We are enjoying the mild weather and it appears the vegetables are too. Last year was productive both in vegetables donated and new lessons learned. We came pretty close to doubling our yield from the previous year (from 966 to 1833).
The tatume squash was the star producer with 727 pounds donated to North Dallas Shared Ministries. We would have had more but the stink bugs cut the harvest short by a few weeks.
We left a large volunteer hybrid squash in place as a trap crop for squash vine borers. An infestation of stink bugs quickly followed the borers on this weakened plant and spread to the tatume despite our best efforts to control them. This led to the early demise of our tatume plants and many long sessions of spraying soapy water to rid the garden of stink bugs. We are grateful to the Master Gardener interns and new volunteers who kept working with us despite this challenging (and frankly, gross, infestation).
The best advice for controlling stink bugs in small gardens is to remove the eggs and nymphs as soon as they can be found. They can be brushed off into soapy water or vacuumed. We missed some early opportunities but ultimately were able to get it under control in time for fall vegetables.
Image of brown marmorated stink bug eggs and nymphs from stopbmsb.org
Learning to identify stink bug eggs and nymphsTatume squash harvest in JuneCrop loss in July
Beverly Allen, Dallas County Master Gardener class of 2018
Location: The Raincatcher’s Garden at Midway Hills Christian Church,11001 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas 75229
Thursday, May 1st, 2025
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.
Music in shops–usually just more noise to be ignored—but then, just every now and again a line from a song provides a useful and welcome bit of advice. A helpful insight for the volunteer gardener.
It can happen that for this volunteer a sneaking feeling that all is not well–a creeping feeling of discontent appears and can grow and affect every hour in the garden. A feeling that the task is too big just too much. And the reward–where is it??? Why aren’t there more volunteers? Does anyone see what I am doing–much less care or appreciate it??
Sadly once this happens –if nothing changes–the next step can be a vanished volunteer.
What needs to change?
The basic situation isn’t going to change. Garden work can be hard and it can be repetitive. Weeds come back without fail. Treasured flowers and veg can seemingly fail for no apparent reason. Add in garden tours to be led, fundraisers, plant sales,and extra work days- all need volunteers and they seem to come around way too often.
So what to do. Everyone has heard it but now its time to believe it. The situation is the same–the response to it that’s different-it can change–a lot–and for the better.
Take a step back and think clearly don’t just react. Remember respond don’t react.
Maybe part of it is listening to a lot of talk of self care. One thing often mentioned is just saying no to requests for help. And of course no one can say yes to everything.
We must take time for ourselves and our own homes and gardens.
But don’t lose sight of the personal benefits of helping either. There are friendships and connections–yes we may have to work on them but its valuable work.
We all want our communities to be better–greener–safer for plants wildlife –and ourselves.
Plant sales and garden tours–well those aren’t just things to get through–they can make a difference. If just a few people learn about plants that will grow and provide help for the bees and butterflies–isn’t that valuable.. If people learn that insects are the foundation of life on earth and they can help protect them, that is your time well spent. If you help a child develop a love for living things not a fear–well what could be better–that is the highest form of self care.
Starla’s niece with cicadaLinda teaching the butterfly life cycleIntroduction to an insectStarla’s son long ago with butterfly
Can you save the earth? No you cannot–but can you make your part of the world a little better? Yes, you can and you make yourself a little better with the time and effort.
We can’t wait for all the others who should be there helping.. Those others that should be appreciating us more. Give them time!! But for now–
We ARE THE PEOPLE WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR
Many hands make light workVolunteers planting a treeOn their knees, hard at workEnthusaiastic Raincatcher’s volunteers
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Join us at the garden, 11001 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas 75229 on the grounds of Midway Hills Christain Church. Our work days are Monday mornings and Tuesday mornings. This is a Dallas County Master Gardener approved project.
