Angela O'Callaghan

Photo of Angela O'Callaghan, Extension

Angela O'Callaghan

Social Horticulture Specialist

Summary

Angela O'Callaghan's areas of expertise are in horticulture, plant science and desert gardening. Her programs focus on school gardening and the Gardening in Small Places series, designed for those who want good horticulture information.

Programs

people siting in a botanic garden

Botanic Gardens

Extension's 3.3 acre outdoor educational Botanic Gardens are located at 8050 Paradise Road in Las Vegas. Maintained by faculty, staff and Master Gardener Volunteers, the gardens provide demonstrations and research opportunities. It features an orchard, vegetables, compost, mulch, native wash, children's garden, rose garden, cactus garden, milkweeds/monarchs, herbs and a team development course. The gardens are open to the public for self-guided and guided tours.

Master Gardener taking grape inspection notes on a clipboard

Center for Urban Water Conservation

Researching new varieties of fruit producing trees, vines and other plant materials in sustainable ways for the Mojave Desert climate.

las vegas nursing home garden

Healing gardens in Las Vegas

Extension healing gardens essentially become outdoor sanctuaries for people who are hospitalized as well as their families and the staff that works with them.

gathering herbs

Master Gardeners of Clark County

Serving Clark, Lincoln and Southern Nye counties gardening needs.

Master Gardeners at tabling event

Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans

community gardening program

Youth Horticulture Education Program

Youth Horticulture Education Program is the premier program of horticulture projects that involve youth, families and educators.

