Why do gardeners keep going? Its hot—get up really early start to work to beat the heat—and find the mosquitos got up earlier.
Work hard on weeding feel successful–turn around–and find more weeds.
Wonderful to have so many flowers–until its obvious many flowers mean alot of deadheading.
Sometimes the problems pile up. It can be easy to forget the blessings gardening brings. Of course there is the functional fitness aspect–digging those weeds is actually a good thing. Fresh air and sunshine help the body and the mind.. Just being needed by the garden can be seen as a burden–but really its a blessing to be needed.
But remember another aspect of gardening that brings lasting joy. That is the way our plants and gardens connect us to others.
Some of our connections are to friends and family that we see regularly. Those who share successes –and some failures—and sometimes plants. Others are gone now but the plants they shared long ago ensure that they are not forgotten. Somehow they are not gone at all but with us still as we garden.
This was the first plant I ever had, well, a descendant, of course. I was about 6 years old. My mother and I were visiting one of her friends. She had Ghost plants in a huge iron kettle used by generations before to heat water over a fire and wash clothes. The plants spilling out of the kettle, now used as a flower pot, enchanted me.
So for sure–gardening is hard work somehow conditions never seem “just right” too hot too cold too dry too wet–it all happens. And we have to get out there anyway.
But don’t just work. Pause and take a step back every so often. Think about all the people and all the stories that surround your plants.
Then you will remember why you keep gardening. Remembering will lift you and bring joy to you even in difficult times.
This is Red Dragon. I was given a few stems in a glass of water by a friend and now it’s being shared.This unknown grass is a descendant of a small plant gathered by my mother near Lake Proctor.Raincatcher’s Garden used to be at Joe Field. I took some cutting of this pink turk’s cap before we left. They continue on!I found this rosemary in a trash pile. It isn’at a particularly good plant but it made me happy to find it and see it growing now years later.A neighbor came by and told me she enjoyed the zinnias in my yard and how much they took her back to her Mother’s garden.Growing a tree from seed reminds us that we can do a lot if we try.
Thank you plant sharing friends:
Jim has grown so many seeds for the plant sale. This is Pride of Barbados, one of his specialty plants. Hope it blooms soon but even if it doesn’t, I am reminded of Jim and all his work for the garden.Mark started these cuttings and generously shared. Be sure to notice Althea when you visit The Raincatcher’s Garden. It has been blooming all summer and thank Mark.
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Passion vine has been tumbling over my mailbox for years. This summer I experienced the life cycle of the gulf fritillary from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.
This fascinating journey captivated me for weeks. On July 25th, caterpillars were covering the leaves and blooms of the passion vine. They looked menacing with their reddish-brown spiked bodies.
But there was one who was unlike the others – It had spikes, but had a white milky covering, and it was hanging in a definite “J” shape from my recently-bloomed color guard yucca stalk.
Excited, I ran to get my phone for a time lapse video, but the location and time that it would take to capture, encouraged a different approach. Pictures were snapped before running errands. Alas, upon returning the caterpillar had created the chrysalis and was unassumingly hanging on part of the stalk right at eye level. Had the caterpillar not been seen, it would have been difficult to recognize the chrysalis, as it looked like the material of the spent stalk. It was unnoticeable, unless it was seen in progress. Upon closer examination, the caterpillar shape was recognizable, and the lower portion was where wings formed.
Every morning began with observations – here are some of them:
1. Check on the chrysalis – no real change for about a week – information suggested that it would remain 5-8 days before emerging. Search for more.
2. Look for caterpillars– spiky, reddish brown color, they came in all sizes from very small to about 1 -2 inches long. They were in every part of the passion vine — plain sight, under the leaves, on the stems, and even in the flowers, but were voracious eaters.
3. Observe the native passion vine being ravaged by the very hungry caterpillars. -As a host plant, its lush vegetation, quicky changed to a sickly mass of stems, stripped leaves and decimated flowers. Nothing to do but watch, the plant would soon regrow.
