Treat your eyes to beautiful yards and flowers
April 12, 2009 - 9:00 pm
On Saturday, you can see award-winning landscapes, irises, roses, cactuses and succulents.
Let's begin with the tour of award-winning yards. The nationwide Garden Conservancy, in conjunction with the Southern Nevada Water Authority, is offering "Open Days," a program where you visit outstanding private gardens. What a great way to see beautiful yards.
You'll see three exceptional examples of design and horticulture practices -- proving there is no better way to discover new ways to garden than by spending time in them. These water-efficient gardens were winners in the water authority's 2008 landscape award contest.
The Burkes' "Jardin del Sol," 6120 Globe Ridge Lane, will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Burke family's garden oasis reflects the beauty and serenity of the desert Southwest. Pam Burke designed this lush, colorful -- yet drought-tolerant -- xeriscape garden with recreation and social gatherings in mind. Family and friends can take a dip in the sun-drenched pool, gather around the fire for stories and toasted marshmallows, or relax under the shade of a graceful palo verde tree while watching hummingbirds gather sweet nectar.
The Eadie residence, 6887 April Wind Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. People know of Las Vegas' bright lights and 24-hour entertainment, but few realize the water conservation efforts that must be mastered in order to achieve beautiful landscapes.
The Eadie residence includes a petite park -- that's right, a park -- mindful of our harsh desert environment. You can lounge in the patio shade and enjoy the acrobatics of hummingbirds as they protect their territory in a fire bush. Or stroll along the meandering pathway and view varieties of cactuses and other drought-tolerant plants, or choose to sit on a bench under a mesquite tree and laugh at the antics of native lizards.
The Halversons' "Oasis in the Desert," 9840 Dorrell Lane, will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You'll drive through the open desert to arrive at this oasis. You'll view the city of Las Vegas and surrounding mountains before heading down the path through a variety of native plants, low water-use perennials and wildflowers.
This minibotanical garden includes an iris bed, rock, cactus and vegetable gardens, a miniorchard, and whimsical art along the way. The Halversons contribute produce to the "Plant a Row for the Hungry" program and received the 2008 Star Nursery's "Outstanding Color" award.
This program is wonderful for people with varying degrees of gardening experience, as it will be enjoyable learning from these amazing gardeners. You'll explore new horizons as you search for ways to garden in our harsh climate. If you're converting to desert landscaping and worried about aesthetics, this is the tour for you.
This excursion is self-guided, with an admission fee of $5 per person at each garden (children younger than 12 are free). You can purchase discount tickets in advance and get directions to each yard by calling (888) 842-2442 or visit www.opendaysprogram.org. You don't need reservations, simply show up during the times indicated.
IRIS SHOW
"Rainbow of Color" is the theme of the Southern Nevada Iris Society's show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Galleria at Sunset mall, 1300 W. Sunset Road in Henderson.
When you see the irises on display, you will understand why they come in a rainbow of colors. Be sure to write down the varieties you like so you can purchase them at the society sale in July.
For more information, call 361-4985.
ROSE SHOW
"To a Rosy Future" is the theme of the Las Vegas Valley Rose Society flower show. The society wants to lift your spirits by showing off America's flower, the rose. Drop by the show from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd. To enter, call 646-6048.
CACTUSES AND SUCCULENTS
Join Pete Duncombe, curator of the Gardens at the Springs Preserve on a free tour of beautiful cactuses and succulents at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Many plants will be in bloom for you to enjoy.
Linn Mills writes a garden column each Sunday. You can reach him at linn.mills@springspreserve.org or call him at 822-7754.