DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ

Jerusalem Sage, (Phlomis fruticosa)

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

April 21, 2026

A few years ago, the Edible Landscape team at Raincatcher’s Garden made the decision to add a colorful new ornamental plant to the Sensory Garden. We were drawn to its woolly, lance-shaped leaves with a silvery-gray color and felt-like, fuzzy texture which would lend a unique tactile element to the “touch” component of our garden. But it was the whorls of buttery-yellow flower spikes that intrigued us most. Their “tiering” formation of spherical clusters promised to give us a dramatic floral display for the springtime garden. It fulfilled its promise!

Jerusalem Sage is a stunning evergreen shrub native to the rocky, Mediterranean region. Historically, it was known as the lamp wick plant. After harvesting, the soft, gray-green leaves were carefully rolled and placed directly into olive oil to act as a wick. The fine, tiny hairs on the leaves served to absorb the oil and maintain a continuous flame. Interestingly, the plant’s genus name, Phlomis, is derived from the Greek word for “flame”, giving it a direct reference to its historical use.

*Were the leaves rolled “lengthwise” or “bottom-to-top? We may never know!*

The Jerusalem Sage in my home garden was planted in May of 2024. Now, two years later, it has grown into a dense, mounding shrub with a unique architectural-type form. Current size is about 3 to 4 feet in height and width. Our plant is thriving in an area that receives around 6+ hours of morning to mid-day sun. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

If you are looking for a plant well-suited for a Mediterranean-style garden, consider the durability and structural integrity of Jerusalem Sage. Here are a few specifics to get you started:

Genus Name Phlomis fruticosa

Common Name Jerusalem Sage

Plant Type Perennial, Shrub

Height 2 to 4 feet

Width 3 to 5 feet

Flower Color Yellow

Foliage Color Gray/Silver

Zones 8, 9, 10

Propagation Division, Seed, Stem Cuttings

Jerusalem Sage is a member of the mint family that requires minimal care. Plant it in a location with similar conditions to the Mediterranean area, a sunny spot with well-draining soil. It is a tough, low-maintenance plant that, once established, is drought tolerant. It doesn’t require fertilizers and will do fine with a scattering of compost around the base of the plant in early spring.

*Dazzle your guests with the simplicity of Jerusalem Sage blossoms in an artistic arrangement!*

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

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Posted in Perennials and tagged Dallas County Master Gardener, Edible Landscape, Jerusalem Sage, Raincathcher's Garden. Bookmark the permalink.

The Raincatcher’s Garden and Plant Sale Reminder and Dallas County Master Gardener Garden Tour Information

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

April 17, 2026

Last week I met Cindy at the garden to deliver 2 Black Prince tomato transplants. Cindy and Roger were busy with a customer buying fresh compost from our garden. I wandered through our garden captivated by the moody sky and challenged by the productiveness of our garden efforts.

Peony style poppies everywhere. We have been growing this particular poppy at our gardens for almost 20 years.

Wooly Mullein, is invasive to natural meadows and forests openings, we keep ours in check.

A very productive place planted with Potatoes, Spinach, Collards, Dinosaur Kale, Radishes (red and white)
Napa Cabbage, Broccoli, Peppers (several varieties),Turnips, Carrots, Tomatoes and Beans.

Bluebonnets of course, and see below for information on planting bluebonnets. The yellow wildflower is Englemann’s Daisy. It is very authentic to see the pile of mulch in the background; a Raincatcher’s standard procedure.

Are you liking the vibe of our garden, do you long for yours to be productive and attractive to pollinators? Shop at the Raincatcher’s Plant Sale on May2nd, 2026.

And/or come to the May 9th Dallas County-Spring 2026 DCMGA Garden Tour.

Ann Lamb Dallas County Master Gardener, Class of 2005

Bluebonnets

Type Bluebonnet in our search bar when you have an ample amount of time, some of our best pictures and write-ups will appear.

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Posted in Spring, Uncategorized and tagged Bluebonnets, Dallas County Master Gardener Association, DCMGA Garden Tour, Englemann Daisy, May Garden Tour, Plant Sales in Dallas, Raincatcher's Garden. Bookmark the permalink.

