Springs Preserve plans new programs

If you think that you have seen all there is to see and done all there is to do at the Springs Preserve, think again! In January, "New Beginnings" are in store at the Springs Preserve with brand new, dynamic programming each weekend.

Activities include a variety of classes featuring garden-related topics and natural science every weekend, for both youths and adults. There also will be several traveling exhibits, activities and demonstrations throughout the Origen and gardens. It's all designed to engage visitors and bring the 180-acre site to life.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays throughout January, there will be classes in gardening 101, edible fruit tree care, ornamental gardening, caring for roses and tuning up your irrigation. Other programs include rockhounding, bird feedings, insect pinning, behind the scenes tours of the Origen and trails, tool maintenance and feeding wild animals. For more information, including cost, go to www.springspreserve.org or call 822-7700. The preserve is at 333 S. Valley View Blvd.

One of the most exciting new elements is the programming centers in the gardens. They'll offer demonstrations and provide examples of how to design, maintain and irrigate landscapes the "Water Smart" way. They'll come to life with new programming that keeps visitors busy interpreting the messages throughout the gardens.

The framework and backdrop for these exciting programs are the fun and whimsical garden elements of Dr. Green Thumb, the gigantic watering can and the toolshed. The level of engagement and access to the expert staff and volunteers here will make every weekend a "Day with the Experts."

Dr. Green Thumb is the hub of activities for plant materials. It's staffed by experts and supported by master gardeners and volunteers. It focuses on plants within the gardens, along with identifying plants and diagnosing and troubleshooting plant problems visitors are experiencing in their own gardens. Plants and other garden amenities will be available for sale.

The watering can serves as a center for interaction with the public regarding the wise use of water. Outdoor water use represents the greatest percentage of water used in Southern Nevada. Wise water use is achieved by using what's available to us through technology and practices that result in efficiency and saving water -- a major theme that covers the issues for water conservation.

The toolshed is the primary hub of activity for gardening including demonstrations for growing vegetables, planting and maintaining home gardens, composting and soils. The toolshed contains tools volunteers will use for classes in several areas close by for small to medium-size groups.

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

Give your Christmas tree a second life as a gift to the community. Each holiday season, the Springs Preserve partners with other organizations to reduce holiday landfill waste and create mulch for parks and public gardens by recycling Christmas trees. Beginning today and continuing through Jan. 15, you are encouraged to drop your discarded Christmas trees off at one of 21 drop-off sites throughout the valley. For a location nearest you, go to www.springspreserve.org or call 822-7742.

From the recycling program's inception in 2001, valley residents recycled 78,754 trees, saving 10,500 cubic yards of landfill space and creating 685 tons of mulch. It will be used at our valley parks.

To assist Las Vegans with tree pickup, call (800) 468-5865 to have your tree removed and the pine needles in your home vacuumed. This service will be available through Jan. 15 for $30. Or go online at www.1800gotjunk.com and receive a $10 online booking discount.

Before dropping trees off, remove all nonorganic material because foreign objects contaminate the mulch and damage the chippers. This is why flocked trees cannot be recycled.

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Last month, the Las Vegas Chrysanthemum Society had its annual fall flower show. Jay Pengra won for best disbudded bloom in show, best cut terminal spray, best container grown, best spider mum, best brush/thistle and sweepstakes for the most blue ribbons won. Other winners included Doris Krieger, best disbudded in show runner-up; Barbara Roe, best multiple cut blooms, best decorative, best spoon and sweepstakes runner-up with most blue ribbons won; Joyce Claeson, best exotic; and Rosemary Cohen, best novice. Congratulations to all who participated.

Linn Mills writes a garden column each Sunday. You can reach him at linn.mills@springspreserve.org or call him at 822-7754.