4. Watch gulf fritillary butterflies deposit eggs on the leaves, quickly flitting away to find another spot to do it again.
5. Cringe as Wasps swoop in and sting vulnerable caterpillars. It was disheartening to view but realized that this is part of the natural process.
The observations of the chrysalis were routine until Saturday morning, August 2nd; – there was a gulf fritillary butterfly with his legs clinging to the chrysalis from which he had just emerged. Not moving much, just drying his wings and hanging out. After a few minutes it began to slowly fly to another stalk, then paused–It’s hard work coming out! After several minutes, there was more movement, brief flights, and then it disappeared into the flurry of other butterflies. The short-lived journey of this Gulf fritillary began (14-24 days).
During my daily walk around, it was noted that two eggs were deposited on the painted wood of my mailbox. The contrasting pale yellow color made it easy to observe. With a magnifying glass and ruler in hand., I peered closer at the eggs. For over a week the tiny egg remained unchanged, but then the color turned to a reddish-brown, becoming the smallest of caterpillars (3 mm) in search of passion vine to devour. They didn’t have far to travel as the native passion vine encircled the mailbox.
Eggs!Tiny caterpillar that emerged with Starla’s manicured nail for perspective.
Checking on the cats became a morning pattern, and I was not disappointed when stumbling on another gulf fritillary emerging. This one was located on a coneflower stem. The wings were still droopy indicating that it had very recently exited the chrysalis and needed to dry. As I watched, another gulf fritillary came, flitted his wings slowly and covered him as he hung to the chrysalis. This behavior mesmerized me. Was it protecting him while his wings were drying out? After a short while, maybe 10-15 minutes, they were in flight and yet another chrysalis was abandoned.
There’s so much I don’t know about this process but seeing it up close and personal reminded me that the wonder of God’s creation is incredibly complex and so beautiful. With our busy schedules this is a good reminder to take time to enjoy nature that is all around and let that inspire and encourage us.
Starla Willis, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2011
“Fresh peaches are nature’s candy”. From an unknown source, comes this quote that my husband embraces fully. It’s especially true at our house around late June to mid-July when those much-anticipated east Texas, Parker County and Hill Country peaches hit the local fruit stands and farmer’s markets. We’ve been known to buy several bushels during that time.
On a recent weekend trip to the deep piney woods of east Texas, we experienced an exceptionally flavorful peach event. Hosted by our dear friends, Sharon and Jason Romano, developers of a stunning place near Overton known as High Hill Resort Community, what could be more appropriate than to celebrate their annual peach-themed dinner extravaganza!
Bushels of peaches from local growers arrived at their doorstep a few days prior to the dinner. The restaurant’s chef had already created the menu so preparations for feeding 64 guests went immediately into action.
At 6:00pm diners were welcomed to their seats and the “peachy” feast began. Please enjoy reading through the menu and viewing photos of a masterfully curated “Philley Peach Dinner”. Congratulations to Executive Chef, Ryan Dove, and Sous Chef, Matt Frazier, for treating us to a truly memorable event!
And thanks to our friends for sending us back to Dallas with 2 bushels of those summer jewels from east Texas!
Here is a short list of several recipes we will be enjoying over the next few weeks:
Surprise Lily-The interesting thing about the name of this lily is that I was the one met with a surprise – in my own back yard!
Just a few days ago, with the temperature hovering around 93 degrees, I decided to run the sprinkler system in my raised edible bed. It was a hot afternoon and overspray from the system felt good hitting me in the face, so I sat down on a bench and waited for it to complete the cycle. Interestingly, something in the blue blooming salvia bed just to my right side kept catching my eye. Curious to figure out “why” a single, and very lovely, pale pink flower was peeking out at me, I got up, walked a few steps and stared in amazement.
Gently pushing back some of the ‘black and blue’ salvias that had been growing in that spot for over 5 years, was the most unexpected sight. Droplets from the sprinkler that had just watered that area were gracefully clinging to the petals and seemed to be inviting me to come closer and take a look. What was this mysterious plant that I had never even noticed in the 19 years we’ve lived here?