Botanical Desert Of The Southwest

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

April 7, 2026

Having recently been to places that are not in the North Texas Hardiness Growing zone (8a/ 8b), I’ve come to appreciate plants that are not usually grown here. The region of Phoenix (9a), located in the Sonoran desert, provided an opportunity to experience a very different variety of plants and trees.

During late March the streets were lined with yellow blooms on medium sized trees. These are known as Yellow Palo Verde Trees. A blue variety also exists, but yellow ones were most common. These trees are located in The Sonoran desert, Southwestern US and in Northwest Mexico.

Yellow Palo Verde tree at entrance of Desert Botanical Garden along with Yuccas, Cacti and even some Chihuly glass sculptures.

The Desert Botanical Garden was in bloom around every corner. Here are a few of the blooms and interesting specimens. The red rosettes of baja fairy duster, Calliandra Californica, were beautiful against the feathery fernlike leaves which close at night.

Several varieties of the hedgehog cactus sported different color blooms. This one caught my eye and is suited to zones 5-9 in North and Central America.

*Echinocereus coccineas or Hedgehog cactus with fuchsia blooms*

*Pilo cereus leucocephalus, while not blooming, shimmered in the fading light of day*

However, there are some plants that we have adapted to our landscape due to their drought tolerant nature. The yucca being one. The Scientific and common name is the same. With over 50 species, The range of the Yuccas extend from Southern Canada through North America and down to Panama.

*Yucca in Bloom Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix*

These pictures were all taken at the Botanical Desert of the Southwest in Phoenix. https://dbg.org

Starla Willis. Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2011

A few more prickly facts about Texas cacti here.

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Posted in cactus and tagged Baja Fairy Duster, cholla cactus, Dallas County Master Gardener Association, desert botanical garden, saguaro cactus. Bookmark the permalink.

Raincatcher’s Garden Annual Plant Sale May 2, 2026

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

Raincatcher’s Garden Annual Plant Sale

Location: Midway Hills Christian Church ,11001 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas 75229

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

10 AM – 3 PM

Great selection of annuals, perennials, herbs and veggies, succulents and sedums, tropicals and house plants, shrubs and trees, groundcovers, bulbs and irises grown by the intrepid Raincatchers volunteers.

All proceeds go to Dallas County Master Gardener projects.

Thank you for supporting Raincatchers’ Garden.

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Posted in Spring and tagged Dallas County Master Gardener, Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Dallas County Master Gardeners, dallas gardens, Dallas plant sales, Perennials, The Raincatcher's Garden. Bookmark the permalink.

April Gardening with Red, White and Blue

Posted on April 4, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

April 4, 2025

Spring has arrived! Local garden centers are unloading trucks filled with outrageously colorful plant material every day. My trips to each of these nurseries is too numerous to count while staying within a carefully drawn plan is an idea that has “fallen apart”. However, as boundaries are being pushed, the original plan of creating a monthly patriotic infusion of red, white and blue is “falling into place”.

A small bed in our backyard was the starting point for my in-ground approach to the theme. As that colorful little spot transitioned from cool, spring days and chilly nighttime temperatures to a blast of extreme highs in the lower 90’s, a few tweaks were needed. The blue bonnets were spectacular until their bloom time ended. Ranuculus pouted when hit with the heat wave. Mystic Spires blue salvia along with Autumn Red salvia powered through it all and are preforming beautifully. So, out with the ranunculus and in with a few red Pentas.

Next on the master plan was to create a gentle wave of red, white and blue flowers in what we loving to refer to as our “cross bed”. It was an anniversary gift over 15 years ago and is still the focal point for that bed. As the existing “Autumn Sunburst” azaleas were completing their bloom cycle, colorful new selections that would take us well into fall were next on the agenda.

As you can see from the photos, once again, the taller Mystic Spires blue salvia provides a strong curving line to define the area. Spunky little ‘Compact Red’ Sunpatiens are serving as “fillers” while Magadi Compact Dark Blue Lobelia creates a colorful border, (the abundant flowers invite butterflies). A new white Drift Rose was planted at the base of the cross with Easter lilies and Foxglove surrounding it temporarily. Hopefully, most of the newly planted flowers will gift us with three seasons of bold color, or more!

