Sun City gardener adapts to dry climate

Ann Marie and Gary Pratte moved from one of the wettest areas of the country to one of the driest. Originally from Mercer Island, Wash., near Seattle, the couple sold their installation company and moved to Sun City Anthem in Henderson nearly three years ago.

"We love Washington, but it's really gray," Ann Marie Pratte said. "One day Gary came home from work and said, `Let's go.' And we did."

The Prattes said their decision to move to sunny Southern Nevada was a great one, but they have had to rethink their approach to gardening.

"The climate and the soil are very different here than in the Northwest," Ann Marie Pratte said. "That's why I focus on container planting because it's so pretty and much easier than trying to force a garden into this soil."

Pratte has more than 40 potted cactuses in her garden, including yuccas, spoons, Spanish daggers, ocotillos and rangers, which is 40 more than she had in Washington. She said she has found the hobby to be refreshing and enjoys searching for unique pots. She also participates in the community's garden club.

"(It) gives me insight to what I can expect from the soil," she said.

The Prattes also enjoy other community activities. Both play bocce and Ann Marie Pratte participates in tai chi and yoga classes. Gary Pratte is part of the architectural review committee and a member of the computer club.

There are 19 models, ranging from 1,080 to 3,009 square feet and more through Gold Key. Prices start from the low $140,000s to more than $500,000.

To visit, take Eastern Avenue south, two miles past St. Rose Parkway, to Anthem Parkway. Models are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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