Dedember 20, 2024
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Christmas Crack by Susan
Double Lemon Thumbprint Cookies by Jackie
Lemon Parmessan Artichoke Bottoms by Dorothy Note: Dorothy substitutes chopped jalepeno instead of lemon
“Pucker Up” and Enjoy Persimmon Season
December 5, 2024
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.
Spiced Persimmon Bread with Honey and Ginger
ARUGULA 101 NO MAKE THAT ARUGULA 102
November 27, 2024
Winter may be coming on but gardeners never give up—opportunities are out there iif we look. After all this is an important time to protect against the horrible germs and viruses that WE don’t spread around—-but “the others” do.
We need healthy food—vitamins and antioxidants to protect against dangers lurking everywhere.
Gardening opportunities—need for healthy food. Its perfectly clear how these things go together —grow arugula—in your own yard where you can eat it every day. It is loaded with the vitamins and minerals and antioxidants we want and need and—it honestly wants to grow here—and this is the time it grows best. We are talking now about salad arugula or garden arugula.
Its Latin name is Eruca Sativa. This is important to know when you are buying seeds or plants and this is the plant you want to grow—keep it in mind for later. This is the peppery green most often found in spring mixes available at the store. Just as the mixes contain lots of different greens you need to plan on mixing your arugula with hopefully—homegrown lettuce for salad. Pick your plants early and often using the outer leaves—the plant will just keep growing.
Salad arugula is very heat sensitive and will bolt but don’t worry the unusual and pretty flowers are great in salad and let some go to seed you will have new plants to use.. When it does get hot the seeds just stay in the ground and come up when conditions suit them you can have arugula for years.
Of course winter isn’t the only season for healthy eating. Once you realize how useful your salad arugula is—you want more you want some in summer too.
There is a plant for that! Amazingly it is called Wild or Rustic or Italian Arugula. However it isn’t arugula really it actually isn’t closely related to salad arugula although the taste is similar.
It’s Latin name is Diplotaxix Tenuifolia it is a brassica but it is a perennial native to the Mediterranean. It is far more heat tolerant and uses lots less water. So although it is a very different plant it is a very good thing.
A little in salad—especially the very young leaves will be fine. It’s flavor can be fairly intense so use carefully. Its wonderful for sandwiches no mustard needed!
For a real treat pick a nice bunch chop and dress lightly with olive oil and vinegar—pile on to a nice cheese pizza just out of the oven—you won’t be sorry.
So two different plants both called arugula and both so welcome in the kitchen garden.
Both arugula flowers pictured above are beautiful and edible and great for bees and small butterflies, however they are very different. Both plants are called arugula and we are going to acecept that and grow them both!
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
I Think That I Shall Never See…A Poem As Lovely As A Tree
November 25, 2024
Just a little over 18 years ago, my husband and I moved into our home on Shadywood Lane. Charles Dilbeck built the Monterey Ranch style one story house for the Runyan family in 1948. The 77 year old property was, and still is, filled with a wonderful assortment of mature trees, shrubs, perennials and evergreens.
Fourteen large magnolias, seven majestic red oaks, four stately live oaks, two towering cedar elms, a half dozen American elms, pecans, yaupons, dogwoods, Texas mountain laurel, cherry laurels, hackberries and redbuds were planted long before we arrived. But one magnificent red oak tree in the backyard was our favorite. Standing at over 40 feet tall along with a canopy spreading out over 40 feet in diameter, it provided an abundant covering of shade for our backyard. Under its protective branches were lovely Japanese maples, three Chindo viburnums and a large bed of endless summer hydrangeas. And then, the story changed.
Rushing outside to try and understand what had just happened, I was stunned to see the damage. Over one third of the canopy was gone. We would need a professional tree company to remove the limb and evaluate the overall condition of the tree. The tree was treated for insect damage, and we moved forward.
And then another chapter with our majestic red oak unfolded just a few months ago. On September 2nd, labor day, very early in the morning, an even larger limb snapped and crashed to the ground. Thankfully, no one was outside when it fell across the driveway and onto the guest house. Our youngest son was kind enough to rush over and cut the limb into smaller pieces so that we could get our vehicles out of the garage. Completing the task of cutting the limb into more manageable pieces for bulky trash pickup took two guys almost three hours.
