It might be the gracefully cascading fronds that call for a closer look or their soft, delicate texture inviting you to stop for a gentle touch. Either way, this spectacular grouping of perennial wood ferns ranging in color from lime to medium green may very well be one of the loveliest we ever seen.
While just “babies”, they were a gift from Master Gardener, Fern Brown. How appropriate that she shared them with us over three years ago. We lovingly refer to this area of the Edible Landscape as our “Fern Bed”.
Wood ferns have an attractive arching style that thrives in partial to full shade. The location we chose receives hints of dappled sunlight throughout the day. It can grow in soil types from sandy to clay to loamy rich organic matter. It is a deciduous fern that dies back in the winter.
Over the past month, we’ve been mesmerized by the full, lush green fronds with their vase-shaped appearance. Current size is about 2 ½ feet in height and around 3 feet in width.
If you happen to be in the neighborhood, please stop by the Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills and pause for a moment to experience the beauty of a quiet and peaceful place that almost feels as if you are in a woodland-type environment. Let our beautiful “fern bed” refresh your spirit!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
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.
White Turk’s Cap is one of those effortless beauties that thrives where other plants struggle. It is a drought tolerant, partial shade loving, native Texas plant. Texas gardeners have a special fondness for the vibrant red and pink varieties, not knowing of the white blooming Turk’s Cap and it can be hard to find. The Raincatcher’s Plant Sale will have 3 of these for sale.
Join us at our plant sale on Saturday, May 2 from 10-3 and discover plants lovingly grown by our community! From vibrant native perennials to herb and vegetable seedlings, our sale offers a variety of plants suited for every garden. Our Master Gardeners carefully pot and nurture plants from their own gardens. Alongside them, friends from the Dallas Organic Garden Club and other organizations bring their homegrown treasures. Our dedicated seed starting team will bring flourishing seedlings.
Today I saw iris, horsetail reed, cannas, daylilies, and salvias. Susan was bringing succulents and Lisa brought ferns. I heard Paula was planting pots with succulents. Linda has propagated Scented Pelargoniums (chocolate, peach, old fashioned rose, carrot and snowflake) and Anise Hyssop, Nepitella, Blue Borage, German chamomile, Mexican Mint Marigold, and Cinnamon Basil.
The best sales pitch comes from my friend and fellow Master Gardener of 19 years, Sarah, who radiates for all of us when she says, “I love looking at my garden and knowing who my plants come from.”
Me too, Sarah! I will be there on Saturday morning.
Ann Lamb, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2005
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.Larkspur sprouting at my feet!
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 experiencing a touch of March Madness around your house? Having played basketball in high school and college, my husband follows it with such a high level of intensity that I sometimes have to “leave the room”. Considering the frustration from a gardening perspective, I’m beginning to see some similarities.
Let’s review the facts:
*The tournament features 68 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball teams in an intense, single-elimination format culminating in a championship game that determines the national champion.
*It is a cultural phenomenon known for unpredictable upsets.
*It is one of the most anticipated events on the sports calendar, showcasing the amazing talents of collegiate athletes.
If you are wondering how that relates to gardening, smile first, then consider a gardener’s approach to spring planting:
*Beginning in early March, garden centers tempt us with an ocean of plants in every color, size, shape and texture imaginable. I’m sure the number far exceeds 68 participants.
*As seasoned gardeners, we understand the criteria for planting in Zone 8, and yet, we sometimes select material that either outperforms or overwhelming disappoints based on our very emotional decisions.
*Springtime for gardeners is our moment of anticipation. We’ve spent the cold, winter months studying seed packets, diligently reading instructions and carefully evaluating the possibilities. Why, because we hope to select the best performers in each “bracket”!
And so now, we have finally arrived at the most anticipated event on a gardener’s calendar; spring planting! Yes, some of our selections will have to be eliminated but, ultimately, the champions will reward us with their impressive performance. Wanna make a bet on that?
As we leave winter behind and begin the transition into spring, here are two red, white and blue flowerpot creations to welcome in some “March Gladness”!
Red: Ranunculus, Salvia ‘Radio Red’ White: Candytuft Blue: Mystic Blue Salvia and a salute to our state flower, Texas bluebonnets!
Throughout the next five months, look for fun ideas using some of the flowers listed below to create your own version of a patriotic garden display. (We would also like to include some of your own red, white and blue flower displays. Please send pictures no later than June 15th for the July 4th Grand Finale!)
