review with your loan officer.
* Preapproval - Most lenders can underwrite your loan through their automated systems when you meet with them, and a “preapproval letter” may be gen-
Pam can be reached at 742-0627 or at probinson@evergreenhomeloans.com.
erated right on the spot. This letter will indicate that you are preapproved for a specific loan amount and will list any items needed to completely approve your loan. For example, appraisal of the property you are purchasing will be a major condition.
Once your offer is accepted and all conditions are in, your loan is presented to an underwriter for final approval. Having everything to your loan officer upfront makes the process go much faster and much more smoothly.
Working closely with your lender is the key in making sure that your loan approval conditions are met and your new home loan closes right on time. Future articles will go into more detail about income, credit, and assets.
June
Mosquitoes aren’t just summer’s least welcome guests—they’re also potential carriers of diseases. And even in the high desert of northern Nevada, where the sun blazes and the air is bone-dry, these tiny vampires still find a way to party—especially near irrigation ditches, garden ponds, or that forgotten bucket full of rainwater in the backyard. The good news? You don’t have to douse yourself or your yard in harsh chemicals. With a few smart tricks (and some helpful plants), you can show mosquitoes the door naturally.
The High Desert’s Sneaky Mosquito Problem
While hot, dry conditions should make mosquitoes pack up and leave, the reality is they’re great opportunists. A little standing water is all it takes for them to breed like crazy—so all those puddles, birdbaths, and half-full flower pots are basically luxury hotels for mosquito larvae.
Step One: Cut the Guest List
Mosquitoes need stagnant water to lay their eggs. Kick them out by clearing or refreshing these potential breeding spots:
• Buckets, flower pots, and forgotten toys
• Birdbaths and pet dishes (change water often)
• Clogged gutters
• Water-filled tarps or tire swings
If it holds water for more than a couple of days, dump it. You’ll dramatically cut down on the mosquito population—no sprays required.
Step Two: Grow the Right Crowd
Nature has its own line of defense: mosquito-repelling plants. And lucky for us, many of them are tough enough to handle Nevada’s dry heat:
• Lavender: Drought-tolerant, fragrant, and flying-insect-repelling. What’s not to love?
• Rosemary: Hardy and heat-loving—plus, it smells like summer barbecues.
• Citronella: The poster child of mosquito repellents. Bonus: it thrives in sun and well-drained soil.
• Catnip: Your cat might get excited, but mosquitoes won’t. Studies say it’s surprisingly effective.
• Basil: Repels bugs and tastes great on pizza. That’s a win-win.
Step Three: DIY Your Own Spray
Want to go full herbal warrior? Make a natural mosquito spray at home:
• Combine 10–15 drops of essential oil (citronella, lavender, or rosemary) with water in a spray bottle.
• Add a splash of witch hazel or vodka to help it mix and stay fresh.
• Spray it on clothing, exposed skin (patch test first!), and around patios or porches.
Weed Weekly: Stay ahead of fast-growing summer weeds.
Stake Tall Plants: Support heavy bloomers like peonies or delphiniums with cages or stakes.
Water Deeply: Increase watering frequency and depth, ideally in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Check for Pests: Monitor for aphids, beetles, or fungal spots and treat as needed with organic or chemical solutions.
July
Harvest Early Crops: Enjoy lettuce, early tomatoes, or beans, and replant bare spots with succession crops.
Mow High: Keeping grass a bit taller (around 3 inches) shades roots and improves drought tolerance.
Deadhead Flowers: Removing spent blooms from annuals and perennials encourages continued flowering.
Mulch Again if Needed: Top off mulch where it’s broken down or washed away.
August
Plan for Fall Crops: Start broccoli, kale, and carrots indoors or in a shaded spot outdoors.
Prune Summer Growth: Lightly shape shrubs and trees if needed, avoiding heavy pruning in the heat.
Watch for Water Stress: Crispy edges, wilting, and slowed growth can signal the need for more frequent watering.
Inspect Trees: Look for dead or damaged limbs that could become a hazard during fall storms.
September
Plant Perennials and Trees: Cooler soil and air temps make fall ideal for establishing roots.
Fertilize Again: Fall lawn fertilizer encourages root development before winter dormancy.
Collect Seeds: Save seeds from heirloom flowers or veggies for next year’s planting.
Clean Up Spent Plants: Remove summer veggies and trim back annuals that are done for the season.
Just remember: nature’s sprays don’t last forever—reapply after sweating, watering plants, or just being out and about.
Step Four: Recruit the Right Allies
Some backyard visitors are actually your best defense against mosquitoes:
• Bats: A single bat can eat hundreds of insects in one night. A bat house could turn your yard into a bug buffet (for them, not you).
• Dragonflies: Known as “mosquito hawks,” they love snacking on skeeters. Planting native wildflowers can attract them.