After taking a few photos with my iPhone and then doing a quick plant search, the answer was revealed to me. I was pleased to learn that the botanical name Lycoris, is from plants in the Amaryllis family. Some of their common names, however (resurrection flower, surprise lily and magic lily) refer to the trumpet-shaped blooms that resemble lilies. Also known as ‘naked ladies’ for the absence of leaves, these striking lilies start blooming around the end of July. She almost looked like a flamingo standing stiff-legged in my garden bed. I wanted to learn more about her!
Lycoris includes around 20 different species found in China, Japan and a few other Asian countries. However, the tall, pink flowered Lycoris x squamigera is the most common in American gardens. If you are interested in growing this lovely, delicate pink lady, here are a few tips to get started:
*The surprise lily is a perennial bulb in the Amaryllis family and is the hardiest of all the plants in the Lycoris species.
*Bulbs are about 3 inches in diameter with long necks that can persist for many years once established.
*Lycoris prefer full sun to partial shade.
*When planting, bury bulbs to a depth of 8 to 12 inches, spacing them 6 inches apart.
*They grow best in well-drained, fertile soils.
*Foliage emerges in late winter to early spring. Silvery gray greenish strap-like leaves measure 12 inches long and 1 inch wide. They grow in clumps.
*Foliage dies away in late spring followed by the late summer “surprise” lily that emerges like magic and produces 5-7 four-inch pale pink trumpet-like blooms atop the 2-foot tall stalks.
*Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the fragrant flowers.
Now that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this remarkable lady, I’ll be especially watchful next spring while awaiting her return!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
My photographic adventure into the bloom-filled world of crape myrtle’s was joyful. They can be enjoyed, literally, everywhere you look. Hopefully, you will grow in your appreciation of these wonderful southern icons as much as I have over the past three weeks. Take time to admire their beauty while driving around the neighborhoods, parks, shopping centers and roadways of Dallas. May you be blessed with a moment of happiness while viewing my ‘Grand Finale’ of panoramic crape myrtle treasures!
Lush greenery and blooming white crape myrtle trees along turtle creekPretty In Pink Puts A Smile On Your Face A Border Of Fiery, Red Crape Myrtle’s – Van Alystene, TXMy Favorite ‘Canopy’ Photo Was Of This Big, Beautiful Lavender Crape Myrtle On The Children’s Playground At A Local Day SchoolAn intriguing combination – from two different environments
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Crape Myrtles are not native plants, but we take our opinion from the bumper sticker, “Not a native Texan but got here as fast as I could.” Crape Myrtles fit in with Texas water wise goals and some say that crape myrtles are a beneficial nectar and pollen source for honeybees, especially the lavender flowered varieties. The flowers, the fall color, the beautiful bark enhance Texas landscapes and many Texas gardeners, like me, embrace them.
Ann Lamb, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2005
Travel with me for a few minutes and you’ll understand why!
A long, long time ago (over 1,000 years or more) in a far away land (China) a lovely little ornamental tree was discovered. It was given the name “Pai Jih Hung” meaning hundred days red for its beautiful color and long bloom season. While another name sometimes used is “monkey tree”, monkeys could not climb the smooth, slippery trunks but, perhaps, they never stopped trying. Today we know it as the very familiar “Crape Myrtle”! (Lagerstroemia indica)
A lovely white crape myrtle at Raincatcher’s Garden is allowed to grow naturally
Over time, Crape Myrtles made their way to England and then around 1790 they were introduced to the United States. Cultivation has continued for over two centuries. The oldest known crape myrtle was planted in 1790 and is still blooming in Charleston, South Carolina.
And what about the spelling? Is it crepe or crape? Depending on the source, you’ll find it spelled either way. So, let’s move forward with “crape”. And the next question to answer is in regard to the meaning behind the name. There are more explanations than you can imagine but here is one that seems to offer a nice horticultural fit: the shedding bark is as thin as crepe paper and as crispy and curled as French crepes. Beyond that, the internet offers a lengthy list of botanical research that you might want to explore. For now, let’s just enjoy the beauty of these colorful trees that can be found blooming in the metroplex and throughout the southern United States.
