Monthly Archives: August 2024

Dayflower,Commelina erecta

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

August 28, 2024

Honestly, I’ve had a change of heart. But it didn’t happen suddenly. I must admit that, until a
few months ago, an unknown plant with the characteristics of a weed was taking over strategic
areas of my garden and had to go. I began yanking and pulling it up with ‘wild abandon’. And
then I paused for a moment, allowing my curiosity time to reconsider. Thankfully, the plant
finder app on my iPhone came to the rescue.
The answer appeared quickly and offered helpful information. What I assumed to be just
another noxious weed, was instead an herbaceous plant in the dayflower family. You may know
it as Widow’s Tears, White-mouth Dayflower or Asiatic Dayflower. It gets its name because the
tiny one-inch blooms last for only one day.

After reading more about the dayflowers growing in my garden, I was then redirected to an
exceptionally moving YouTube video made by a lady in Israel. It was so beautifully done that
my heart began to melt while watching the history of dayflower unfold on my computer screen.
Common dayflower sprawls along the ground like a vine, often rooting at the nodes. Flowers
emerge from a boat like sheath, one at a time. They are composed of 3 petals: 2 larger mouse-
eared shaped blue petals above and a small curling white petal tucked beneath. Bloom time is
generally May-October.
If you have an adventurous spirit and feel inclined to experience something new, the stems,
flowers, leaves and seeds of dayflower are all edible. Remember to harvest the tiny blue
flowers early in the morning when they are fully open. Use them as a garnish for cheese and for
an added splash of color in salads. My choice for the first ‘taste’ was to place the flowers atop a
bowl of yogurt and fresh peaches. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar was the perfect finale.

Interesting facts about Dayflower:

*As one of the few flowers with a true blue bloom, the dayflower symbolizes reliability,
steadfastness and trustworthiness.
*Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist, named the genus for three Dutch botanists, the
Commelijn brothers. Linnaeus believed the unequal petals of the dayflower nicely represented
the talents of the three brothers.
*An exquisite Japanese woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai, from the Edo Period, about
1800-05, gives credit to a distinctive blue dye created from the petals of the dayflower. The
blue-gray color at the top of the tallest wave was identified as dayflower blue. For a fascinating
in-depth look into the world of blue flowers, go to Science Friday and read the article entitled
“How The Humble Asiatic Dayflower Revealed Clues To Blue Hues”. (Written by Lauren J. Young,on September 9, 2021).

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

2 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Summer Emerald’ Swept Me Away

Posted on August 26, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

It may sound like the title of a new song, but this dazzler of an eggplant has started coming on strong in my summer garden. Over a half dozen online sources describe Summer Emerald as “living up to its reputation as one of the best-tasting eggplants–firm texture, few seeds, sweet and tasty flesh–perfect for broiling or grilling.” My one little transplant was purchased a few months ago at a local garden center. At the time, I really wasn’t familiar with this variety but was intrigued by the name. Isn’t that a good reason to try something new? 

Eggplant ‘Summer Emerald’ growing in my raised bed

Once those petite little fruits (1” x 8”), with lime-green skin that is never bitter, started making their debut in my garden, I was impressed and ready to crank up the grill. A simple lengthwise cut down the center followed by a light brushing of olive oil was all the preparation needed. As suggested, It only took a few minutes for these dainty little eggplants to cook. We enjoyed our perfectly grilled eggplants alongside a light summer salad. Finally, I must confess that I had never tasted a lime green, grilled eggplant before, but it was so incredibly delicious that the grill will be fired up again for this one!

A bowl of green vegetables Description automatically generated

‘Summer Emerald’ Eggplant harvested from my garden

Left, ‘Summer Emerald’ eggplant cut down the center and ready to be prepped, Right, brushed with Texas Hill Country Blood Orange Olive Oil, Bottom Grilled in Stove Top Skillet 

A group of sliced zucchini on a table Description automatically generated
A row of green squash with a paintbrush Description automatically generated
Grilled vegetables on a grill pan Description automatically generated
A wooden plate with grilled vegetables Description automatically generated

Perfectly grilled eggplant garnished with freshly clipped lemon thyme, a light dusting of cracked black pepper and a sprinkling of fine gray sea salt

Lemon Thyme in my raised bed

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

I’M GOING TO STAND MY GROUND AND YOU CAN TOO

Posted on August 15, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

Don’t give up, Susan Thornbury has some words of inspiration and an action plan for us during these hot days of summer.

August 15, 2024

Memory is strange.  Most thoughts and memories are unhelpful.  So much so that often a deep breath and a reminder that they are just thoughts and memories and not reality seems to be indicated.      But then when least expected a flash of amazingly helpful inspiration!! 

After listening to a weather forecast –given after the meteorologist  offers an apology for what will be coming–and then stepping out to look at the garden already in a negative frame of mind and naturally seeing trouble everywhere—a song came –the words very loud and clear:  “I”M GOING TO STAND MY GROUND YOU KNOW I WON’T BACK DOWN I’M GOING TO STAND MY GROUND”  

Now don’t rush to judgement on that song–in this case it was crystal clear what the meaning was–it was aimed  at gardeners!!

Not those  in “other places”  Places where the nights are cool it rains at least once a week and where things “just seem to grow”  Oh no, they don’t get a song–it was not meant for them.  

It was meant for gardeners here–it was meant for US!!

It is just such a temptation to give up–Its so hot and yet weeds are thriving–the list of “NOT FAIR” is a long one

But not for us to dwell on that: WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN WE WILL STAND OUR GROUND”

We can’t just think about it though–a plan is needed!

