One of my goals as a gardener is balance. I strive to balance my dream garden and the one I have time to plant and maintain. I seek harmony between what is beautiful in the landscape and what is functional there. I think every gardener shares the quest for balance. For example, a friend of mine holds a yearly argument with herself pitting her desire to grow every single variety of heirloom tomato versus her family’s capacity for tomato consumption. Nevada’s drought provides area gardeners with another balancing act to consider: the equilibrium between beautifying, enjoying and cooling our urban environment and responsible water use.

A thought that runs through my mind as I walk the water-wise tightrope is this: enriching our city with gardens and landscapes to improve quality of life is not an irresponsible use of water. What is irresponsible is excessively or improperly irrigating them. Responsible water use is achieved through proper water management, and that can be attained without changing a single plant. Extreme makeovers are not needed; it is possible to save water and your garden and landscape. To learn how, contact Cooperative Extension.

We can help you discover how much water your plants need, the most efficient delivery method for that moisture and the proper schedule on which to irrigate. Our Master Gardener Volunteers are available for consultations Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno. Stop by, call 775-336-0265, send an email to mastergardeners@unce.unr.edu or visit our website, www.livingwithdrought.com.

We also offer educational events to foster proper water management.

Andrews, A. 2015, Save Water and Your Garden and Landscape, Reno Gazette-Journal

Extension Associated Contacts

 

Also of Interest:

 
Structural diversity, biosynthesis, and function of plant falcarin-type polyacetylenic lipids Santos, P., Busta, L., Yim, W. C., Cahoon, E., Kosma, D. 2022, Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 73, No. 9 pp. 2889–2904
yarrow
Groundcover Plants for Southern Nevada: Viable Alternatives to Turfgrass
Groundcover plants are essential for keeping southern Nevada cool. While many desert residents are removing turfgrass to reduce water use, they should consider replacing it with the attractive, drought tolerant alternatives discussed in this publication.
McGue, L., Robinson, M.L., O'Callaghan, A.O. and Leas, L. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-93
Photo of mayweed chamomile plant with white flower
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Mayweed chamomile
Mayweed chamomile is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed.
Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
African rue flower
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – African rue
African rue is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed.
Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Barbed goatgrass
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Barbed goatgrass
Barbed goatgrass is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed.
Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
 

Associated Programs

master gardener team sitting on tractor

Master Gardeners of Washoe County

Master Gardeners provide free, research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

Master Gardeners at tabling event

Master Gardeners of Nevada

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

pesticide traing cb

Pesticide Safety Education Program

Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program provides web-based training for pesticide applicators seeking to apply restricted and general use pesticides safely, properly and according to the law. Pesticide licensure and certification is administered by the Nevada Department of Agriculture.