Keep An Eye on Your Plants!

It's Been a Hot Summer and Your Plants May Be Struggling

Las Vegas is no stranger to intense heat waves, and while desert plants are adapted to these conditions, even the hardiest xeriscape plants can suffer in extreme temperatures. For those with traditional green lawns or xeriscape gardens, understanding the signs of plant dehydration is crucial for maintaining a healthy landscape. Here's how you can identify thirsty plants in your garden and what to do about it.


Understanding the Impact of Heat Waves on Your Plants

During a heat wave in Las Vegas, temperatures can soar well above 110°F, causing plants to lose water rapidly through a process called transpiration. In Las Vegas, where rainfall is scarce, the combination of high heat and low humidity can quickly dehydrate plants, even those adapted to desert conditions. Recognizing the signs of dehydration early on is key to keeping your garden thriving.


Signs of Dehydration in Xeriscape Plants

Xeriscape plants are known for their drought tolerance, but that doesn’t make them invincible. Even these resilient plants can show signs of stress during prolonged heat waves. Wilting is often the first visible sign, with leaves or spikes appearing droopy or limp. Additionally, some xeriscape plants may curl their leaves or pads inward as a defense mechanism to conserve moisture.


Color changes are another indicator to watch for. Xeriscape plants that usually boast vibrant green or gray-green hues may start to turn yellow or brown when they’re struggling to stay hydrated. One critical sign is delayed recovery. Normally, xeriscape plants should bounce back from wilting or curling overnight when the temperatures drop. If they don’t, it’s a clear signal that they need water.


Signs of Dehydration in Typical Green Foliage

Traditional green foliage, including lawns, shrubs, and non-native plants, tends to be more susceptible to the harsh Las Vegas climate. These plants usually require more water, making them more vulnerable during extreme heat. Wilting is a common symptom, where leaves hang limply from stems, and the overall posture of the plant appears droopy.


A more severe sign of dehydration is crispy leaves, where the edges turn brown and feel dry to the touch. In lawns, this may manifest as brown patches that are brittle underfoot. Leaf drop is another symptom, particularly in trees and shrubs not native to desert environments. These plants may start shedding leaves to reduce water loss. Dehydrated plants might also exhibit stunted growth, with smaller or non-existent new growth, wilting flowers, and affected fruit production.


How to Respond to Dehydration

If you notice any of these signs in your plants, it’s important to act quickly. Start by watering your plants deeply in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cooler. This allows the water to reach the roots before evaporating. Xeriscape plants, in particular, benefit from less frequent but deeper watering.


Mulching is another effective strategy. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your plants helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing water loss through evaporation. For especially vulnerable plants, consider using shade cloths or garden umbrellas to provide temporary shade during the peak heat of the day.


If you have a lawn, adjust your watering habits by reducing the frequency but increasing the depth of watering sessions. Frequent, shallow watering can lead to shallow root systems that are more susceptible to drought. To ensure your plants are getting enough water, check the soil moisture regularly. You can use a soil moisture meter or simply stick your finger into the soil about 2-3 inches deep. If the soil is dry at that depth, it’s time to water.


Preventing Dehydration in the Future

To minimize the risk of dehydration during future heat waves, consider installing a drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of your plants, minimizing water loss and ensuring they receive the moisture they need. When adding new plants to your garden, opt for drought-resistant species that are better suited to the Las Vegas climate.


Regular maintenance of your irrigation system is also crucial. Check for leaks or clogged emitters and adjust your watering schedule as needed during extreme weather conditions. By being proactive, you can help ensure your plants stay healthy and hydrated, even when the temperatures soar. It is always cheaper to maintain plants that are already installed than to have those plants replaced when they die from lack of water.


In Las Vegas, where heat waves are a part of life, it’s essential to monitor the health of your plants closely. By understanding the signs of dehydration and taking steps to ensure your plants receive adequate water, you can keep your landscape thriving even in the harshest conditions. Whether you’re maintaining xeriscape plants or traditional green foliage, a little extra care during extreme heat can make all the difference in preserving your garden’s beauty.

