Southwestern Deserts
February, 2009
Regional Report
Shows & Events
International Master Gardener Conference
You don't have to be a Master Gardener to attend these informative sessions on water conservation and environmentally sound gardening practices held March 22-26, 2009 in Las Vegas, NV. Master Gardeners of Southern Nevada have also lined up a superlative group of pre- and post-conference tours, including public and private gardens as well as nearby not-to-be-missed sights, such as the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. http://www.unce.unr.edu/imgc/
Favorite or New Plant
Chaparral Sage
Sages offer heady fragrance, but Salvia clevelandii leads the pack, according to my nose. Plant it where you can gently brush against it, releasing its intense "deserty" scent. However, it grows easily to 4 feet tall and wide, up to 6 feet tall and wide, if conditions are to its liking, so place it carefully where it won't be in the way. It shouldn't be cut back, which would ruin its naturally rounded, flowing shape. Chaparral sage needs good soil drainage and takes full sun, although in the low desert, it benefits with protection from summer's hot afternoon sun. Hummingbirds visit the bluish-purple flowers, which bloom from spring to summer.
