Briefs

Cactus sale, barbecue on tap at orchard in North Las Vegas

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Orchard in North Las Vegas, situated within the 10-acre Center for Urban Horticulture and Water Conservation, is holding a cactus sale and barbecue Aug. 23.

After the barbecue, Dr. Dale Devitt, a soil and water scientist, will discuss Getting to Know Your Soils, while Dr. Tom Piechota, a civil and environmental engineer, will talk about the Colorado River and the future of water.

The barbecue is set for 6:30 p.m., and the talks will begin at 7:30 p.m.

During the barbecue, hamburgers will be offered for $1.25 and sodas will cost 75 cents. There is no cost to attend the discussion.

All activities will be held outside the center headquarters near the three large canary island palms.

The orchard is at 4600 Horse Road, just east of Decatur Boulevard.

For more information, call the orchard at 702-257-5532 or the master gardener help desk at 702-257-5555 or email lvmastergardeners@unce.unr.edu.

Master gardeners offer free classes at Acacia Park

Clark County Cooperative Extension master gardeners will offer a series of free classes at Acacia Park in conjunction with the Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. All classes will be taught by master gardener instructors and begin at 9 a.m.

The lineup includes:

n Sept. 15: Growing Cool Season Vegetables in the Las Vegas Valley - A greater variety of vegetables can be planted during the cool fall and winter months such as spinach, asparagus, leaf lettuce, broccoli, kale and root vegetables like carrots, beets, turnips and onions. Learn how and when to plant vegetables in your garden this fall.

n Sept. 22: Information on Fruit Trees - What fruit trees grow here in Las Vegas? How do you get edible fruit? You can grow many fruits and it is not all that difficult. Topics to be discussed include planting, growing, pruning and harvesting fruit.

n Sept. 29: Growing and Using Herbs - Herbs are easy to grow and have many uses. Learn which ones grow best here and how they can be used in your home. Also to be explored are methods for drying, preservation and storage.

n Oct. 13: Safe and Sound Insect Control - You do not need harmful chemicals to control garden and yard pests. Learn insect control that is safe for the whole family. Use everyday household items to make traps, sprays and repellents.

n Oct. 20: Backyard Habitat and Patio Conservation - From composting to attracting birds and butterflies to your patio, learn about backyard conservation and how to create a haven for birds, butterflies and other wildlife using edible landscape ideas.

n Oct. 27: Tricks and Treats (Plant Projects for Kids) - Learn fun plant projects for kids of all ages (some in this class and ideas for other projects to last through the cold winter months).

The park is at 50 Casa Del Fuego St.

For information, contact the master gardener help desk at 702-257-5555 or email lvmastergardeners@unce.unr.edu.