Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
Star Nursery Celebrates 40 Years Blooming in the Southwest
In March 1983, Craig Keough planted the first Star Nursery, and 40 years later, 16 locations in seven markets have blossomed in three states.
Keough started in the 1970s at a garden center, Nurseryland, and later joined Spring Time Growers to head up their seasonal popup tent operations in Las Vegas and Reno. He would realize the potential in the Las Vegas market, purchase a truckload of flowers and plants from his vendor partners, and open his first nursery at Wynn Road and Tropicana Avenue. Keough would transfer a former Pick-a-part junkyard into a growing green space.
“His business became very successful because while there were nurseries in town, none catered to contractors,” explained Shawn Watt, Vice President of Purchasing. “His father was a contractor and landscaper. Craig [Keough] knew the importance of offering contractors a low price for them to be competitive in their own business.”
The next location was the nursery on Boulder Highway to serve the community in Henderson. A loft in the building was converted into an office with six staff members. In 1988, Keough purchased the Springtime Growers nursery, managed by Dr. Q (Paul Noe), who would become Star Nursery’s television personality. Dr. Q. is still active and has been with Star Nursery for 35 years.
In 1989, Star Nursery would construct its first free-standing store in the middle of “nowhere” at Cheyenne Avenue and Buffalo Road when Desert Shores, Sun City and Summerlin were in the planning stages. The company would expand into St. George, Utah, in 1991 while growing in Southern Nevada and Arizona to its current 16 locations.
Watt started in the company while still in high school and has remained because of Keough, who has mentored him. With training in horticulture and marketing, paid for by Star Nursery, Watt found his professional home and has been with them for 35 years.
Star Nursey gives back to the community in a big way. “University of Nevada, Las Vegas is probably first and foremost. We are also a partner with Walker Furniture and are part of the ‘Home for the Holidays’ program. The biggest one that Craig [Keough] is most proud of is the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Children’s Charities,” explains Watt. Trees are donated to Glittering Lights, and the company is a key sponsor for the South Point Car & Truck Show, benefiting Children’s Charities.
On April 1, as an Earth Month and 40th Birthday festival, a complimentary 150 ladybugs pack will be included with every purchase at Star Nursery. Also, ice cream cups will be given to the kids for every purchase made that day. Sale prices will include 50 percent off shrubs and pottery with 2-for-1 watering cans and pink flamingos, which have surged in popularity due to Golden Knights Victory Flamingo. Dr. Q and Joey Lynn will also make an appearance.
Star Nursery continues to help maintain a beautiful landscape or garden space. There is a large assortment of plants, irrigation supplies, tools, lighting, pottery, soils, fertilizers, and hardscape materials. For more info, visit starnursery.com and follow on Facebook @ Starnurseryinc and Instagram @ starnurserylv.