From vibrant, fiery reds to a wide spectrum of pinks and luscious lavenders, crape myrtle flowers add a stunning splash of color to landscapes during the summer months. (All photos were taken within the metroplex over the previous two-week period.) Numerous stops along the way included everything from residential yards to churches, schools, and commercial sites.
Driving along the North Dallas Tollway, colorful blooms draping over unattractive concrete walls transformed the otherwise dull and drab roadway into something spectacular. (FYI…my husband was driving while I quickly snapped as many pictures as possible!) Crowded parking lots at grocery stores, restaurants, banks and drive-throughs seemed to share in the showy parade of magnificent color!
So, please enjoy my ‘necessary distraction’ of photos featuring a vast and diverse display of crape myrtles dotting the metroplex. These lovely trees provide interest and appeal whether used as a single specimen, in groupings of three, defining driveways or providing a privacy screen outside fences. They are especially striking when featured flanking stone walkways and steps in expansive landscapes.
From tiny bungalows to homes with rambling landscapes covering several acres, crape myrtles are ready to grace the south with their glory. Let’s celebrate this beautiful explosion of color gifted to us seasonally by the elegance of crape myrtle trees!
A few observations to share:
*Symbolism – While their crinkled flowers have a rich history, they are typically associated with marriage, chastity, good luck and prosperity.
*Placement – Crape myrtles thrive when planted in full sun and with ample space to grow and develop a large canopy. (However, as you can see from several photos, it is very common to see them planted in groupings of “three” which eventually become one giant canopy).
*Most used color – White, then pink, followed by lavender and finally that vibrant watermelon red. (My personal favorite, for now, is lavender)
*Most creative display – Crapes and Cactus! Not something that I would think to use together but in this setting it created an intriguing touch of drama. Very effective!
WHITE
Never mind all the wires, this cascading line of white crape myrtles is an eye-catcherSentinels on Guard! Attention, Salute!Three-In-A-Row For Drive-Up Drama! A single trunk spectacleA burgandy-leaved white crape myrtle adds bold color to the Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills
PINK
Nestled in the corner of a wooded lot, this pale pink crape myrtle adds a little sparkle to the backdrop of greeneryPretty in Pink Along the FenceDeep Pink Crape Myrtle in a Shopping CenterA Welcoming Entrance of Three Crape Mayrtles at Grace Bible Church
LAVENDER
A Manicured Evergreen Hedge Provides Structure For This Grouping Of Lavender Crape Myrtle’sKeep Your Eyes On The Wheel When Sneaking A Peek At This Lavender Crape Myrtle In The Median On Midway RoadThis Lavender Crape Myrtle at the Entrance to a Local Children’s School is My Favorite ‘Canopy’ Photo“Stop And Stare” – This Stunning Lavender Crape Myrtle Is Electrifying Against The Azure Blue SkyA Drool Worthy Lavender Crape Myrtle In Bluffview
RED
Hopefully, Whoever Builds On This Vacant Lot Will Include This Lonely Red Crape Myrtle In Their PlansWelcome To The SMU Campus!Red, White and Blue, We Celebrate You.Just A Quick Stop Was Made To Capture This Pretty Grouping Of Red Crape Myrtle’s On Inwood RoadMesmerizing!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
There is something transformative about walking under an arbor. It is a marker for some kind of change, possibly an entrance to a new space, or a transition from one area to another— One thing for sure, is that an arbor sets the space apart. Arbors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. It’s difficult to understand all the work that goes into putting up an arbor–Only when you see it unfold before your very eyes will you fully see the scope of the project. Thanks to all who take the time, make the plans, and see it to its final position in the garden.
