‘Master Gardeners’ overcome arid climate

Saturday, May 3, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Las Vegas is heartbreak hill for most garden lovers, Tina Cesaretti discovered when she moved to Southern Nevada's desert.

"Las Vegas, with its arid climate and extreme temperatures, is so different from any place I've lived I was overwhelmed by the gardening challenges," Cesaretti said.

So Cesaretti signed up for the Master Gardener program, a partnership of the University of Nevada's Cooperative Extension Service and the Las Vegas Valley Water District.

Thanks in part to the program, Las Vegas cut its water use by 11.6 percent last summer, said Dave Riggleman, conservation manager for the water district.

The five-year-old program includes 100 volunteers who take 50 hours of extension horticulture training and then work 50 hours a year in the community.

Cesaretti passed the course and became a "Mojave Guide," a person who helps people demystify gardening in Nevada. She teaches people how to save water and deal with uncooperative soils.

As a volunteer, Cesaretti and others are available to lead free garden tours from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays -- no appointment necessary -- at the Desert Demonstration Gardens at Alta Drive and Valley View Boulevard.

To call a Master Gardener, phone 257-5555.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority is celebrates Water Awareness Week through Saturday. Events include:

* WEDNESDAY: 5 to 9 p.m. Desert Demonstration Gardens, free guided tour of the gardens at Alta and Valley View. Free plants to the first 200 visitors. Refreshments provided.

* THURSDAY: 6 p.m. Institute of Real Estate Management, Palace Station. SNWA will discuss how to protect water for apartment managers, staff and residents.

* FRIDAY: The Conservation Awareness Patrol will visit neighborhoods throughout Southern Nevada to educate residents on outdoor water use.

* SATURDAY: Lake Mead cleanup beginning at 9 a.m. in the Saddle Cove area. Complementary barbecue, T-shirts, prizes.