DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ

Snowball Viburnum

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

March 27, 2024

*A view of 3 Snowball Viburnums, looking thru my blackberry bushes.* *Eleagnus flanking the west side, hellebores underneath.*

Spring comes and this is what I see every year out my south-facing windows. What a sight! I planted these 3 snowball viburnums 11 years ago. They have been the showiest, easiest plant choice I have ever made. The buds are chartreuse and and bloom into softball size white blossoms.

As you can see from my picture above, mine are now feet 15 tall and slightly crowded but I don’t mind. The winter honeysuckle that has gotten bigger than I ever expected is pushing one snowball to the East. It is going to be pruned!

Last year even with the unbearably hot temperatures, my viburnums bloomed a second time. There were’t as many blossoms but in that terrible summer heat it was nice to see a few snowballs.

Plant Attributes

*This picture from Neil Sperry’s website shows the early chartreuse bloom.*

Common Name: Chinese snowball viburnum, Chinese snowball tree
Botanical Name: Viburnum macrocephalum
Family: Adoxaceae
Plant Type: Perennial, Tree, Shrub
Mature Size: 6–20 ft. tall, 6–15 ft. wide (grows larger in warmer climates)
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay soil
Soil pH: Acidic
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: begins chartreuse then becomes white
Hardiness Zones: 6–9 (USDA)
In Dallas, Snowball Viburnums do not loose their leaves in winter
Excellent cut flower with long vase life!

Ann Lamb, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2005

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Posted in Trees and tagged Dallas County Master Gardener, Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Dallas County Master Gardeners, Snowball Viburnum, The Raincatcher's Garden, Trees for Dallas. Bookmark the permalink.

Captivated by Caraway…Flavorful Leaves, Spicy Seeds and Tasty Roots

Posted on March 23, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

March 23, 2024

Early last fall I planted a 4” pot of caraway in my raised garden bed. That little plant has now more than tripled in size.

Just a few days ago tiny white flowers appeared atop the feathery foliage. Blooming should continue until sometime during late spring or early summer when spent flowers yield those small, but wonderfully aromatic, hard brown seeds used in cuisines throughout the world.

If you’ve never grown caraway in your garden, follow along as we learn more about this carrot-like plant which is edible from root to shoot!

Caraway is a hardy herbaceous biennial requiring two seasons to complete its life cycle. The first year, bright green threadlike foliage resembling that of a carrot form a mound 1 to 3 feet high. Next comes the umbels of creamy white, delicate flowers that resemble Queen Anne’s Lace.

Once the flowers are spent, brown ribbed seeds appear. The familiar caraway seed is actually the fruit of the plant. It is recommended that seeds should be harvested about a month after they have blossomed. To accomplish this, clip off the seed heads and place in a paper bag to finish ripening.

While caraway seeds are most often associated with rye (or dark rye) breads there are a many other applications for using it. Some include: desserts and baked goods, liquors, stews, casseroles and as a flavoring for beef and pork dishes.

When the plant has produced seed, dig up the taproot and use as you would any other root vegetable.

Caraway is a pleasing plant to grow in your herb garden. The lovely little flowers attract beneficial insects, including honeybees.

For two different dinner options recently, we enjoyed caraway leaves straight from the garden in the following ways:

Tossed in a green salad along with radishes, tomatoes, and avocado slices

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardner Class of 2008

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Posted in Herbs To Grow In Dallas and tagged Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Dallas County Master Gardeners, Dallas Farm to Table, garden recipe, Herbs to Grow and Use in Dallas, The Raincatcher's Garden. Bookmark the permalink.

Learn to Grow Horticultural Presentations at the Arboretum

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

February 29, 2024

An update from the Dallas Arboretum:

Master Gardeners get into the Arboretum free on Fri before the Learn to Grow Classes. Just wear your DCMG badge and advise the ticket agent that you are a Master Gardener coming for a Class. Attend the class and visit the gardens for the rest of the day. This is a reminder the class is at 11am, Friday, March 1st in the Tasteful Place at the Arboretum. All members of the public are welcome to the class.

Starla and I will be showing pictures from our tour of America’s Garden Capitol and discussing photo tips.

Here is a preview of one the beautiful gardens, Wyn Eden.