Our recipe for the month is a garden-inspired celebration of late winter to early spring selections. It’s easy to assemble and can be personalized according to your preferences. Substitutes might include grapefruit, navel oranges or mango as a fruit option. Walnuts, pecans or pumpkin seeds instead of pistachios. Goat cheese crumbles could replace the feta and, maybe, why not toss in some blueberries for a touch of blue!
Join us for a practical, timely class on caring for your trees in the unique climate of Dallas. We’ll cover what you need to know for late-winter and early-spring tree maintenance, including how to prune safely (and what not to prune right now), how to identify and manage freeze damage, and best practices for fertilizing, mulching, and planting before the warm season arrives. With ongoing confusion around oak pruning restrictions and the growing issue of topping crape myrtles, this session will offer clear, research‑based guidance to help you keep your trees healthy and resilient all year long. Perfect for homeowners, gardeners, and anyone looking to improve their landscape stewardship skills.
Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills 11001 Midway Rd, Dallas, TX 75229 Community Hall, South Church Building
11 AM, Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Note: To find the class, please park in the west parking lot and enter the south church building through the courtyard terrace.
The class will be taught by Anne LeSenne, M.S., Horticulture Extension Agent, Master Beekeeper, Master Arborist
Dallas County | Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Administrative Offices: 6820 LBJ FWY Suite 3200, Dallas, TX 75240
Are you ready to bid farewell to January and move into the next month of the year? If so, welcome to the first phase of our patriotic journey with a salute to the “month of love”. It seems very fitting to celebrate the occasion by recognizing Valentine’s Day, February 14th as the perfect time to focus on the vibrant, romantic color of red flowers. And what could be more appropriate than geraniums and Gerber daisies to get us started?
As we experience a seasonal “rebirth of nature”, consider the intensity of hues ranging from deep crimson, scarlet and ruby to cherry, maroon and burgundy found in red flowers. Our first arrangement allows blue hydrangeas to make a quiet appearance while the brilliance of red geraniums establishes boldness. Also irresistible are the Harmony Double Scarlet Anemone’s with white eyes encircling a black center. The regal look of Gerber daisies unifies the composition.
*February’s featured flavor is the Southern classic known as Red Velvet Cake. Embraced for its deep red color and velvety soft crumb, this moist and tender cake is embellished with a delicate touch of red rose petals. It’s time to indulge!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Join us for a month-by-month gardening journey starting February 4th then concluding with a big finale on July 4, 2026. We’ll visit gardens displaying a vibrant tapestry of red, white and blue flowers and more while pausing occasionally to savor some edible delicacies along the way. This promises to be a unique adventure which will inspire you to embrace the spirit of patriotism in your garden. Look for fresh new ways to let your creativity bloom!
From “patriotic pots” created by Dallas County Master Gardeners to dazzling “in-ground” vignettes that reflect the colors and symbols of our nation, we hope to fill you with a sense of pride for our great country. So, grab your favorite gardening gloves and let’s have some fun celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary garden-style!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower” -Albert Camus
November 25, 2025
This very descriptive, seasonal quote comes from the French novelist, essayist, and playwright who in 1957 received the Nobel Prize for Literature
In just a few days, it will be time to gather around the table with family and friends to celebrate the harvest. Thanksgiving is truly a time-honored gift from the brave and courageous Pilgrims. Their profound joy, amidst countless struggles throughout the journey, led them to pause and give thanks for this bountiful new land that had become their new home. As we join them in reflecting back over 400 years ago, may your hearts be filled with gratitude for our homes and those who grace it with their special place in our lives. Starting with a brisk and refreshing walk through the garden, let’s take time to soak in the brilliant display of foliage along the way. Open your eyes to Autumn’s glow radiating throughout the landscape. Take in the mesmerizing display of stunning fall colors. Listen closely as the natural world speaks a magical language of joyful change. And finally, as you “gather together” for this special occasion, may your harvest tables be filled with wonderful memories and cherished traditions for all to embrace. Happy Thanksgiving to our readers and garden friends! We are grateful for your encouraging words and ongoing support!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2025
On Tuesday, November 18, The Jammin’ Crew at Raincatchers will be selling a limited selection of jams and jellies at Raincatchers Garden at Midway Hills, 11001 Midway Rd., Dallas, 75229.
You will find us at the entrance to the Fellowship Hall on the back side of the church.
These delicious treats are $7.00 for an 8oz jar. CASH or CHECK ONLY.
Raincatcher’s Jams and Jelliesfor sale:
CARROT CAKE JAM -a new flavor -Pineapple, fresh pears & carrots-tastes like fall
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 