This bit of wisdom came by way of what seems an unexpected source. It was a great many years ago now–in a cartoon a FELIX THE CAT cartoon that was most likely old even then. Thinking back it was a strange cartoon not really designed for children at all. But that hardly matters at all.
Wisdom comes in many ways and forms and can make a lasting impression–so maybe it was a good thing for children–after all wisdom is useful to everyone. Once its firmly in one’s mind it can be called upon when most needed.
It turns out it’s needed now–by gardeners at least. This can be a discouraging time in the garden. Sure its great to have lots of perennials and if you try to remember–they were lovely pretty and then there were bees and butterflies. And the summer and fall were sure improved by the blooming annuals. Oh but now –just how many dead stalks did all that beauty leave behind–sadly alot!! And no way are they lovely now in fact they are awful.
It’s time for the big cutback!!! This just isn’t a happy thought. Let’s face it –its a very unhappy thought. It can seem overwhelming when you look at the whole thing–just too much hard to face.
All gardeners know it has to be done. The health and beauty of the plants require it and there is an absolute need to tidy things up. All the hoped for winter beauty of seed heads and such–its done stalks are falling over and there just isn’t anything pretty about it.
Don’t despair–this is where the wisdom of FELIX THE CAT comes in.
Take a step back from the whole situation. It all doesn’t have to be done at once–more than likely it just can’t be. Just get started–get out the clippers and loppers and sturdy gloves–make it as pleasant for yourself as possible.
Then remember INCH BT INCH. It will get done. You will be happy and justifiably proud of your accomplishment.
Cutting back lots and lots of dead stems just isn’t fun.. That doesn’t mean you can’t get some pleasure from the process.
Take breaks look at what you have done congratulate yourself!!
Look for signs of life among the dead stalks. Remember how valuable your work is. The Spring annuals and the bulbs can’t possibly look good if the garden isn’t ready for them.
Keep saying to yourself inch by inch–and yard by yard–will happen!!
So many dead stems that have to go-It’s a bit discouraging, no way around it.And still more to go!This grass is showing signs of lifeYes, there are weeds but then a baby poppy.Look the Narcissus arae returning.A stem can look very dead but a little plant can be growing from the roots, remember our plant sale is coming.This didn’t look promising but now there are tiny plants. Let’s see what happens.Wonderful baby Larkspur!
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills 11001 Midway Rd, Dallas, TX 75229 Classroom 1, North Church Building 10-11 AM, Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Join us for a practical and informative class on maintaining your investment in your garden tools taught by Tim Allsup, an experienced and knowledgeable garden volunteer.
Rusted clippers? Dull loppers? Broken shovel handle? Tim can help you learn how to repair, restore and protect your tools in anticipation of spring garden tasks ahead.
To find the class, please enter the Midway Hills Christian Church campus from the south drive, follow the signs and park in the west parking lot. Enter the south building through the courtyard. The Community Hall is on your right.
Lisa Centala, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2010
The first week of January was warm—high temperature in the 60’s, maybe even higher. But, this is Texas. Give it a little time and the weather will change.
Weather reports started warning of incoming weather –COLD TO VERY COLD.
And, our tomatoes are still blooming and setting fruit, but not ripening. What should we do? In the past, we’ve harvested the green tomatoes and put them in a cool dark place (under the bed was one suggestion) or we could just let them freeze and use them in the compost bin.
We had five plants. I remembered one year Dorothy Shockley, a fellow Master Gardener at Raincatcher’s RED Garden had inviterd us to her home to take care of that year’s abundant crop of green tomatoes. She had a recipe for B&B CHOW CHOW (also know n as Cool Point Relish in Louisiana). It was the same pickled green tomatoes I had eaten with my fried catfish years ago, but never knew how to make it. Dorothy shared her recipe and I dug it out of my files.
When Roger & I started picking, we didn’t know if we would have enough green tomatoes to make a batch. Not to worry—we had 10 pounds of varying sizes, some beginning to blush, but most were green rocks.
Cindy and green tomatoes!