At Raincatcher’s we’ve been reworking an arbor that was first constructed in 2012 as an Eagle Scout Project at Joe Field, a previous Dallas County Master Gardeners site. changes came and we relocated in November of 2014 to Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills. It was reassembled at the entrance to the North Field Pollinator Garden in 2015.
Arbor reassambled late 2015, notice the stark contrast between these 2 pictures. Our pollinator garden was just beginning.The 2015 pollinator friendly arbor with crossvine flurishing on the right and coral honeysuckle on the right.
This arbor served faithfully for several years, supporting multiple kinds of vines, such as passion vine (host plant for gulf fritillary butterfly), crossvine, coral honeysuckle and others added a touch of shade, some color, and best of all, the attraction of pollinators. In 2024(after about 12 years), the elements contributed to the deterioration of portion of the structure. Some of the original posts remained and were used in the new arbor.
Dallas County Master Gardeners and Raincatcher’s project specialists, Jon Maxwell (class of 2015 and Joe Labay (class of 2008) put a redo of this arbor on the to-do list. . Work began in January 2025 – first, devising a plan, then acquiring materials, and then came execution. This entailed many little things that made big differences, such as , measuring twice, or 3x if needed, so they cut once; leveling the wood and adjusting yet again. The original design was enhanced for functional and aesthetic purposes, the base was reinforced in concrete to better withstand the weather; more slats were added to the top, and the posts and beams leveled and adjusted numerous times.
Teamwork in action as speacialists measure and asemble the new arbor at Raincatcher’s.One more step in arbor reconstruction with the goal of enhancing our garden.Jon and Joe, our dedicated volunteers!
It was meticulously assembled after measuring, sanding, painting and placement. Finishing touches included grading the walkway, mulching, adding decomposed granite, placing stepping stones and adding a brick border to complete this garden work of Art. The project took about 5 months, partially due to only meeting once a week on Tuesday mornings. At times, other issues took precedence, or weather altered plans. It has been well worth the wait!
Interns assisted Jon and Joe with border and stone placement around entrance.Awaiting the finishing touches-decomposed granite, stepping stones and the brick border.Voila! French for Texan speak – here it is!
We at Raincatcher’s are grateful for the commitment and expertise of Jon and Joe to make this beautiful arbor a reality.
It is a statement piece that welcomes everyone to walk under it and into a pollinator paradise. Come and stroll through the garden and check it out! We have workers at the garden on Monday mornings and Tuesday mornings; pollinators are more frequent. See you soon!
Starla Willis, DCMG class 2011, Jon Maxwell, class 2015, and Joe Labay class of 2008
Constructive tips:
* Use the best quality materials you can afford. The better the materials, the longer it is likely to last. Cedar is a better choice than treated lumber. Treated lumber, especially the 4×4 posts tend to warp badly unless thoroughly dry, which are hard to find at the box stores. Cedar, while more expensive, will last longer and will not warp. If treated lumber is chosen based on cost, be sure to prime and stain it immediately upon installation.
* Using materials from the existing arbor may save on the costs, but not necessarily time.
* Plan on it taking longer than you expect —projects have a way of evolving.
Starla Willis, DCMG class of 2011, Jon Maxwell, class of 2015, and Joe LeBay class of 20
Meet the 2025 Pollinator of the year, the Hoary squash bee.
As much as I love bees, the squash bee has escaped my notice. Thankfully, pollinator.org has selected this bee as its 2025 pollinator of the year.
Honey bees are generalists while squash bees rely almost exclusively on squash and gourd pollen to feed their young. They are expert foragers on the squash blossoms of pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, zucchini and gourds of the Cucurbita Family.
Squash bees are large and bulky like bumblebees, but are more similar to honeybees in their coloring. Compared to honeybees, they have rounder faces and longer antennae.
Sunrise is the best time to be in our Texas gardens and that’s when you might find a male squash bee darting from squash flower to squash flower in search of mates. The females are busy pollinating and build undergound tunnels to store squash pollen and nectar for their offspring.
Why do we need to focus on pollinators?