We are grateful for the neighborhood garden centers that have graciously offered to partner with us in creating spectacular, patriotic pots. First on the list is the Nicholson Hardie garden center on west Lover’s Lane. Their manager, Samantha, used her botanical talents to create something special.

She chose to fill a 15” x 15” white acrylic pot with the following: Blue Ageratum (butterflies love it), White Dianthus (great for filler and loaded with blooms for full sun), Red Profusion Zinnias (heat loving plant), Blue Lobelia (a filler that loves the sun) and Red Calibrachoa as a spiller. And for a touch of “sparkle”, she filled the center with White Diamond Frost Euphorbia, which will bloom all summer.

This stunning power-packed patriotic pot will be for sale at the Raincatcher’s Garden Plant Sale on Saturday, May 2^nd. Sale starts at 10:00am. Thank you to Nicholson Hardie for making this such an enjoyable experience!

May you find joy this season as we move into another month of great gardening adventures!

Instead of sharing a monthly “red, white and blue” recipe with our readers, our culinary experience this time comes straight from my garden. It is a creation of fresh edible gifts that were ready to be harvested on the same day. This lovely salad is compliments of the following: vibrant green romaine lettuce as the base for cradling ruby red strawberries, blue borage blossoms and a sprinkling of white caraway blossoms. Just a light splash of honey balsamic vinegar provided a simple and refreshing uniting of flavors. Bon Appetit!

*Blue Borage with Honeybee and Romaine Lettuce*

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

More red, white and blue:

Victoria Master Gardeners Red, White and Blue

Bell County Patriotic Gardens

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Posted in Garden Design and tagged autumn red salvia, Blue Ageratum White Dianthus, blue borage, Blue Lobelia, carraway blossoms, flowers, garden, gardening, mystic spires salvia, nature, plants, Red Profusion Zinnias. Bookmark the permalink.

Capturing Garden Photos during The Golden Hour

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

April 2, 2026

*Fading sun behind a series of cacti-Echinocereus, with the prickly Cylindopuntia,known as cholla, and a saguaro behind that*

It’s special when you find yourself in the right place at the right time. The “Golden “ or “magic” hour is often that for photographers and for those that are blown away by the beauty that is experienced during that time. The few minutes around sunrise, and then yet again just before and shortly after sunset is known as the golden hour.

Recently, a trip found us in the air chasing the sunset. Upon landing the sun was just setting and it created some interesting shots reminding me of how the angle of the light changes the pictures taken during what is known as the golden hour.

*Arriving during the golden hour at Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix*

During the rest of the day, the shining sun can create situations where the lighting is very harsh. But during the golden hours, the light softens the subjects and creates a warm look. The natural light is easier to work with because the light is more even than at midday. The low angle nearer the horizon creates a softer look with the golden hue.

During these times, the constant changing of the light creates ever changing scenes and scenarios and there is a greater opportunity for creative effects to be used. Backlighting, silhouettes, and side lighting can bring interest to the photos. Some people plan carefully for specific pictures during this time, but for others, the spontaneity of the moment creates magical shots.

For this trip, every evening brought different opportunities. Initially, the interest was the sunset and ever changing ground and sky in the plane and on the ground; the second day found us at the Botanical Garden of the Desert, which softened even the most prickly cactus, and lastly, golden hour was observed at a baseball game complete with palm trees and a pink and orange sky. Each different, each unique, and mesmerizing.

*Close-up of the prickly Cylindropuntia, common name Chollas, native to Northern Mexico and the Southwest United States*

*Beautiful Palms in the setting sun at* *spring training at The American Family Fields, Phoenix Arizona*

But you don’t have to be on vacation to experience this phenomenon – it could occur on your way to work, or as you travel home and it may not always be welcomed especially when the rising or setting sun is directly in your line of view. Embrace and Enjoy the beauty of this magical time when it appears.

Starla Willis, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2011

Desert Botanical Garden in Pheonix

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Posted in cactus and tagged barrel cacti, cholla cactus, Cylindropuntia, Dallas County Master Gardener Association, desert botanical garden, Echinocereus, garden photography, saguaro cactus. Bookmark the permalink.

