Mountain’s Edge hosts garden series

Mountain's Edge concluded the summer edition of its Desert Demonstration Garden Series with a panel of experts to help residents apply desert-adaptable landscaping principles to the backyards of their homes, especially during the hotter months of the year.

The series took a departure from its previous lecture-style format to a more interactive day, with six experts working with residents at the Demonstration Garden, which is located at the entrance of the community in the backyard of the master-planned community's Home Search Café.

The event was set up in a format similar to a trade show, with experts positioned at tables inside a tent. During the two-hour event, Mountain's Edge residents and those considering purchasing a home at the community were able to get personal one-on-one assistance and advice from each expert.

"For this event, we wanted to encourage residents to seek advice in a more informal setting," said Deonna Stocker, manager of information center operations at the Home Search Café. "Homeowners were encouraged to simply walk right up to the experts they wanted to learn from, and ask them direct questions about landscaping issues that related to their homes and yards."

The vendors participating in the event consisted of experts in a wide range of disciplines and provided samples and interactive demonstrations. Experts included representatives from Cactus Joe's, who helped residents learn more about the use of native desert landscape materials.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) was in attendance to help residents understand watering guidelines. SNWA staffers instructed those in attendance on drought alert information and water restrictions, in addition to providing tips on how to irrigate their yards more effectively during the summer months.

A critical element in managing landscaping is to understand how to properly trim trees and plants. Representatives from Davey Tree gave guidance on this pruning process, which helps plant material grow stronger.

With soil quality often a challenge for both expert and novice gardeners, Mountain's Edge brought in Alan Schrimpf from Southern Vegas Valley Landscaping to help homeowners understand how effective fertilization can make an impact on the quality of their plants, as well as assist in water-saving techniques.

In addition to experts, representatives from the Mountain's Edge's Design Review Committee helped homeowners gain a better understanding of the approval process of submitting backyard landscape plans, and answered questions about the design guidelines currently in place.

The day's event included a free continental breakfast and an arts and crafts tent set up for children.

"Residents and even potential residents of Mountain's Edge can count on these events quarterly. We'll continue to bring in experts to provide wonderful insight to help teach our homeowners how to maintain beautiful water-smart yards," said Focus's Stocker. "Not only are the events helpful from a resource standpoint, but we also make sure that they're fun for the whole family and that people look forward to the event next quarter. It also is a great opportunity for people to meet their neighbors in the community."

Each participant received a free copy of the community's landscape guide book, "Legendary Landscapes" to use as a manual when considering plant materials for their yards. This book was designed to help residents understand more about drought-tolerant plants and trees as well as educate them on proper drainage, fertilization and other techniques that lead to healthy, vibrant plants.

According to Stocker, the next installment of the Desert Demonstration Garden Series will be in the fall to help prepare residents for the change in seasons and the colder winter months.

The Desert Demonstration Garden was built as a resource center for the master-planned community's residents to learn about drought-tolerant plant materials that can be used to create water-smart landscaping. At the Garden, residents can walk meandering paths filled with desert-adaptable landscaping. All the plants are identified.

The community's design guidelines include the elimination of turf from the front yards of all homes in favor of drought-tolerant landscaping. Home builders have also agreed to use turf only in parks and schools.

When fully developed, Mountain's Edge will feature four elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school. The community is planned to have a fire station, shopping centers, restaurants and commercial office space.

The development's Home Search Café is located at the community's entrance on Buffalo Drive and Blue Diamond Road. It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call 702-898-5777 or visit mountainsedge.com.