Each plan must suit the planner of course but–there are some important point that might be universal.

First give serious thought to becoming a morning person–if you start at 7AM –its not so bad and you can get a lot done in an hour or two.  If this is not your usual habit–well just tell yourself–when November comes you can sleep late!!

Second set priorities.  Take a good look and decide what must be done now  some things can and should wait until later.  One thing is usually deadheading..  The poor plants are stressed they don’t need to be trying to set seeds or supporting yellowing leaves.  When you tidy them up they are really helped–and you get some encouragement–things are looking better already.

Third don’t give up on weeding.  Weeds are cleaver plants and they can grab water and use it to set their seeds faster than one can believe–so don’t let them–you sure don’t need more weeds and your plants need all the water they can get.

Healthy and happy mulberry weeds edited out of the garden-they thought they were safe hiding in the salvia

Fourth–look for what is working.  Which plants are showing a fighting spirit and a will to live  they must be encouraged and rewarded–as they are encouraging and rewarding you.

Turk’s Cap loves summer
Cenzio is ok with heat, even seems to like it
Rosemary is not complaining
Yard pointsetta and white veined piple vine are okay with heat but do like shade
Salvia coccinea keeps going when the going gets tough

But of course you must also face what isn’t working–Bite the bullet–remove dying plants there is just no use in trying to care for them and waste precious water on them–make a mental note to avoid them in the future.

Last–congratulate  yourself!!  you deserve it YOU STOOD YOUR GROUND NO YOU DIDN’T BACK DOWN YOU STOOD YOUR GROUND!!! 

Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

More information about Turk’s Cap

1 Comment

Posted in Summer and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Gardening and Dining in “High Style”

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

Returning from a 5-day trip to Park City, Utah last week, my husband and I weren’t too happy about the Dallas forecast. Discouragement at having to return during the height of summer heat left us agonizing over the cool, crisp air that had filled our time in the mountains.

Upon arrival at the Salt Lake City airport, our wonderful Dallas friends greeted us and immediately suggested a leisurely lunch at The Grand America Hotel near downtown. As promised, lunch on the patio of the Garden Café was a welcoming introduction to our incredible stay. Shortly after lunch, we made our way out to the hotel’s world class gardens which were beautifully dressed in their finest summer attire. A spectacular display of brilliant and colorful blooms filled every inch of garden space. The natural beauty of flowers and plants so artistically arranged was mesmerizing.

Following a relaxing pause as we strolled through the gardens, a short 30 minute drive took us to our final destination, Park City, Utah. At just over 7,500 feet above sea level, this little Wasatch Mountain town is filled with stunning panoramic views. (This was our 8th consecutive summer to spend time with our friends who enjoy renting a condominium in Park City each year for their summer escape from the blast of Texas heat).

Early the first morning, our hosts took us to a roadside market stand that they hoped would have fresh peaches. Unlike Texas, Utah peaches were just beginning to ripen and become available for purchase along with tables of juicy, red tomatoes and freshly picked summer corn.

Driving around town, individual yards, city parks and medians throughout the Park City landscape were in full bloom. Zinnias, marigolds, cannas,  petunias, geraniums, blue salvia, hollyhocks and goldenrod offered a sprinkling of confetti-like color for everyone to enjoy.

August temperatures in the area hovered around the mid 50’s at night with daytime highs in the upper 80’s with the absence of humidity! Plants and humans alike were soaking up the dreamy climate and the refreshing mountain air. Spending time outdoors couldn’t be more enjoyable in this kind of environment. Hope you will take time to enjoy a visual feast of our mountaintop adventure. Wish we were still there but our invitation to come back in 2025 has already been accepted!

https://videopress.com/v/17AGVxw2?resizeToParent=1&cover=1&autoPlay=0&controls=1&loop=0&muted=0&persistVolume=1&playsinline=0&preloadContent=metadata&sbc&sbpc&sblc&useAverageColor=1

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

Germander, Teucrium chamaedrys

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

August 1, 2024

Germander Upright

If you’re contemplating a substitute for boxwood, consider these words from Cyrus Hyde, the late garden herb folklorist and founder of Well-Sweep Herb Farm in New Jersey. He referred to germander as “poor man’s box”. Why then, has it not received more recognition in the world of herbs? 

Even our first president, George Washington was such an admirer of germander that it was planted at his Mount Vernon, Virginia estate. But sadly, it seems to have faded from view until recently when garden centers began featuring lesser known herbs alongside the more desirable customer favorites. Thankfully, it was a wise decision with germander finding its place as a decorative evergreen border plant and as a substitute for boxwood in the beloved knot-garden design.

Germander ‘Upright’ surrounding the children’s statue in the Edible Landscape at Raincatcher’s Garden
Germander ready to be planted at Linda’s
Germander thriving in MG’s Patty Brewer’s Garden.

Germander is a Mediterranean native in the mint family (Lamiaceae) with small, dark green scalloped leaves and a mild garlic-spice aroma. It is a hardy perennial and evergreen, keeping its tidy appearance throughout the year. In early summer whorls of purple-pink flowers appear. Bees are attracted to the tiny flowers. 

Grow it: 

  • *Space plants 2 feet apart and at least 3 feet away from companion plants. 
  • *Germander prefers full to partial sun and well-drained soils. 
  • *Follow a regular watering schedule to establish, then cut back to maintain health.
  • *Fertilize lightly with an all-purpose organic fertilizer once or twice a year. 
  • *Pruning right after bloom will help to renew the plants faster. 

Germander with single stem gerbera daisies gently nestled in the glossy green foliage

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

Leave a comment

Posted in Herbs To Grow In Dallas and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.