HOME BRIEFS

Desert Garden Center to host plant sale

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and the College of Southern Nevada Desert Garden Center are partnering for the fifth year to present Spring in the Desert, an annual gardening and plant sale on Saturday. Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the day’s activities will include free educational workshops and the opportunity to purchase rare, native, unusual and xeriscape plants.

A lecture series will help valley gardeners create thriving landscapes in the arid Las Vegas Valley climate. Plants which offer food and habitat to local wildlife also will be showcased, giving gardeners a plant palate for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to their homes year-round.

Community partners will be on hand to provide helpful information. Participants include the Springs Preserve, Nevada Cactus and Succulent Society, Tortoise Group, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Las Vegas Wash Project, Nevada Bonsai Society, the Conservation District of Southern Nevada and more.

The event will take place at the college’s Desert Garden Center, 6221 W. Charleston Blvd.

For additional information, call Jonathan La Valley at 651-5050 or M.L. Robinson at 257-5529; you also can visit the Web site at www.csn.edu/pages/102.asp.

Solar living focus of annual home tour

Twelve solar-powered and/or green-built homes will be open for tours and to provide a glimpse into the future of energy-independent, green living during the annual Southern Nevada Solar Home Tour April 5.

Presented by the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, the home tour also will include schools and businesses throughout the valley that will offer examples of renewable energy systems, energy and water efficiency, alternative construction, green building and healthy interiors.

The tour kicks off at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Informational exhibits will be open from 9 a.m.-noon at the Springs Preserve and the self-guided solar home tour runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tour cost is $15 per vehicle and carpooling is encouraged. Hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles receive a $5 discount. Advance registration is required at www.solarnv.org.

Each year the American Solar Energy Society showcases solar-power options in communities across the country, collectively known as the National Solar Tour. This year, more than 120,000 people are expected to attend solar home tours in more than 200 communities.