• Birds: Invite insect-eating songbirds with feeders and birdbaths (just remember to keep that bath clean).
Step Five:
Keep Water Features Moving
If you’ve got a pond or fountain, don’t let it go still and swampy. Mosquitoes hate moving water.
• Use a small fountain pump to keep it circulating.
• Consider adding mosquito-eating fish like gambusia (where legal and appropriate).
• Avoid overwatering gardens, which can create mosquito-friendly puddles.
Step Six: Dress Smart, Time It Right
Mosquitoes love dawn and dusk—so if you’re outside during those hours, cover up. Long sleeves and pants (yes, even when it’s hot) help. Pair that with your natural spray and you’re golden.
Enjoy Your Summer—Without the Bites
Mosquito control in the high desert isn’t about overkill—it’s about balance. Clear out standing water, plant some mosquito-hating herbs, and encourage the good bugs and birds. You’ll keep your yard pleasant, eco-friendly, and mostly buzz-free.
GARDEN
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But the garden isn’t just for those tending an assigned bed. Three additional raised beds have been planted specifically for passersby and visitors. These public beds include snack peppers, cherry tomatoes, rhubarb, and other surprises that will ripen over the summer. The idea is simple: to offer a healthy, unexpected treat for anyone who stops by.
More than 30 fruit and nut trees also line the space, and when they begin bearing, all Lander County residents will be welcome to pick from them. “It’s designed to be a space where people can connect with food and nature in a real way,” Harrington said.
A hummingbird garden and grape vines were added as a tribute to Kathy Ancho, a beloved community member who passed away last year. Nearby benches offer visitors a place for rest or quiet reflection. Over time, the area is expected to grow into a sanctuary for hummingbirds, butterflies, and people alike—somewhere to think, relax, and even send out positive thoughts, as Harrington puts it.
What makes the Lander Community Garden unique is its open access and trust-based approach. There are no locked gates. Instead, the garden operates on an honor system. “We are trying the ‘Honor’s System’ that people honor our gardeners who adopted beds and do not disturb their projects,” said Harrington. A 24-hour surveillance camera offers an added layer of protection to discourage vandalism and theft.
Future plans for the garden include community classes in pruning fruit trees, harvesting produce, and eventually canning fruit. If the project proves successful, additional raised beds may be added to allow more families to participate.
The garden is not governed by a board—just driven by the energy and care of those involved. “The Community Garden Project is an example of people working from their heart space and putting forward a vision of what our community is capable of,” Harrington said.
Citizens who want to be part of this grassroots effort can stroll through the garden for inspiration, consider how a similar project might work in their own neighborhoods, or even adopt a bed in the future. To learn more, contact Pam Harrington at (775) 870-0015.
Invite winged visitors to your high desert garden
Butterflies are more than just eye-catching additions to the garden—they’re hardworking pollinators that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Their presence adds movement, color, and life to outdoor spaces, and attracting them is both a joy and a service to your plants. In northern Nevada’s high desert climate, however, providing the right conditions for butterflies takes a little extra effort. Dry air, high winds, and limited natural water sources can make it difficult for butterflies to find what they need to thrive. One simple way to help is by building a butterfly puddle.
Also known as a “puddling station” or “butterfly bar,” this easy garden feature supplies moisture and essential minerals that butterflies can’t get from nectar alone. Males especially use puddling areas to absorb salts and nutrients that are later passed to females during mating, which helps improve reproductive success.
To make a butterfly puddle, start with a shallow container such as a ceramic saucer, terra cotta dish, or even a sturdy plastic lid. Fill it with a combination of clean sand and small pebbles or gravel. The sand should dominate the mix to provide a solid, damp surface for the butterflies to land on, while the pebbles offer a few raised dry spots where they can perch.
Next, add water slowly—just enough to moisten the sand without creating standing water. The goal is a damp, not soggy, texture. Think of it as a miniature mudflat or natural seep. In a high desert environment like northern Nevada’s, the water will evaporate quickly, especially in summer, so check it daily and top it off as needed.
Where you place your puddling station matters, too. Choose a sunny, wind-protected area near butterfly-friendly flowers like yarrow, milkweed, penstemon, bee balm, or blanketflower. These native and drought-tolerant plants not only attract butterflies with their nectar, but they also help create a welcoming habitat. Placing a few flat stones nearby gives butterflies a place to warm themselves in the sun.
To keep your butterfly puddle inviting, rinse and replace the sand periodically—especially if it begins to grow algae or accumulate debris. Using distilled or dechlorinated water can also make the station more appealing, as butterflies are sensitive to chemicals in treated tap water.
This small but impactful project supports local pollinators in a meaningful way. It also provides a chance to observe butterflies up close, from painted ladies and monarchs to swallowtails and skippers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning to explore desert landscaping, a butterfly puddle is an easy, beautiful, and beneficial addition to your yard.