Wild Violets are Welcome Here!

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

March 23, 2026

I’ve taken a “walk on the wild side” with a colorful new friend and my perspective has changed. Let me introduce you to the charming little spring bloomers known as wild violets (Viola sororia). Shortly after a refreshing seasonal rain, I was impressed by the meadow-like look the plants added to an otherwise neglected corner of our yard. They were already here, in much smaller numbers, when we purchased the 78-year-old property almost 20 years ago.

During that time, they were continuously treated as nothing more than a nuisance. Sometimes, they were even pulled up and tossed into the compost bin just to prevent them from creeping into our gravel driveway. But now things have changed. Those delicate little heart-shaped leaves and purple five-petaled flowers bring a touch of early spring beauty to that same area. We look forward to their arrival and have given them the freedom to spread as they desire.

Here are some of the reasons why we are embracing these persistent little perennials and welcome them to stay as long as they desire:

Wild violets provide one of the first nectar sources for pollinators in early spring. They’re food for butterflies, native bees and other pollinating insects. They serve as host plants for caterpillars of several fritillary butterfly species.

Both the flowers and leaves are edible and nutritionally valuable as they are rich in vitamins A and C. Violet flowers can be used in spring salads while leaves can be cooked like spinach. Also, for a very refreshing beverage, the flowers can be used to make violet syrup, the base for Springtime Wild Violet Lemonade.

Wild Violet Lemonade is a new discovery for me. After searching online, I combined the best of two different recipes with pleasing results. Give this simple recipe a try.

Freshly snipped violet blossoms rinsed and placed in a jar with filtered water

Wild Violet Characteristics

Scientific Name: Viola sororia

Plant Type: Perennial

Hardiness: Thrive in USDA zones 3-9

Sun Needs: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Height and Width: 4-6 inches in Height

Wild violets spread through both seeds and rhizomes. While they prefer partially shaded areas, morning to mid-day sun is tolerated. Violets are very adaptable and will grow in various conditions and soil types. Let them grow!

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

Springtime Wild Violet Lemonade Recipe

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Posted in Perennials and tagged Dallas County Master Gardener Association, flowers, garden, gardening, nature, plants, The Raincatcher's Garden, wild violets. Bookmark the permalink.

Here Comes the Bride…Elegant and Graceful, Spirarea x vanhouttei ‘Bridal Wreath’

Posted on March 14, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

March 14, 2026

Reading the title, you may be reminiscing about a recent wedding or one that is scheduled for this spring. Imagine a stunning display of cascading branches covered in double-white flowers welcoming you to the wedding venue in glorious style. Your senses delight in the romance of the moment.

While it may sound like a blissful and lovely setting for the bride and groom, this calls for a different type of celebration. It is mid-March in Dallas (Zone 8) and this beautiful bride is ready to make her appearance. Please meet…

Spirea ‘Bridal Wreath’

Spirarea x vanhouttei ‘Bridal Wreath’

This is our Spirea ‘Bridal Wreath’ bush gracing us with her beauty, and growing in our gravel driveway, for the 20^th consecutive year. However, the abundance of white blooms is the most brilliant we’ve ever experienced. With a generous spread of 5’ tall x 10’ across, she certainly makes a spectacular presence.

A lovely China vase hand painted by my late grandmother was the perfect whisper of nostalgia for displaying the arching branches of ‘Bridal Wreath’ Spirea. It was a wedding gift from 1970.

This “melt-your-heart” moment for me was sharing the story of ‘Bridal Wreath’ with my 10-year old granddaughter, Sadie. Without hesitation she asked if we could please make a wreath for her to wear to the Daddy/Daughter Dinner and Dance that night. It felt as if this experience had magically happened “for such a time as this”. A treasured memory was created as together we imagined Sadie wearing a ‘Bridal Wreath’ to her own wedding someday!

Growing spirea is a somewhat effortless endeavor that you can read about here. FYI…Our spirea only receives mid-morning to late afternoon filtered sun and still gives us a show-stopping three week “sold out” performance!