We went to the store to purchase the rest of the ingredients: onions, jalapenos, white vinegar, more sugar, canning lids. I already had jars and rings in the pantry.
After a couple of false starts at preparation (I’m not as young as I used to be) we got our batch of chow-chow jarred and ready to refrigerate .We even saved the excess picking solution per Dorothy’s recommendation to use with cucumbers and other salad ingredients.
Personally I like this solution better than lemonade.
Bon Appetite!
Cindy Bicking, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2006
Raincatchers’ Garden chose Obession Nandinas to co-exist with established Crepe Myrtles that have a darker leaf and white blooms. These two plants provide an attractive, easy to maintain small area within our garden, and provide a colorful treat for the eye throughout their growing season. Our plantings flank our shade pavilion located in the northwest corner of our north garden.
Glowing vibrant red in the spring and summer, Obsession™ Nandina is visually appealing, and it is also easy to grow, even for beginners. An upright, compact, dense grower, Obsession offers richer color than ordinary nandinas and is non-invasive.
With its vibrant foliage and compact form, Obsession Nandina adds texture and color to any landscape. It thrives in various growing conditions and adapts to full sun and partial shade. Whether you aim to create a colorful border, enhance a foundation planting, or beautify a patio or balcony, Obsession Nandina is up for the task. Best of all, Obsession Nandina is deer-resistant!
Ideal growing conditions for the Obsession Nandina shrub include well-drained soil and regular watering, especially during hot summer months, though you’ll find the water-wise Obsession to have low water needs once established.
This low-maintenance plant also doesn’t require frequent fertilizing, making it an excellent choice for those with busy schedules. If you wish, feed your Obsession Nandina once per year in early spring.
You can selectively prune to shape your nandina shrub prune in late winter or early spring according to your preference, but Obsession Nandina doesn’t require pruning to stay compact. When pruning, remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or overcrowded stems.
Bloom/Feature Bright red new growth
Evergreen or Deciduous? Evergreen
Plant HardinessHardy to -10°F to 0°F
Key FeaturesDeer Resistant, Disease / Pest Resistance, Water-wise, Winter / Floweing Season
Fall Foliage Color None
UsesAccent, Container, Mass Planting, Slope
Water Needs Medium
FertilizeYearly in early spring
PruningNone Needed*
Planting Instructions
• Water before planting • Plant in location that receives partial sun to shade • Dig hole 2X the width of pot • Plant 1-2″ above ground soil level, backfill hole with soil • Water deeply to settle, then add more soil if needed • Mulch 1-2″ deep around plant, avoiding area closest to stem
*If pruning is desired for shape, remember to cut the offending branches at ground level, not from the crown of the plant.
Information above is from Southern Living Plant Collection.
Here we are in January–its cold and can be dark and gloomy. So how to appreciate it?
January is named for the great Roman God Janus. This God could look to the front and to the back–seeing both the past and the future–thats a lot right? But really his powers were far greater. Janus was a God of practical importance. When asked by mere mortals assistance could be given to turn dreams into reality. Janus had the power to help the followers to see and understand what actions were needed to recognize an abstract goal and take the necessary actions to make it real.
There seem to have been other powers but those seem quite enough for us to think about in this time of the year that can seem a bit bleak.
In fact it seems very possible that Janus was fond of gardening and was able to use the powers to make gardeners happier.
Well it is hard to say it was all a very long time ago now–but some things don’t change. We want things to be brighter and more cheerful. we know we can’t just wait for it to happen–its up to us–we are going to have to be inspired by ancient wisdom but we are the ones who must make it happen. OK lets turn the idea “make things brighter” into action to make it so. Remember–no just hoping for a good day–make it a good day!
Let’s decide on what to do:
Go and pick some of the lettuce and arugula in the garden make and enjoy a salad–delicious and healthy too.
