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Local Columns

Arctic Star fruit tree works for focal points

Question: I was reading that you really like the Arctic Star nectarine tree for growing here in Las Vegas. Is this tree a dwarf? How big will it get? What do you think of planting fruit trees in the front yard (not as a focal point, but rather on the side of the house)?

Fruit variety will fight late freezes

Question: I planted an orchard about 4 years ago here in Pahrump. I planted many different fruit varieties and have come to find some of them do not work here. Their blossoms and foliage, in most cases, are very beautiful, but the fruit does not ripen. I was wondering about some other fruit trees that may work in our area.

Running a golf course isn’t all fun and games

“Take this job and shove it. I ain’t working here no more.” Those words from my favorite country song occurred to me last week in my day job, following a particularly busy week. Running a golf course could be fun. Running two would probably double the excitement.

Avoid splitting fruits with wood mulch

Question: I have a Washington navel orange which is about four or five years old. The fruit is splitting. What causes this?

Bird haven can be a human haven any time of year

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 to provide a wintering habitat for migratory birds including a large variety of waterfowl. “Pahranagat” is a Paiute word meaning “valley of shining water.” The refuge encompasses about 5,380 acres of lakes, cattail marshes, wet meadows, riparian habitats and even desert uplands.

Peach trees in containers tend to grow, grow, grow

Question: In March of this year I planted a 2-foot tree with few leaves. It now has grown to 4 feet with a wide spread of branches. It is planted in an 18-inch pot in the southeast section of my yard. Will this tree continue to grow in a container? If so, should I transplant it to a larger container? I grow citrus trees in containers and in the ground successfully. This is my first attempt to grow a peach tree.

Stopping the source only sure way to beat flies

Question: My husband and I spend four months away from the valley during the summer. When we returned in late September, we could not believe the number of flies in our yard, and because we are used to leaving our doors open, in our house.

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Ash Meadows sure to leave the senses sated

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge serves at least two important functions: Preserving rare creatures and plants, and preserving the sanity of urban visitors by surrounding them with the beauty of green wetlands, glimpses of small fish darting through natural pools, and the sound of birdsong.

Planting fruit trees between pines not the way to go

Question: I recently moved into a home in Henderson, and I have a large back yard with about seven pine trees lining the property. The trees are spaced approximately 8 feet apart. I am contemplating planting fruit trees between the pines, and once they reach maturity, I would remove the pine trees. What do you think about this approach?

Wine lovers have a tasty golf session in store

Oenophiles, please take note. There’s a new trend popping up in the golf world and in Las Vegas in particular, which I find very cheering. I’m all for it, and I believe you will find it to your liking as well.

Apricot spread depends on its rootstock

Question: Before I plant my apricot tree this spring, I would like to know how much space I should allocate for it. Does a Blenheim apricot lend itself to close pruning?

Explore Death Valley’s singing Eureka Dunes

Some of the tallest sand dunes in North America can be found in the remote and extreme northern section of Death Valley National Park, California. The Eureka Dunes, in the enclosed Eureka Valley, have a base elevation of about 3,000 feet, and from there, they rise up nearly 700 feet more. The formation is about three miles long from north to south and one mile wide.

Elegant Amaryllis takes gentle handling

Question: I was wondering when is the best time to transplant the Amaryllis plants — now or in the spring? They bloomed beautifully this past summer but seem to be getting a bit pot-bound. I also wonder if regular potting soil is best, and when and how often they need to be fertilized?

Suffering plum may have second chance

Question: My purple plum has branches that are dying on one side of the tree. The leaves are all brown and crunchy while the other side seems healthy. Please help.

The loneliest golf course in the world exists in Pioche

It’s early Thursday morning, and I’m on the loneliest highway in America heading toward Ely. Earlier in the week, I played golf in the boonies, in Mesquite, Hawthorne and Fallon. Today, it’s the White Pine Golf Course in Ely. Stick with me as I drive this loneliest Highway 50 to Ely, some 255 miles away, for a great story.

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