One of our local garden centers is offering spirea, as of today, for a very reasonable price. Don’t miss the opportunity to let ‘Bridal Wreath’ fill your yard with an electrifying touch of spring color!

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

More about Spirea!

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Shout Out to Workers at Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

The Awards meeting for Dallas County Master Gardeners this year reminded me of how blessed I am to be a part of this organization and especially Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills. The board in charge of this event, created an opportunity to celebrate the amazing things that Master Gardeners have done over many years. The variety of projects, the people served, and the information shared is truly something of which to be proud.

So many of our volunteers were honored for their service and commitment to Dallas County Master Gardeners. Thank you for your enduring hard work and consistency.

Mary Kay Estep was a delightful MC, Cynthia presented a lifetime achievement award, and then a roll call of familiar names filled the screens, many who have graced Raincatcher’s since 2014, and even some before that at Joe Field Road. Many master gardeners have spent time helping at Raincatcher’s during Special Events, meetings, and supporting the fundraising efforts. Thank you for your support and volunteering efforts. It has been a group effort that has allowed us to obtain goals that were beyond our expectations.

We have Class Captains, those who have stayed strong for over 25 years, several who consistently have over 100 hours every year, and those who have amassed an incredible number of hours during their time as Master Gardeners. We have past presidents, board members, project leaders, and those who show up week after week to garden at our project. The vegetable group meets Monday mornings others meet on Tuesday morning to work in a variety of areas – rain garden, pollinator garden, compost area, edible landscape, color wheel, and the courtyard. There are many choices depending on your interests and abilities.

This meeting, unlike the educational content that we are grateful to hear monthly, was filled with reflection, pride, and a sense of family of Master gardeners. Raincatcher’s has a very special place in the heart of many, and I am honored to be a part of this family.

Here are some pictures from the Ceremony – not a complete list, but a representation of the family that Raincatcher’s has become. And for new master gardeners, or those that haven’t found a place to belong, we would love for you to be a part of this community.

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, click on this link for more information.

Starla Willis, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2011

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THE SPRING TO DO LIST—-REVISITED

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

March 10, 2026

This time of year is a busy one. Its a time of new growth and new plans for the future.

For gardeners it often involves visions of “THE BEST GARDEN EVER’.

That tends to be a wonderful few minutes. The beauty and well yes the envy of all who see it may play a part too. One can see the modest acceptance of complements and all quite clearly.

But then comes the realization that ‘THE BEST GARDEN EVER’ Will be a lot of work and the work has to start now.

So obviously the to do list must be started. It can be simple but sadly can get complicated with systems of checks columns headings –must buy a new notebook of course–it can get out of control.

Now there is a lot of good in the list It helps to have a plan and a list of tasks and even a system of checks can be ok .

But remember it’s not helpful when it becomes a goal in itself and checking things off becomes the focus of the day.

Time for a rethink

First note–your old notebook is ok–really and you most likely do not need to draw lines and decide on what color ink would work best.

Next think small and simple. –if the task is Weed the garden–that is way too much and too vague to help weed one bed or even half of one is doable and useful

Plant a tree in the middle of the garden–well maybe this needs breaking down into what to do today–maybe decide on exactly what tree would work in your space.

But more important by far is realizing that your list is for results in the future. Now of course you can’t ignore them. Weeds will ruin the garden if you don’t get them out.

There will never be a tree in the garden if it isn’t planted

However we must not ignore the present. The tasks are endless and yes they must be done but don’t let them keep you from enjoying your garden now.

Gardeners just tend to be people who take the work hard now for results later as an absolute rule. As we just said we have to do this –yes we must and its alot of time consuming work.

But also we are not promised anything but the present–this very day and hour! We must remember this and think about it and practice what it teaches us.

So yes have a list move those sticks out of your garden. Pull those weeds and plant something wonderful.

But take time to see the pale green of the new foliage as it emerges. Look and take pictures of the early flowers–its ok to notice how lovely weed flowers are–right before you pull them up!! Listen to bird song and the buzzing of the bees.

This is absolutely as important as the planting and pulling–PUT IT ON THE TO DO LIST —AT THE VERY TOP!!!