A flagstone path bordered by low-water-use plants invites exploration. Many trees were propagated by Halvorson and have grown swiftly in just seven years.

Halvorson also based her tree selections on sun exposure during the various seasons. Because the couple hosts gatherings for their extended families, she created an expansive flagstone courtyard to fit everyone comfortably. To shade the Southwest-facing courtyard near the home’s entry in summer, she planted deciduous trees, such as Chinese pistache with foliage that turns a brilliant red in fall, and lacebark elm. “In winter, these trees drop their leaves, allowing the sun’s rays to warm the courtyard,” the gardener notes.

Seasonal Color

Halvorson surrounded the courtyard and filled berms with a multitude of flowering plants that offer color spring through fall. She received the Star Nursery “Outstanding Color” award in the homeowner category in the 2008 Southern Nevada Water District Landscape Awards competition.

Hummingbird trumpet plants (Zauschneria arizonica) throughout the grounds provide masses of red-orange flowers in fall. “My first ones were from a Master Gardener friend, and I ordered several more from High Country Gardens in New Mexico. It self-sows easily and thrives wherever I transplant it,” Halvorson remarks.

Areas beneath tree canopies offer filtered light for succulents that thrive with some sun protection, such as yellow- or orange-flowering bulbine and multiple varieties of Euphorbia, like the striking chartreuse flowers on Euphorbia rigida.

Spring-blooming bulbs, including hundreds of bearded iris and daffodils, spread prolifically in the loose soil of Halvorson’s raised berms. “I also order daffodils from High Country Gardens, and they perform really well in my low-water-use planting areas,” she observes.

Hot peppers, including cayenne (pictured), are staples in the garden. “Everything I cook seems to include peppers,” says the homeowner.

Edible Gardening

Halvorson, who grows her favorite vegetables every year, enjoys hot peppers and Kentucky half-runner beans, which she harvests and either freezes or cans. She also grows treats that her grandchildren love to eat, such as cantaloupe and watermelon.

A small orchard produces ‘Anna’ and ‘Granny Smith’ apples, apricots, figs and ‘Santa Rosa’ plums. “They ripen at different times, which is a smart way to extend the harvest period,” says the gardener.

Even so, last year her trees produced such an abundant apricot crop that her family and resident birds couldn’t consume it all. Halvorson called Project AngelFaces, a social service group that sends volunteers to harvest and transport fruits and vegetables to those in need. “In one day, they harvested 100 pounds of apricots and 47 pounds of Swiss chard,” states Halvorson. “It’s an excellent way to make good use of any excess produce from your garden.”