Nevada
Northern Nevada gardens and backyards: Answers to reader questions – Carson Now
I have had some interesting questions in the last few weeks. A friend lives in the Lakeview area of Carson City and has a dozen deer who regularly browse and damage the plants in her yard. She wants some flowers or maybe some blooming shrubs for her planters that they won’t eat.
While deer will eat just about anything if they are hungry, the following perennials and shrubs are on my “A” list of “Rarely Bothered” plants: catmint, hyssop, daffodils, lamb’s ears, lavender, iris, mint, monkshood (needs shade), peony, santolina, sweet woodruff. Shrubs include barberry, butterfly bush, Oregon grape, potentilla. Go here for the link to my article on deer resistant plants.
Someone asked me what my favorite overall spring fertilizer is. I have to say I like a 16-16-16 analysis product (percent of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium in product). I use it on everything – flowers, shrubs, lawn. The nitrogen is low enough that it doesn’t burn tender new shoots of flowers and doesn’t encourage rapid growth, which can suffer in our late freezes. Check out the bag front for the numbers. I will apply a 21-0-0 plus sulfur later in the spring for the lawn.
Here’s a good request: “What can I use on my crabapple trees to prevent fruit development?” Products that contain ethephon or naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) can be applied to prevent unwanted fruit on trees by causing blossom abortion. These sprays must be applied during full bloom to inhibit fruit set on ornamentals. Check with a quality nursery such as Greenhouse Garden Center for products. Please be careful with these products because significant plant damage can occur if you don’t read and follow the label. See link here.
Another reader suggested I discuss horticultural oil sprays, because, although it’s late to apply dormant oil sprays since leaves are out, summer weight oils are timely now. Horticultural oils are generally highly refined petroleum products that are filtered and distilled to remove compounds that can harm plants.
However, plant-based horticultural oils are less refined and may burn plants more readily. Summer oilis applied when plants are in leaf at a lower concentration than dormant oil. Superior oil, sometimes called supreme oil, doesn’t contain sulfur and can also be applied when plants are in leaf. Go here for the link to my publication on horticultural oils for pest and disease control.
If you have a gardening question, drop me an email at skellyj@unr.edu. Happy gardening!
— JoAnne Skelly is an Associate Professor and Extension Educator, Emerita, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at skellyj@unr.edu.
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LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — First responders from across Nevada gathered for a free training session on how to better recognize and respond to people on the autism spectrum as part of a broader push following the passage of Senate Bill 380 last year.
The free, day-long session, hosted by the Autism Coalition of Nevada, brought together police, firefighters, and emergency personnel from agencies statewide for what organizers call a “train-the-trainer” model. It equipped attendees with tools they can take back to their departments and share with others.
The training is designed to help first responders identify key behaviors associated with autism, such as delayed responses, lack of eye contact, or repetition, and adjust their approach in high-pressure situations where those behaviors could otherwise be misinterpreted.
“The training is to help them understand what’s in front of them, which is a person on the spectrum, and not somebody that’s being combative or argumentative,” said Michelle Scott-Lewing, president of the Autism Coalition of Nevada.
Advocates said misunderstandings can happen frequently, sometimes leading to unnecessary arrests, and this type of education is aimed at reducing those outcomes.
Senate Bill 380, signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo, requires autism-specific training for first responders and adds guidance around how officers should be educated on recognizing and interacting with individuals on the spectrum, marking a significant step toward more consistent awareness across agencies.
The session was led by First Responder Autism Training, a national program that travels the country teaching officers and emergency crews how to recognize autism indicators and respond appropriately, with real-world scenarios that emphasize slowing down and de-escalating.
Henderson police said their officers already receive training on a range of mental health conditions, but this builds on that foundation with a more focused approach.
“For officers to be able to recognize those signs and be able to understand like, hey, this person, even though they’re not talking to me or they’re not doing what I’m saying, that doesn’t mean they’re non-compliant,” Deputy Chief Matthew Murnane with HPD said. “It just means maybe, hey, there’s something else going on there.”
Organizers said they want to expand the training with an additional session this year in Northern Nevada, aiming to make it more accessible statewide and ensure more first responders have the tools needed to safely handle interactions involving people on the spectrum.
RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Birdies and Bliss is a women‑focused golf fundraiser for Northern Nevada Hopes that brings the community together for a day of connection, fun and giving back.
Meredith Tanzer, philanthropy associate, stopped by Morning Break to invite the community to this feel good event that pairs fun golfing with meaningful impact, supporting programs at HOPES that make a real difference for families.
This inaugural tournament takes place Monday, May 4 at Red Hawk and Resort. It marks an exciting beginning and reflects the generosity and strength of the community that supports our mission. Click here to reserve your spot.
Copyright 2026 KOLO. All rights reserved.
Arbor View’s Risden Miller, right, spikes the ball against Palo Verde’s Evan Ditmar (1) during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View’s Luke Hashimoto (1) makes a save during a 5A boys volleyball game against Palo Verde at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View’s Risden Miller (10) sends the ball past Palo Verde’s Jagger Mendenhall (4) during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View celebrates after defeating Palo Verde in a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Palo Verde’s Ben Fife, left, gets the ball around Arbor View defenders during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Palo Verde’s Evan Ditmar (1) tries to save the ball during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Palo Verde’s Andrew Gutierrez (7) attacks during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View’s Graham Blanchard, right, attacks during a 5A boys volleyball game against Palo Verde at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View’s Luke Hashimoto serves the ball to Palo Verde during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Palo Verde’s Eli Hernandez (6) hits the ball during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View’s Gunnar Robinson (7) gets to the ball during a 5A boys volleyball game against Palo Verde at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View’s Kenyon Wickliffe, right, attacks the ball during a 5A boys volleyball game against Palo Verde at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Palo Verde’s Jagger Mendenhall (4) sets the ball during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Palo Verde’s Evan Ditmar (1) looks to attack during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View’s Kenyon Wickliffe (17) looks to block Palo Verde’s Andrew Gutierrez (7) during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View’s Risden Miller reacts after a play against Palo Verde during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View’s Risden Miller, right, and Arbor View’s Kenyon Wickliffe, partially obscured, defend against an attack from Palo Verde during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Palo Verde’s Ben Fife (2) hits the ball during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Palo Verde’s Andrew Gutierrez, left, goes for a backward attack during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
An attack from Palo Verde’s Ben Fife (2) gets past Arbor View defenders during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Palo Verde players huddle during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View’s Graham Blanchard, center right, looks to attack the ball during a 5A boys volleyball game against Palo Verde at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Palo Verde’s Eli Hernandez (6) hits the ball during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Arbor View’s Keagan Sugden (9) sets the ball during a 5A boys volleyball game against Palo Verde at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Palo Verde’s Evan Ditmar (1) looks to attack during a 5A boys volleyball game at Arbor View High School on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
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