Tracy and Aaron
Tracy and Aaron McLaughlin live only a few miles away from the Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills. But after an hour and a half tour of the edible landscape last week, visits to the garden may be happening on a regular basis.
Tracy first discovered the garden a few weeks ago when dropping her 3-year-old son off at preschool. A casual stroll around the garden resulted in a friendly conversation with several master gardeners working in the edible landscape. Sensing her desire to know more about the garden, an appointment was scheduled for the upcoming Friday evening with Tracy and her husband, Aaron.
Our tour began with an overview of the edible landscape garden objective of using only edible plant material to create a visually stunning design spanning all four seasons of the year. Tracy and Aaron were anxious to learn as much as possible during our visit. As we emphasized during our conversation with them, composting is the core project of building healthy garden soil. The method we use in the edible landscape was carefully explained. They were ready to give it a try.
Time seemed to pass far too quickly as we toured each unique feature of the edible landscape. From the white velvet okra standing like soldiers in the Hügelkultur to the Stonescape surrounded by impressive mounds of Mexican Mint Marigold and the feathery gray, green curry plant, our guests left with hearts of gratitude and happy smiles across their faces.
Following their visit, Tracy and Aaron shared some highlights of the tour:
“We found a lot of awesome plants that we want to incorporate into our garden. Overall, we thought that learning about the expanded shale to help improve our soil was a huge discovery. We will be incorporating it into our garden beds!
The tips about composting were especially helpful. Also, locating plants with similar watering needs together was good information. And, using a variety of plant material in the garden.
We loved the scented pelargoniums. The overall beauty of the garden was inspiring. Going forward we would like to learn how to rotate crops and always plan ahead.”
Tracy and Aaron McLaughlin
Linda Alexander and Beverly Allen
Garden Tour Guides
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 
This is a wonderful tribute to all the hard work by MG volunteers. Raincatcher’s team has been dedicated to demonstrating the best gardening practices. You have certainly fulfilled your mission. Education does bring results.
Thank you, Zandra. We all look forward to the day when big groups can come back to the garden. Little groups are good too, though.
Ann