Step Into the Shadows: Exploring Las Vegas’ Mob Museum

July 28, 2025
Tucked away in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, just steps from the flashing lights of Fremont Street, the Mob Museum offers something wildly different than the typical Vegas experience. Officially known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, this one-of-a-kind destination invites you to step into the gritty, gripping world of the American mob—and the people who tried to stop it. Housed in a historic 1930s U.S. Post Office and Courthouse—where real mob hearings took place—the building itself sets the tone. This is no ordinary museum. It’s immersive, intense, and at times, jaw-dropping Your journey begins at the top, tracing the rise of organized crime through Prohibition. Real artifacts tell real stories, including the actual bullet-riddled brick wall from Chicago’s infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. As you make your way down each floor, the exhibits dive deeper into how the mob operated, how Las Vegas became a haven for crime families, and how law enforcement fought back - with wiretaps, undercover agents, and televised trials that captivated the nation. One of the museum’s standout features is its fully restored courtroom, where the 1950s Kefauver Hearings were held - bringing mob activity into the public spotlight for the first time. It’s surreal to sit in the very space where America watched the mob be put on trial. Downstairs, visitors can try hands-on exhibits like a police training simulator, or step into a forensics lab to test their CSI skills. But the real hidden gem is in the basement: The Underground, a fully functioning speakeasy and distillery that serves up Prohibition-style cocktails and house-made moonshine. It's a delicious way to end your tour through history. Beyond the drama and intrigue, what makes the Mob Museum truly special is how educational and engaging it is. It’s not just about the mobsters—it’s about the impact organized crime had on American culture, law, and justice. Whether you're a true crime junkie, history buff, or just looking for something different to do in Vegas, the Mob Museum is a must-visit. It’s raw, real, and fascinating from start to finish. L ocation: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV Hours: Daily 9am–9pm Admission: Starts around $35; discounts available for Nevada residents, students, military & law enforcement Don’t Miss: The Underground speakeasy (open later hour s)

800+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting: Why Las Vegas Trusts McKenna Property Management

July 21, 2025
McKenna Property Management is proud to have earned over 800 five-star reviews on Google — real feedback from property owners, investors, agents, and tenants all across Las Vegas who’ve experienced the difference working with us makes. Led by our owner and broker Jenni McKenna, with over 30 years of local real estate experience, we focus on making property management smooth, efficient, and refreshingly personal. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all service or sending you in circles with automated systems. When you call our office, you’ll get a live person on the phone — not a robot or endless phone tree. Our team is organized into specialized departments, so whether it’s leasing, maintenance coordination, accounting, or HOA coordination, you’re always connected with the right person who knows how to help. That means quicker responses, clearer communication, and less frustration all around. Owners and investors trust us to handle everything from marketing and tenant screening to rent collection and repairs, helping maximize returns without the usual headaches. Agents feel confident referring clients to us because they know we respect their relationships — when it’s time for their clients to buy or sell, we never interfere or poach. Our focus remains solely on providing top-tier property management, while preserving and protecting their business. And tenants enjoy well-maintained homes, easy online systems, and a team that truly listens and responds. At McKenna Property Management, we treat every property like it’s our own and every person like part of our community. If you’re looking for reliable, experienced property management in Las Vegas with real people and real results, we’d love to connect.

Discovering Fergusons Downtown: Vegas’s Creative Heartbeat

July 14, 2025
Tucked at 1028 Fremont Street, Fergusons Downtown is where the spirit of old Vegas meets the creativity of a new generation. Once a mid-century motel, the property has been transformed into a vibrant community hub that pulses with life, art, food, and connection - a must-visit for anyone seeking the authentic soul of Las Vegas beyond the glow of the Strip. Originally the Franklin Motel in the 1940s and later renamed Fergusons Motel in the ’60s, the site was reimagined in 2019 by the late Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project. What was once a simple roadside motel is now a full city block dedicated to innovation, small business, and creative risk-taking. The former motel rooms have been turned into studios and retail spaces, now home to an eclectic mix of local businesses. You’ll find everything from Neon Cactus Vintage to plantlovers’ haven LV Plant Collective. For foodies, Fergusons delivers with the Vegas Test Kitchen, a rotating lineup of pop-up culinary concepts that keep things fresh. Highlights include Mothership Coffee Roasters (offering everything from vegan pastries to charcuterie), La Monja for ceviche and housemade tortillas, and Hatsumi for seafood and sake with a Japanese twist. Cocktail lovers can settle into F the Bar, a cozy greenhouse-style lounge serving drinks like the hibiscuslavender “Vegas Playground.” At the center of the space is Big Rig Jig—a towering, 50-foot sculpture made from repurposed oil tankers. It’s bold, unexpected, and the perfect metaphor for what Fergusons stands for: turning the ordinary into something unforgettable. The community vibe continues in The Yard, a grassy gathering space that hosts jam sessions, yoga classes, comedy nights, open mics, and weekend markets. Monthly events like the Hey Maker Market and Pour in the Alley spotlight local artisans, performers, and mixologists, making every visit feel new. Fergusons Downtown isn’t just a redevelopment project—it’s a living ecosystem. It’s where artists, entrepreneurs, families, and visitors collide over coffee, cocktails, creativity, and conversation. It’s a place that proves Vegas is more than casinos and clubs; it’s a city full of soul. If you're ready to experience a different kind of Las Vegas—one rooted in community, creativity, and a touch of magic—step into Fergusons and see what’s blooming in the heart of downtown.