Ann Lamb, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2005

Learn to Grow Horticultural Presentations at the Dallas Arboretum

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Posted in Spring and tagged Dallas Arboretum, Dallas Blooms, Dallas County Master Gardener, Dallas County Master Gardener Association. Bookmark the permalink.

Important Events Coming!

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

February 28,2024

Starla and I will be speaking at the Dallas Arboretum during Dallas Blooms at 11am on Friday, March 1st. We will be coordinating with the Dallas Blooms theme-A picture’s worth a thousand words, showing pictures of our recent trip to America’s Garden Capitol and giving photography tips.

Click here for information about our talk as part of the series: Learn to Grow Horticultural Presentations. Many other classes will be available by other Dallas County Master Gardeners. Check the calendar!

No charge except your admission to the Arboretum.

The DCMGA Japanese Maple Sale Begins March 6

Once again, we are offering a large selection of Japanese Maples from Metro Maples for purchase with all proceeds going to DCMGA. If you were disappointed because you missed out buying one of these lovely trees in the October sale, be sure to get online early to make your selections. The SignUpGenius for ordering and purchasing maples will go live March 6 at 8 AM. At that time, you can order and pay for your selection(s).
One-gallon trees are $35.00 (including tax)
Two-gallon trees are $46.00 (including tax)
The SignUpGenius will close at 5 PM on March 13, or earlier if all trees are sold. Our inventory of trees sold out within hours last October. Please bring your confirmation to the pickup on Saturday, March 23 between 10 AM and 1 PM at Raincatcher’s Garden.

SAVE THE DATE: Raincatcher’s Garden Annual Plant Sale

Midway Hills Christian Church

11001 Midway Road

Dallas, Texas 75229

Tuesday, May 7^th 2024

10 AM – 3 PM

We will have annuals, perennials, herbs, peppers, succulents, shrubs, trees, groundcover, bulbs, houseplants, decorative pots, yard art, etc.

All proceeds from this sale go to Dallas County Master Gardener Projects.

Ann Lamb, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2005

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Posted in Spring and tagged dallas, Dallas Arboretum, Dallas Blooms, Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Japanese Maple Sale, Plant Sales in Dallas, Raincatcher's Garden, Texas, travel. Bookmark the permalink.

Flowers of Frost and Freezes

Posted on February 25, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

February 25, 2024

In our Zone 8 climate they are not only survivors of winter’s chill but soon after a January freeze, Hellebores lift their lovely heads and shower us with an abundance of February color. Starting now and continuing into late March and early April, refresh your home by selectively snipping and arranging their decorative blossoms.

A close-up of a flower

Description automatically generated

If you aren’t already growing Hellebores in your garden, now is a really good time to give them a try. Many of our local garden centers currently have a wide selection of varieties with colors ranging from ivory and pale green to pink and dark burgundy. You might find comfort in knowing that the symbolic meaning of hellebores includes peace, serenity and tranquility.

My hellebores were planted three years ago and were used to make each of the featured arrangements. However, this was my first time to use hellebores as a cut flower, but it won’t be my last. It has been impressive to see how well their strong and sturdy stems hold up when anchored in a “frog-type” holder.

Here are my top three reasons for growing hellebores:

During the dreary backdrop of winter, hellebores bring joy to your garden with a rainbow of beautiful colors.
As a cut flower, hellebores hold up well and can be arranged in unique and beautiful ways.
As you can see from the photos, hellebores provide honeybees with a much-needed nectar source when options are extremely limited.

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener class of 2008

Other Hellebore articles from our archives:

Hellebores

Lenten Rose

Helleborus, ‘Glenda’s Gloss’ will be planted
along the wavy wall in memory of Raincatcher’s volunteer
and dear friend, Glenda Nix. She was loved and is missed.

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Posted in Winter and tagged Dallas County Master Gardener, Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Growing Hellebores, Hellebores, Raincatcher's Garden. Bookmark the permalink.

A Day’s Work in the Garden at Raincatcher’

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

February 21, 2024

What does it take to keep a garden like The Raincatcher’s Garden producing? Dedicated leadership, hearty volunteers and planning are essential componets. This week Beverly sent out this list from the vegetable patch. It’s inspiring and reminds us of what we can do in our own gardens as spring comes towards us.