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Fact Sheets
sweet potatoes
Growing Sweet Potatoes in the Desert
Sweet potatoes easily grow in the desert and provide necessary vitamins and nutrients. By implementing the proper gardening techniques, everyone can enjoy the tasty treat. Sweet potatoes like a hot growing season, making southern Nevada an ideal place for them.
 Wynne, T., Callaghan, A. 2017, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-17-02
planting hops in nevada
Growing Hops in Southern Nevada
Hops are mainly used for brewing beer. The perceived bitterness in an Indian Pale Ale is derived from the hops themselves. Hops can also impart other flavors into beers, such as fruity, citrusy, or spicy notes. However, hops can serve other purposes as well.
 Wynne, T., O’Callaghan, A., and Jeff Anderson, O. 2017, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-17-05
Green Fountain Grass
Green Fountain Grass
Too often, attractive plants that we bring into the landscape from other regions turn out to be just too successful. They usually have no natural enemies in the new area, so they are able to thrive. They appear in wild areas and begin to out-compete native plants. One of these is green fountain grass.
 O'Callaghan, A. M., and Robinson, ML 2014, Extension University of Nevada Reno, FS-14-11
wooden raised bed
Raised Beds Can Make Gardening Easier
How to use raised beds to make gardening easier!
 O'Callaghan, A. 2010, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-33
Palm fond
Palm Problems That Aren't
Many people are not familiar with growing palm trees and make observations that they think are abnormal in the palms growth and appearance. This publication addresses these symptoms, perceived problem and explanation of what is actually occurring in the Palm. It is also an easy guide for the professional and homeowner.
 Robinson, M. L., and O'Callaghan, A. 2010, Extension University of Nevada Reno, FS-10-72
sidewalk
Soil Solarization to Control Garden Pests
Control Garden Pests With Soil Solarization!
 O'Callaghan, A. 2008, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-29
Lantana: An Attractive Shrub for Desert Landscapes
Lantana is widely used in Southern Nevada landscaping. This fact sheet is for those who wish to use this plant, what varieties are available, and how to grow it successfully. It also gives information on what adult butterflies are attracted to this plant.
 O'Callaghan, A. 2007, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-07-40
las vegas garden tended by master gardeners
Creating an Organic Garden in Southern Nevada
The idea of an organic garden can be an attractive idea, yet an intimidating one. This fact sheet guides people in the creation of an organic garden – soils, fertilizers, plant selection, cultural practices, as well as dealing with weed, insect and disease pests.
 O'Callaghan, A., and McKie, P. 2004, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-04-72
Hardening Off Plants
When plants are taken from a sheltered environment, like a home or a nursery, it is important that they be given the chance to become accustomed to the new one. This fact sheet gives gardeners the information they need to help plants successfully make the transition.
 Davis, R., and O'Callaghan, A. 2003, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-03-71
rose rooting in bottle
The Rose in the Desert Southwest
A comprehensive guide on growing roses in the desert southwest. It covers soil preparation and planting, monthly care, pruning, and disease problems for growing roses. It also includes a easy to follow month by month care guide for roses.
 Mills, L., Johnson, W. S., and O'Callaghan, A. 2003, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS-03-15
Tomatoes showing blossom end rot.
Recognizing Plant Nutrient Deficiencies
There are 14 essential nutrients for plants, and when plants lacks one, it displays certain symptoms. This fact sheet explains how essential nutrients act in plants, and the symptoms of deficiencies.
 O'Callaghan, A. 2002, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-02-65
Home Vegetable Production in Southern Nevada
The Home Vegetable Production fact sheet was written to aid people who wish to grow their own food, but may be intimidated by Southern Nevada’s environment. It gives info on planting times, appropriate plants for this region, and ways to deal with problems gardeners may face.
 O'Callaghan, A. M. 2002, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-02-61
Bats - Essential Members of the Southern Nevada Community
Bats can frighten people, although they are so important to most communities, both as pollinators and as insect eaters. This fact sheet explains bat behavior and gives people the information they need.
 O'Callaghan, A. M. 2001, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-01-53
fruit tree with Fire Blight
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a serious disease of many woody plants, caused by bacteria. It is one of the few that can affect trees and shrubs in the Mojave. Because it is bacterial, there are few commercial products available to control it. This publication guides residents in recognizing and dealing with fire blight.
 Skelly, J., and O'Callaghan, A. 2001, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-01-56
Special Publications
collection fruits from cactus plants
Pruning Cacti And Other Desert Succulents
Pruning is an important part of any landscape maintenance program, including Southwestern desert landscapes. Pruning plants such as cacti, yuccas, agaves and other succulents is simple, but requires some basic plant knowledge.
 Robinson, M. L., O’Callaghan, A., and Anderson, J. 2016, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, SP-16-01
Pruning Desert Shrubs
Pruning Desert Shrubs in Southern Nevada-Type Climates
This publication is a guide to correct pruning of desert and desert adapted shrubs in the landscape. It details how to prune and why correct pruning is important to the health and beauty of the plants.
 Robinson, M.L., O'Callaghan, A., and Anderson, J. 2014, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-14-13
Creating a Community Garden
People who are concerned about food accessibility, variety and safety often consider growing their own vegetables and fruits. Community gardens can provide spaces for growing food and for contact with others living nearby. This publication provides guidance for creating and maintaining community gardens.
 O'Callaghan, A. M., Fagin, E., and Robinson, M. L. 2013, Extension University of Nevada Reno, SP-13-07
Introduction to Pruning
Palm trees are one of the most dominant plant materials found in the landscapes of southern Nevada and throughout the desert Southwest.Unfortunately, most palm trees are incorrectly pruned by homeowners and commercial landscape maintenance companies.This publication explains why and how palm trees should be pruned.
 Robinson, M. L., O'Callaghan, A., and Anderson, J. 2013, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-13-13
Exotic Insects Invading Nevada’s Trees! Be a Citizen Monitor for Urban and Native Forests
Trees in cities create an “urban forest”. Protecting these trees maintains cooler temperatures, creates an aesthetically pleasing setting, and provides a home for birds. Boring insects can destroy trees, and this publication describes the damage and how to preserve trees for generations to come.
 Skelly, J., and O'Callaghan, A. 2012, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-12-06
How to Read a Soil Analysis Report
Gardeners who are growing plants in challenging landscapes, such as desert environments, need first to learn the characteristics of the soil where they will be growing. This publication leads the reader through reports, so they can understand what is in the soil, and how to use that information for successful gardening
 O'Callaghan, A. 2010, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-10-12
Shredded wood or bark can be a useful organic mulch.
Mulches for Nevada Landscapes
All plants benefit from some kind of mulch. The type of plant determines what kind of mulch. This fact sheet explains what type to use and how to apply it.
 O'Callaghan, A. M. 2006, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-06-10
Becoming a Desert Gardener
Becoming a Desert Gardener is a comprehensive introduction to gardening in the desert southwest. It covers topics such as soils, fruit & vegetable selection and growing, as well as scheduling garden planting and proper fertilization.
 O'Callaghan, A., and Roberts, A. 2001, Extension University of Nevada Reno, SP-01-15