See blooms come out at cactus show
The Cactus and Succulent Society of Southern Nevada and Moon-Sun Gardens are hosting the "Cactus Show and Art Fair" from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and April 15 at Moon-Sun Cactus and Koi Gardens at 6430 McGill Ave. in Las Vegas.
This show and sale features multiple vendors of fine cactuses and succulents along with local artists and crafters. Experts will provide educational demonstrations throughout the show.
A contest will feature personal collections of cactuses and succulents. Show visitors will vote for the "People's Choice" award. Visit www.moon-sunlandscapes.com/Cactus_Show for the rules to enter.
Expect to see a full range of cactuses and succulents to enhance your yard with blooms all season. Many of these plants originate in the southern hemisphere, so don't be surprised if a "spring bloomer" blooms in the fall or vice versa. Some plants need light changes to trigger blossoms while others bloom when the soil warms or when pollinating insect show up.
Here are some desert plants I really like:
"Flying saucer" cactus: It got its name because of its extra-large blooms resembling a flying saucer. The flowers are breathtaking and colorful, displaying in pink, yellow and white. They may bloom with as many as 20 flowers at a time. Have your camera ready when they appear.
■ Claret cups: Oh what a show this plant puts on when the spectacular orange blooms open while others produce red and pink flowers. This low- mounding, heat-tolerant plant adds another level of interest to landscapes. It's the flower found on the cover of my "Nevada's Gardening Guide" book.
■ Desert rose: This plant is my favorite succulent. Its beautiful flowers come in various shapes and patterns of red and pink. To me, they look like oleander flowers. The swollen fleshy bulbous base of the plant stores its water. It comes into bloom each spring and continues for up to nine months. Many hybrids have been created to achieve new flower colors. They're easy to grow in your home, making excellent container plants.
■ Quadricolor agave: This spectacular agave has four-striped striking contrasts of green and gold on its leaves. It does prefer relief from the afternoon sun. For a wow factor in your yard, this one can't be beat.
■ Blue glow agave: This symmetrical agave has deep blue tones outlined by a striking red margin on each leaf. Plant it in full or partial sun for a rich color accent to contrast with other desert plants. Like all agaves, you get this one for its looks because agaves never flower until the end of their life span.
■ Silver torch cactus: This columnar cactus appears white because of its spines growing in clusters along slender columns. It is blooming now with beautiful scarlet trumpet flowers that explode along the entire column. They attract hummingbirds and become a great showpiece.
■ Black spine prickly pear: The opuntia family of cactus has so many to choose from. This variety has purple and dark green pads. Three-inch black spines set this plant off. This spring bloomer produces yellow flowers with a red to scarlet center. It's one of the more colorful of the opuntias.
ANNIVERSARY GALA
To mark the 20th anniversary of the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program, a free gala will be held April 21 at 8050 S. Paradise Road.
Tours and talks begin at 10 a.m. every half-hour until 4 p.m. Learn about palms, cactuses, herbs, trees, succulents and more. Discussion topics include vine crops, garden design, container and desert gardening, hands-on irrigation, mulching and composting demonstrations and a plant sale.
Horticulturist Linn Mills, who started the Master Gardener program, and Mary Rider, from the first class will be honored. Cutting of the anniversary cake and a reunion of current and former Master Gardeners will commemorate the day. For more information, call 257-5555.
COMPOSTING WORKSHOP
Join Angela O'Callaghan of the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension at
8 a.m. Saturday for a workshop on composting in small spaces. With class space limited you must preregister by calling 257-5555.
Linn Mills writes a garden column each Sunday. You can reach him at
linn.mills@springspreserve.org
or call him at 822-7754.
