Sometimes, and often it seems every time, spring in Northern Nevada seems to last only a few short weeks or even days, but this year, it's a real spring. We've had rain for days on end. We've had cool temperatures, even during the days of June. This weather is perfect for planting young perennials. The nights are still nearing the low 50s while the daytime temperatures are in the 70s and low 80s. This gives young plants time to settle in and get climatized before the intense heat approaches.

by Ray S. Vizgirdas

Sounds like an interesting book, but the only reader that gave a critique didn't like the book, especially because common names govern both the dialogue and the ability to search for particular plants. The review also says that cultural relations with certain plants swayed how much information was included with the entries. Still, even a book about plants in the Sierra that are only known because of their cultural significance would make for an interesting book. If this were the case, the importance given to the common names would make more sense. Yet, of course it is true that the scientific name of any plant will get you the information you need much faster and more exactly than a common name can.

What the book promotes:

The first comprehensive look at the many uses, from historical to pharmacological, of vascular plants found in the Sierra Nevada. The Sierra Nevada of California and Nevada is the longest continuous mountain range in the United States. Covering about 20 percent of Californias land base and part of western Nevada, it offers an exceptional variety of topographic relief and environmental conditions that allow for a high diversity of plant species, many of them endemic to the range. The Sierra contains over 50 percent of Californias total flora, approximately 405 plant taxa endemic to the Sierra, and 218 taxa considered rare.

Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada inventories the flora of the entire range, including comprehensive descriptions of the plants; their traditional uses as food, medicine, or for making tools and other utensils; and their habitat; plus "quick keys" to help identify similar species. The authors introduction describes the natural history and ecology of Sierra Nevada plants in terms of plant communities and life zones, addressing the impact of such variables as climate, elevation, soil, and precipitation. They also outline the basic principles of ethnobotany, the role of plants in nutrition and human medicine, the classification of plants, and methods of collecting plant specimens and protecting rare species. The plant descriptions are accompanied by line drawings of each major species, and the book includes a table of Sierra Nevada habitats and their associated plants, along with a list of threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant species found in the range. Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada is an essential guide for botanists, outdoors aficionados, and anyone interested in the intricate connections between plants, their environment, and our human species.

• Take a closer look.

Note: For those interested in what grows here in Nevada, we have the Native and Naturalized Plants of Nevada Index, courtesy of the USDA.

If you give them the right amount of water and sun, a few pepper plants will typically yield enough peppers in a summer to dry enough for a cold winter's use.

In our area, to grow peppers from seed takes some planning, some indoor space and a lot of patience and will to succeed. It's well known that pepper plants tend to be very difficult to germinate. The seeds require warm soil, often needing heated sprouting beds for successful germination. Once germinated, the sprouts are slow growers, requiring proper water, soil texture and nourishment.

In northern Nevada, the sensible alternative to growing peppers from seed is to come to our nursery. We have a big selection of hot and sweet pepper plants ready to plant right away.

It's happening. The claret cup, then the big hedgehog with the waxy orange flowers that last several days each. Then the beaver tails. Then cholla. Then pin cushion.

In complexity, in delight, the cactus flower is near the top of many lists for best local flowers, some would say of all flowers. Cactus flowers are often compared to orchids and other flowers of high distinction. It is true. Cactus flowers are superior flowers.

There are about a dozen or so hardy cacti species for our area. If you love to grow cactus -- people either seem to love it or hate it -- these dozen or so will bloom for you, one to the next, over the course of a month to six weeks, mid to late May through June. Cactus blooms for a month...a privilege not a whole lot of people have the luck to enjoy.

Update

The picture of the pin cushion cactus bloom above was taken on 06/17/2009. So it's a reference from the future. But today, in this wet June, on the 17th day, the pin cushion blooms a magical bloom with a sweet melting fragrance. Tucked behind the flower are two other blooms emerging. Three magical blooms.

This amazing hedgehog cactus has been living in this spot for several years -- this is its fifth season -- in a sunny, south sloping, well drained spot with several types of yucca close by and a Mormon Tea. Each year it gets fatter and fatter and puts out more and more blooms. The flowers last for days, making this early spring bloomer the center of attention, like a circus clown preforming just for you.

This cactus, like most, don't like to be watered very often. In fact, they tend to simply enjoy the weather we have here, given there's ample sun. Don't water it too much in the autumn either; you don't want it to plump up just before the first hard freeze.

by Norman F. Weeden and illustrated by Amy David

Need help identifying plants in the wild? This book has a good reputation for being handy in the field. It's compact enough to be stored with ease in a day pack or backpack and the information it offers is compact, too.

Description:

From Toxicodendron diversilobum (poison oak) to Zannichellia palustris (horned pondweed), this book will help every outdoor enthusiast identify, and possibly avoid certain plants in the Sierra. Covers wildflowers, ferns, shrubs, and trees. This edition strictly follows the nomenclature presented in The Jepson Manual as the basis for scientific names.

• Take a closer look.

This incredible little cactus has lived in this spot for five years. Each year it heralds the blooming season for our region's hardy cacti.

The Claret Cup takes a well drained average soil in a sun drenched south facing spot that doesn't get much water.

The deep red flowers are long lasting. The entire bloom lasts up to two weeks. We are always impressed and never disappointed. This hardy evergreen perennial is perfect for your rock or container garden.