Harvest lettuce, spinach, and broccoli;

Hand water the raised beds, corral, and greenhouse (but not the donation garden);

Start sunflower and marigold seeds in trays;

Direct sow climbing nasturtiums near the raised bed trellises;

Start lettuce, spinach, collard greens, and chard seeds outside in the corral after amending with Espoma fertilizer;

Transplant lettuce from greenhouse if ready;

Make melon cages, bring heavy gloves and wire cutters if you have them;

Keep working on the Morgan building and greenhouse.

Ann Lamb, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2005 with Beverly Allen, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2018

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Iris

Posted on February 18, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

Who doesn’t love a beautiful iris plant? It’s one of the first plants to
bloom in the spring and it is rugged, reliable and very easy to grow.
The iris is named for Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbows and
personal messenger for the Gods. It is a long lived perennial that
needs a minimum amount of care.

There are almost 250 species of iris and they come in a multitude of
colors. With many different types and colors available, there is a
perfect iris for every garden. The most popular iris is the bearded iris.
Other popular varieties include Siberian and Japanese irises, Louisiana
irises (which are native to North America), and Dutch hybrids.
Bearded iris get their name from the “beard” that runs down the center
of the cascading petal.

The rhizomes need sun and air to keep them
dry. If they are covered with soil or mulch there is a chance the plant
will rot. Some say to plant the bearded iris rhizomes “with their face
in the sun” leaving the upper part of the rhizome exposed.
Iris plants need at least 6 hours but preferably 8 hours of direct sun.
The best time to plant iris is early fall. This will give the plant enough
time to settle into the ground and start rooting before the first frost.
They should be planted 12–18 inches apart. If you have different
types of iris cultivars, plant each type together in groups of 3 to 7
plants for a greater color impact.

After iris plants have finished blooming, cut the flower’s stem down to
the base but do not trim the leaves. The plant’s foliage carries on with
photosynthesis in order to generate energy for next year’s growth and
flowers. It is best to divide iris plants in the fall.

We are lucky at Raincatcher’s Garden to have the most beautiful
collection of iris so I hope you enjoy the photos taken at the garden.

Or better yet, visit the garden in the near future and see these beauties
in person! If you have iris in your garden, share them with friends and
neighbors and help spread the joy of iris!

Jackie James
Dallas Master Gardener Class of 1993

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Posted in Perennials and tagged Dallas County Master Gardener, Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Dallas County Master Gardeners, dividing iris, i, Iris, Raincatcher's Garden. Bookmark the permalink.

FOREVER YOUNG,WITH HELP FROM THE GARDEN

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

February 13, 2024

This is the time of the year when everyone wants something to change and improve advertisements that didn’t attract a bit of concern a while ago now seem tempting–the newest skin treatments that absolutely promise “younger brighter fresher” The poor child in the picture seems still a bit concerned but yet now doing better–well she should be concerned of course she is probably past Fourteen and knows its all downhill from here. Now if you want to buy thats fine after all it won’t hurt–although the price might be a real surprise and the bottle is so small and then there are two more things you absolutely must have if you really want “results” But we will go no further with this.

Baby Larkspur with maybe a weed-don’t worry about the weed.

No because YOUNG honestly is a state of mind more than anything and at this time of the year–well we may have to work at realizing that–and most importantly acting on our knowledge.

WE can’t let the season get us down. Its absolutely true that the leaves lying about have totally lost their charm –and how on earth did there get to be so many sticks and stalks everywhere. We have to look at things closely–after we clean up a bit of course. But take your time don’t be hasty, baby plants can be deceiving. The last thing you want to do is accidentally “weed” your precious spring flowers when in doubt don’t pull it up. Better to leave and weed than loose a poppy! Let your imagination take you to the blooms that will be here soon and you will be surprised at how much happier you will feel. Anticipating good things to come–well that is a receipt for real joy.

This is nothing but pure potential and hope!

Try to see bare patches as “Potential” not “Problems”. All the fresh seeds are here–stop and look . For some people this can be as much temptation as the five hundred dollar skin serum so do be careful. READ the labels and remember that if it says avoid heat you must avoid buying no matter how chilly and misty the day is right now. But maybe choose something new to try and go home and plant it–nothing worse than buying seeds and forgetting them–that doesn’t lead to happiness. But the choosing and preparing and planting–that can make a big difference for anyone. Feelings of accomplishment and planning for the future and feeling hopeful–well that makes anyone feel younger and fresher and its a feeling that lasts! Just the work in the fresh air helps so much even if you have to wrap up and use plastic shoes.