Take a walk around the yard–Yes its cold but the hellebores are starting to bloom but you will never know unless you go out and look. Winter honeysuckle is covered in lovely white flowers a treat for people and bees but again it requires a good close look those flowers are beautiful but they are small.
Houseplants are right there for enjoyment. Don’t take them for granted and let them become just part of the furniture. Of course do the routine care but take the time to really look closely they will appreciate it and you will reap the benefits. Even the most common of the plants are amazing on close inspection.
Even January can be a wonderful time for gardeners. Lets learn from Janus and take action to make it so!
Enjoy every bloom of the Christmas Cactus!Eveyone including the bees can enjoy the pretty flowers of winter honey suckle. If you have orchids, apppreciate the amazing long lasting flowers.Growing lettuce just makes good sense. It is delicious and healthy.Arugula doesn’t give up and neither should you.Begonias are very easy to grow and not boring!Foliage plants are worth a careful look.What a treat; the Hellebores are starting to bloom.
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
First some good news; the persimmons that we are featuring won’t cause you to pucker up after taking a bite. These are locally grown, non-astringent Fuyu persimmons that have been ripening on the tree for the last few weeks. Honestly, they are sweet, delicious and ready to enjoy plucked straight from the tree. We’ve also included a few recipes that might convince you to become a persimmon enthusiast, as well!
A few weeks ago, I received a message from Susan Thornbury, a master gardener friend. We went through the Dallas County Master Gardener program together in 2008 and have volunteered at the same demonstration garden since that time. Susan’s message to me was delivered in the form of a special gift. Knowing how much I really like persimmons, she graciously shared over 25 juicy, ripe Fuyu persimmons with me from the tree in her backyard. I was thrilled to have them just in time for a big autumn bread baking project.
Anxious to see Susan’s tree, I headed over to her house a few weeks ago. We had a lovely visit sitting on a bench under her spectacular persimmon tree. Here a few things I asked Susan about persimmons.
Where and when did you find your persimmon tree?
“I found it about 12 years ago at North Haven gardens. It was in a 5 gallon pot and approximately 2 – 3 feet tall. I planted it in a full sun area of my backyard.”
When does the fruit appear?
“Hard, green orbs start appearing after flowering and continue developing until early fall. Persimmons are usually ready to be picked in early to mid-November.”
Approximately, how many persimmons does it produce during the season?
“Each year is different. Last year (2023) there was hardly any. This year, I’ve harvested over 200 beautiful persimmons.”
How do you pick the persimmons at the top of your 12’ tall tree?
“Well, the persimmons on those upper branches get harvested by the opossums. That’s my gift to them!”
Susan has a totally organic garden and doesn’t worry about fertilizing her persimmon tree other than with fresh compost from her bins, as needed. It has been a fairly low maintenance tree that sparkles with a beautiful display of colorful leaves each autumn.
If you are ready to add a jewel of a tree to your yard, here is some helpful information to get you started.
Fuyu persimmon trees (Diospyros kaki) bear a glowing, yellow-orange fruit that is sweet and filled with flavor once the color appears. In zone 8 look for fruits in mid-October that transition to a glowing orange. Be patient when planting a small seedling as it can take several years to bear fruit. Irrigate regularly, especially during the early years when it is getting established.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-1
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Type: Rich, Well-drained
Water Requirements: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Height: 20 – 30 feet
Bloom Time: Spring
Fruit Size: 2’ – 3’ across
Flower Color: Creamy white, pink
Resistant To: Heat, drought
Plant Spacing 20+ feet
The best reason for growing a Fuyu persimmon tree in your yard is for the abundance of sweet, non-astringent fruit. Enjoy persimmons fresh from the tree or in jams, jellies, puddings, breads, cookies and salads. Here are three of our very favorite persimmon recipes but, don’t tell, as they will be part of my Christmas gift giving this year!
Linda Alexander and Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardeners class of 2008
In observance of National Cookie Day yesterday we included a arecipe for Persimmon Cookies made with fresh persimmons from Susan’s tree.
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 