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Recreation

Exotic palms adorn wildlife refuge

While the native California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera) can be found in several areas in California, including Joshua Tree National Park and near Palm Springs, there is one hidden spot in Arizona where it also can be found.

Shape ash trees early on or face pruning pickle
BOB MORRIS

Question: We have two fan Texas Ash trees that are 15 years old. They are spreading out too far. How far can we cut them back without killing them?

Bolster fig yield with a second tree
BOB MORRIS

Question: I have a large fig tree that gives me small green figs, and that is all I get. I think the problem is not enough water, as you said. I also saw the picture of cuttings to grow another tree. Can I do that, or should I buy a second tree? What about pruning? Is this a good time?

Golf gifts include gags, gear, get-ups

I bet the question on everybody’s mind right now is: What the heck do I get the golfer in my life for Christmas? OK, maybe some folks are wondering that.

Bird’s nest mushrooms benefit soil
BOB MORRIS

I found some mystery pods in the garden when doing some clean up. One of the pods is closed, and the second is open and with what appears to be small black seeds. Any idea what this is?

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Winter paves way for trip to Fortification Hill
DEBORAH WALL

If you’re one of the smart hikers who keeps a list of seasonal hikes – those that should be attempted only at some particular time of year – Fortification Hill should be near the top of your winter list.

Bean stalks bend in the cold due to stem rot
BOB MORRIS

Question: I recently planted bean seeds in pots on my porch here in Las Vegas. However, after the bean stalks were half a foot tall, they bent over, turned dark and died.

Visit to saloon caps Parker Dam trip
DEBORAH WALL

If you visit Parker, Ariz., on a weekend, one of the trip’s highlights should be heading some five miles into the Buckskin Mountains via a gravel but well-maintained road to visit the Nellie E. Saloon.

Iron chelate bolsters leaves on lemon trees
BOB MORRIS

Question: I have a small lemon tree growing in a large container. I now have many small lemons on it, which seem to be getting larger. My problem is that the leaves are a sickly, yellow color.

Pruning shade trees can cause future problems
BOB MORRIS

Question: I have a modesto or Texas ash tree that was planted seven or eight years ago in my lawn. Do you think if I prune it back this winter that it would grow in to be fuller? If so, how much should I prune off?

TPC Summerlin holds you to pro standards

We’re lucky to have two TPC courses in Las Vegas. The shining star, however, is TPC Summerlin, 1700 Village Center Circle, home to the just-finished Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open.

The lonely washboard of Racetrack Road awaits
DEBORAH WALL

Most people aren’t aware that Death Valley National Park boasts some 1,000 miles of paved and gravel roads, more than any of other of our nation’s parks. One road in particular, the unpaved, 27-mile Racetrack Road, offers one of the finest day outings in the park.

Soil fungi good for plant root health
BOB MORRIS

Question: What are your thoughts on mycorrhizae? I bought some a while back from T&J Enterprises out of Washington state, and the chiles seemed to do really well. Is it an aid or just my imagination?

Troublesome ground squirrel can dig up, eat tulips
BOB MORRIS

Question: Yesterday, I found three deep, very round holes dug about 6 inches apart at the edge of my raised garden where I have had tulips planted for years. Dirt was kicked out, and baby tulip bulbs were scattered.

Eastern redbud has a hard time in the Western US
BOB MORRIS

Question: I am sending you some pictures of my Eastern redbud tree. It has some problems, and I want to know how to correct these.

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