Our efforts make a difference, and pollinators need our support. I have read that one in three bites of food can be attributed to the work of our pollinators. There is a lack of interest in backyard biodiversity and planting to provide for pollinators. Miles of boxwood bushes and plastic lawns do nothing for bees or butterflies. Even flowers like periwinkles do not provide pollen, so we need to be more intentional and protective of pollinators and select and provide for them. Doug Tallamy reminds us” plants are not just for decoration, plants are vital ecological entities that do so many things.”
Start small, your backyard can become an oasis for you and our pollinators. If you need help, call a Master Gardener or visit our garden, The Raincatcher’s Garden, at 11001 Midway Road in Dallas. There are many good books and native plant lists available.
Ann Lamb, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2005
To learn more about honeybees, one of our favorite pollinators, buzz over these articles.
The famous words refer of course not to a person but to the V8 Ford. Just out for a bit of fast driving–those were different days–gas was so cheap and all and the roads less crowded. But now the lesson. The Ford going as fast as it can is passed by Madeline in a Coupe deVille!!
Let’s leave it there for a bit.We need to get back to gardening
In your work at the Master Gardener projects do you get the feeling you must work hard non stop. Do you feel like you couldn’t possibly enter hours for volunteering which weren’t totally filled with your hard best effort?
Lisa collecting seedsVolunteer hard at work in The Raincatcher’s Vegetable GardenJoe and Jon constructing the Raincatcher’s pergola
Do you ever feel that no matter how hard you are working its not quite good enough and maybe others are working harder–or better?
Do you ever feel that even though you do feel you are working hard that what still needs doing seems endless?
Master Gardeners hard at work, tending to the compost.Dedication, hard work and nurturing!Garden labor makes a difference.
Is there ever a feeling of discouragement that creeps in before you even start to work ?
Sometimes we need to take a step back and do a little thinking.
We all need to find fun and joy in your garden work or honestly what is the point?
We need to work hard–yes! But we also need to take little breaks. Sure we need to rest or backs–and knees –and hips–we could go on and on. But also to rest our minds and spirits. We need to take time to connect with our friends–and maybe make some new ones. We need to look around and forget about the weeds for a few minutes and see the beauty and the good things.
Alot needs doing–it does but chances are those things aren’t going anywhere–take time to think about what has been done. Realize and appreciate that our work makes a difference to the garden–to others–and to ourselves.
The physical breaks are essential. The mental ones are too.
Sharing the joy of new plants.Lunchtime at the garden!Master Gardeners taking a well deserved break!
Without breaks–without connection to others–without appreciate and joy the whole point of gardening is lost.
With these breaks we can keep going while avoiding unnecessary injury or worse yet–burnout.
We all know people that it has happened to. Let’s not let it happen to us
Naturally we must end by going back to the V8 Ford.
Remember what happened–a little break–a little water–and ” she caught Madeline at the top of the hill”
Now we cant go too far with this lesson.
Madeline sounds like a bad girl who isn’t going to change so the catching may be a waste–all the Ford’s hard work too.
But we can change we can take time to rest-recharge–rethink-and keep the joy in gardening and in our lives.
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
It happens every season. Our gardens give us a show-stopping presentation and then, poof, it’s over! So, what’s a good way to prepare for the transition? My advice, let the garden inspire you.
How about an artful arrangement of garden gifts for a dinner party buffet centerpiece?
A simple white ceramic pitcher was the perfect vessel for displaying the following “end of season” blossoms and greenery. Once completed, it had become a tapestry of seasonal beauty.
Cilantro in its “bolting” stage, curly and flat-leaf parsley, radish leaves, beet leaves, cornflower (bachelor’s buttons) and lots of blooming oregano stems for “filler”. A sprinkling of German Chamomile lightened the look. Guests were mesmerized by the natural beauty that a “fresh from the garden” look offered. Some couldn’t resist sampling a few sprigs!
A few days following our buffet dinner, the delightful arrangement was carried outside to be composted. As one master gardener remarked, “this is liquid gold for the compost bin!” I agree!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 