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.

Las Vegas Ranked #9 for Diverse Food Scenes in the U.S.

September 8, 2025
When people think of food diversity in America, their minds usually go straight to New York City. But according to a recent study highlighted by the esteemed culinary school, Escoffier, the Big Apple doesn’t take the top spot. Instead, San Francisco claimed first place — praised for its bustling variety of cuisines and holding the title for the highest density of restaurants per capita among major U.S. cities. What’s even more exciting for us locals? Las Vegas earned the #9 spot on the list of the most diverse food cities in the country. Why Vegas Stands Out Las Vegas may be known worldwide for its neon lights and entertainment, but the dining scene is what keeps both tourists and residents hungry for more. From celebrity chef–driven restaurants on the Strip to hidden neighborhood gems serving authentic global flavors, Vegas has transformed into a true culinary destination. While seven of the top 10 cities named in the study were coastal (a trend Escoffier notes is tied to cultural diversity and a robust restaurant scene), Las Vegas proves that you don’t have to sit on the coast to experience world-class variety. Our city thrives on international influence — with dining options that range from Korean barbecue and Italian trattorias to Thai street food, upscale steakhouses, and plant-based fine dining. A Foodie Destination on the Rise Being ranked in the top 10 isn’t just a nod to the Strip’s luxury restaurants, but also to the everyday spots that locals love. With new eateries opening regularly, the Vegas dining scene continues to evolve and surprise. So, whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting, Las Vegas offers something for every craving — proving once again that this city is more than just an entertainment capital. It’s a place where cultures, flavors, and creativity come together to make the dining experience as dynamic as the city itself.

The Power of Gratitude in Building Strong Business Relationships

September 3, 2025
In business, one truth always stands out: no one succeeds alone. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large organization, your success is built on the connections you make. And one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to strengthen those relationships is through gratitude. At McKenna Property Management, we’ve made gratitude a core part of our culture from the very beginning. Our owner and broker, Jenni McKenna, personally hand-delivers gifts to some of our VIP agents every single month . While it may sound like a small gesture, it makes a big difference. These thoughtful touches show our VIP Agents how much we value their trust in us, collaboration, and hard work. But it’s not just about the gifts. Gratitude comes in many forms—thank-you cards, handwritten notes, or even a quick phone call to say “we appreciate you.” What matters most is the consistency and authenticity behind the gesture. Over the years, these small acts of appreciation have helped us build trust, loyalty, and long-lasting relationships that go beyond a simple business transaction. By showing genuine appreciation, we’ve created strong bonds with clients and agents alike, and those connections have allowed McKenna Property Management to grow into what it is today. If you’re a business owner or professional, here’s our tip: make gratitude part of your business strategy. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—even the simplest “thank you” can strengthen relationships and open the door to new opportunities. At the end of the day, business isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. And people remember how you make them feel. 💙

4 Days in Las Vegas – A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Trip

August 19, 2025
Planning a trip to Las Vegas? Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. As locals, we know how to balance the must-see attractions with spots that many visitors miss. This four-day itinerary blends the energy of the Strip with the character of the neighborhoods beyond it, giving you a true taste of what Vegas has to offer. Day 1 – The Main Event: Everything Happening on the Strip Morning: Start with brunch at Alexxa’s in Paris Las Vegas , where the drinks come in disco balls and the atmosphere is upscale, modern, and trendy. Every Saturday and Sunday, a live DJ keeps the vibe upbeat while you enjoy brunch from 7:00 AM to 2:45 PM . Afternoon: Stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens , an ever-changing floral masterpiece perfect for photos (and a break from the casino floor). Each season the gardens transform into a different showcase of sights, sounds, scents and colors. The conservatory team changes out the design, and replant and repurpose as much of the living plant material as possible. Evening: Dinner at Din Tai Fung inside ARIA. If you’ve never tried their famous dumplings, you’re in for a treat — and yes, the chocolate xiao long bao is as good as it sounds. Night: Dance the night away at Omnia Nightclub in Caesars Palace, or if clubbing isn’t your thing, see one of the incredible Cirque du Soleil shows on the Strip! Some of our team members recommended KÀ, or Mystère. Although Absinthe is not a Cirque du Soleil production, it is another great recommendation! This one is unapologetically raunchy and hilarious- and it is for ages 18+. More show recommendations can be found at the end of this blog! Day 2 – The Arts District Morning: Grab brunch at Makers & Finders , a lively Latin café with killer coffee and a creative menu. Afternoon: Spend time exploring the Arts District’s unique shops like Alt Rebel , Spilled Milk , and Antique Alley Mall . If shopping isn’t your scene, dive into something spooky different with Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum . And if you’re not into scary, check out the end of this blog for more exhibits/museums in Las Vegas! Evening: Dinner at Esther’s Kitchen , where fresh, handmade pasta and sourdough steal the show. Night: Head to Atomic Golf where you can explore four floors of immersive golf games, bars, food and private event spaces! Day 3 – Immersive Fun At Area 15 Morning: Start with breakfast at The Peppermill , a retro Vegas staple known for its huge portions and vintage diner vibe. Afternoon: Spend the day at AREA15 , where you can wander through the mind-bending Omega Mart , explore the Illuminarium , check out Wink World , and so much more. Evening: Dinner at Block 16 Urban Food Hall in The Cosmopolitan — a foodie paradise with everything from Momofuku to Ghost Donkey . Nightcap: End your evening with a glamorous cocktail or mocktail at The Chandelier Bar inside The Cosmopolitan. Day 4 – Vegas Local + Tourist Combo Morning: Breakfast at The Broken Yolk Café . A favorite amongst Vegas Locals with multiple locations throughout the valley! They serve up an amazing breakfast with unique drinks. Afternoon: Choose between hiking the Historic Railroad Trail (Lake Mead views!) or exploring the stunning Red Rock Canyon . You can hike Red Rock, or drive through and enjoy the scenery. Evening: Step into old-school Vegas with dinner at Capo’s Restaurant & Speakeasy . Night: Ride the High Roller observation wheel for breathtaking views, then grab a frosty cocktail at Minus5 Ice Bar to cap off your trip. Local Pro Tips Do not swim in the Beach Club pools — just trust us on this one. Avoid ATM fees in casinos by bringing cash ahead of time. Characters on the Strip aren’t free — they’ll ask for tips after photos. Don’t limit yourself to the Strip — Vegas has amazing off-Strip attractions. Escape rooms here are great! Try Escapology at Town Square or PanIQ Room at The Venetian. Bring comfortable walking shoes — distances on the Strip are deceiving. October is the best month for weather. Additional Show Recommendations: A Vegas Golden Knights Game A Raider’s Game ANYTHING at the Sphere (Postcards from Earth, The Backstreet Boys, Eagles, etc.) The Atomic Saloon Show inside the Venetian RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! At The Flamingo Las Vegas Exhibits/Museums to check out: The Bodies Exhibit The Titanic Exhibit The Neon Museum Madame Tussauds Mob Museum This 4-day plan mixes the best of the Strip with local treasures, so you’ll leave Vegas feeling like you’ve truly experienced it — not just skimmed the surface.