Introduction

There’s no doubt about it. Successful garden and lawn care in Nevada requires special skills and knowledge. The Desert Bioscape program shows you how to create attractive and healthy yards by working with Nevada’s environment, rather than against it.

We hope this guide will help you through an evaluation of your yard and yard care practices. This can help to develop an environmentally sound and sustainable yard. The payoff is a yard that saves you money, meets your needs, enhances your neighborhood, adds to property values, improves your community’s forests, and helps protect Nevada’s natural beauty and natural resources.

This workbook will help you develop a sustainable yard. The ultimate goal is to become cities of the desert instead of just cities in the desert. The Horticulture staff and Master Gardener volunteers at your county’s Extension office can provide you with more information and answer questions. They can also tell you about additional services they may provide such as diagnostic tests, workshops, and on-site resources. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a Nevada yard. Take this adventure a step at a time and enjoy!

For the complete guide use the link below to download the PDF version of this special report.

 

Peer Review Logo
Robinson, M.L., Johnson, W.S., Post, R.L., and Carlos, W.J. 2004, A Guide to Desert Bioscape, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-04-12

Extension Associated Contacts

Martha Barajas
Martha Barajas
M.L. Robinson
M.L. Robinson
 

Also of Interest:

 
closeup of ryegrass
Can We Use Cover Crops in Nevada?
Recognizing success may require a shift in perspective - from focusing solely on yield and annual profit to valuing soil health, water use efficiency, and sustainability.
 G. McCuin, J.K. Solomon, J. Frey 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Blog posts
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
cactus
Eating Cactus: Prickly Pear for Food
Documentation about prickly pear fruit such as harvesting and preparing, prickly pear pads, nutrition, and recipes.
 Bishop, C., and McMurray, B. 2016, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-16-09
Nevada Consumers Willing to Pay More for “Nevada Grown” Labeled Native Plants
Appearance attributes are conveyed to the consumer through physical aspects of the product, such as color, size, and uniformity; while experience attributes are conveyed only through consumption or use of the product, such as the product's taste.
 Cowee, M. and Curtis, K. 2007, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-17
Trees planted in an group and watered with drip irrigation separate from the lawn.
Watering Trees in Hot, Dry Home Landscapes
Droughts in the western U.S. are becoming more frequent and severe. They are particularly hard on our trees. Learn how to properly water your landscape trees, lower your monthly water bill and keep you home and landscape cool and livable.
 Kratsch, H. and Jensen, C. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, IP-22-02
 

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.

Master Gardener taking grape inspection notes on a clipboard

Research Center & Demonstration Orchards

Research new varieties of fruit-producing trees, grape vines, vegetables, herbs and other plant materials in sustainable ways for the Mojave Desert climate.