If it gets really cold take the time to protect your plants you will be glad you did–its work but it pays off and that makes us feel powerful. Just a little cover saved this lettuce.

If there are plants in the house don’t just pass them by they aren’t sofa cushions they really will respond to attention. water them and clean their leaves look for changes and growth–if you are fortunate even flowers–its the natural time for orchids to send up flower spikes–look carefully. Just noticing will brighten the whole day and who knows what tomorrow might bring .That is the key.

When we think about it–isn’t YOUNG really anticipating the future–the good exciting things to come? That feeling may get a little harder to come by sometimes but if we really notice our plants and gardens and care for them that feeling just seems to catch us and carry us forward–and that is FOREVER YOUNG.

Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

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Posted in Winter and tagged Dallas County Master Gardener, Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Dallas County Master Gardeners, flowers, garden, gardening, Larkspur, nature, plants, Poppies, The Raincatcher's Garden, Winter Honeysuckle. Bookmark the permalink.

Winter Savory Is Welcome In This Flavorful Wintertime Dish

Posted on January 20, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

January 20, 2024

A plant growing on a stone wall

Description automatically generated — *Winter Savory growing in the garden*

Walking in the garden early this morning just as sunlight was spreading its glowing rays, I stopped for a moment to gently caress the winter savory. Dew had fallen softly upon it, leaving the cascading branches with a shimmery presence. It seemed to be saying…” use me please”. And that is exactly what happened!

My husband and I love a cozy wintertime dinner by the fire. Thankfully, my winter herb garden had supplied me with the three ingredients needed to infuse the marinade for Balsamic Herb Baked Chicken Thighs: fresh rosemary sprigs, sage leaves and winter savory. This herb-garden inspired recipe delivered a pleasing amount of comfort and flavor for the perfect fireside meal.

*Balsamic Herb Baked Chicken Thighs prepped and ready to bake*

Hopefully, you are growing a nice selection of herbs in your winter garden. If so, remember that they liked to be snipped, trimmed and used for culinary and decorative purposes in your home.

*For information about growing winter savory, click here.

*All herbs were harvested just before the cold front and freezing temperatures arrived. They were kept in a damp paper towel lined plastic baggie for two days.

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

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Posted in Herbs To Grow In Dallas and tagged Dallas County Master Gardener, Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Dallas County Master Gardeners, Dallas Farm to Table, Edible Landscape, food, garden, garden recipe, gardening, herb-garden, herbs, Herbs to Grow and Use in Dallas, The Raincatcher's Garden, winter savory. Bookmark the permalink.

Old Plant Friends Cannot Be Forgotten

Posted on January 10, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

January 10, 2024

This is the time of the year when one things about past efforts and plans ahead for what’s to come—naturally the future must be vastly improved over what came before. Its been that way for a long time. After all January is named for Janus the god who is able to look to the past and the future.

All useful so far. Evaluating past efforts and planning for the future is important for just about everything.

However this is also a time when one is most susceptible to promises of perfection if only you buy something—well not just anything of course but the new and improved item currently on offer. Let’s not consider the diets and health promoting supplements and the body that would be ours if only a new and improved fitness machine was ordered. All available right now and payment can be easy—there is a plan available.

Gardeners are not immune to these thoughts by any means. Emails seem to arrive daily to showcase the “must haves” for this years garden. All involve buying the new and improved plants from all sorts of places. Catalogues have pictures that are simply astonishing The flowers in glorious colors. Petals are now double and triple and maybe more. Some seem to be very small “fit any space” How can this be exactly. Surely they would want to grow at least a little bit.

Even shrubs and trees are new and have amazing flowers and turn all sorts of colors. Buy now” really seems the only reasonable thing to do after all “supply may be limited”.

But wait—take a deep breath and consider—where will all these new plants go? Go back and look at your garden photos (you know they are right there) and when you look you see that not only was the garden actually lovely it was pretty full.

Now there is nothing all wrong with buying new plants. There are indeed new discoveries to be made. Plus its just fun and adds excitement to the garden—and may be the key to the perfection everyone is looking for—this could happen.

Just think carefully about replacing the tried and true plants. The ones you have counted on for years—that have stood the tests of time and weather. Afterall they hold memories of past gardens—yours and so many others—and even of the gardeners who loved them before you and maybe even shared them. It’s a lot to think about.