With only half of the original canopy remaining, we decided to bring in an arborist to assess the condition of the tree. At over 80 years old, a difficult decision was unanimously reached to have the beautiful old red oak taken down completely. Alex, the arborist, carefully explained that there were simply too many issues involving the overall health of the tree to treat it. The most important consideration was related to safety. The tree was leaning too far in one direction and would totally destroy our small guest house if it fell over or, even worse, hurt a family member or anyone else who happened to be in the backyard.
Our affection for the old tree had grown immensely over the years. We loved the amount of shade it provided when the grandkids came over to play games in the backyard. Summer picnics and dinner around the firepit wouldn’t have been possible without its lush canopy shielding us from the scorching sun as it moved across the sky. In a fleeting moment the microclimate transitioned from lush, dappled shade to full sun.
As the arborist recommended, we would need to select a different variety of tree and move the placement approximately 6-8 feet away from where the majestic, old, red oak stood. The next step was to visit to a local tree farm. Fortunately, our family had lived next to the Fannin’s of Fannin Tree Farm over 35 years ago so after a quick call, we scheduled an appointment to visit their retail facility on Highway 121. A decision had already been made to replace the oak with a cedar elm. Touring their inventory of wonderful trees gave us many options. Here is the cedar elm we selected. My husband is 6’ 4” which gives a better perspective on the size of the tree.
With some hesitancy, we scheduled the removal of our old red oak for Monday, September 21st. It was a two-day event which included several nail-biting moments of suspense. Starting with the remaining canopy, branches were very strategically roped and secured before any cutting began. Watching the four men maneuver their way around the tree was truly amazing. With each ‘tug’ of the rope, they carefully orchestrated the exact spot where the falling limb would land. Nothing on the ground was damaged due to the safety measures that were kept in place.
Once completed, stump grinding was next on the agenda. It took over four hours to slowly and carefully remove the remainder of the tree. And then, it was completely gone. I stood silent for a moment and tried to imagine it still standing there, beautiful and thriving for over 80+ years. Whispering a soft prayer of thankfulness for the joy we had received over the years, my eyes opened to an empty landscape filled with new possibilities. Now It was time to move forward with a renewed hope about our next adventure.
Installation of the 18’ tall cedar elm was an incredible experience. The challenge of bringing it down our rather tight and winding back driveway took a measured amount of skill. The crew sent to do our installation amazed me with their ability to lift and place the tree at just the right angle in the pre-dug hole. A few tweaks of the chain positioned it for maximum beauty.
We are adjusting to the new tree a little better than expected. But there are times when I find myself reminiscing about the beautiful canopy of the old red oak that we benefited from and enjoyed immensely for over 18 years. Treasured memories of that majestic tree are still in my heart and will remain there for a lifetime. But, thankfully now, Joyce Kilmer’s lovely tree poem has spoken to me once again!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener, Class of 2008
The Paw Paw Tree
November8, 2024
Where, Oh Where is Dear Little Susie?
(Answer: She’s Way Down Yonder in the Paw Paw Patch)
Where, Oh Where is Dear Little Susie?
(Answer: She’s Way Down Yonder in the Paw Paw Patch)
Four years ago (Spring 2020) two small Paw Paw trees were planted in the Raincatcher’s
Garden of Midway Hills Edible Landscape. As advised by the grower in Florida, we ordered two
different varieties to ensure cross-pollination and fruit set; Collins Select and Eastern Seedling.
At planting time, they were about 18” tall. Now, four years later our little trees are continuing to grow and have reached over 5 feet in height.
However, what we have yet to experience are those vibrant, maroon-colored spring blossoms.
Patience, according to the growth characteristics of paw paws, will need to be exercised for a few more years. In other words, if we consider the projected time frame for fruit production, a range of five to eight years is to be expected. Waiting will be a challenge but, hopefully, we’ve done all the right things to get our trees started on their journey to a delicious tropical harvest.
Hoping for a pleasant surprise in Spring 2025!
Paw paw Asimina triloba, is a species in the plant family Annonaceae, which is the largest family of the magnolia order and includes many tropical plants. They are the largest edible fruit trees native to the eastern United States.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
For a fascinating article about paw paw trees, their characteristics and history, follow this link.
Sometimes–it’s time to fold ’em
October 30, 2024
If the key to life is simply living it.. The key to understanding may be simply realizing that wisdom is all around even in unlikely places. Our job is to realize wisdom when we find it—and then apply it .
For an example let’s think about these simple lines:
YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN TO HOLD EM
YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN TO FOLD EM
YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAY
YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN TO RUN
Few words but the ideas are wise and useful. No where more so than in the garden at this time of the year. We start with the first of course. And actually this idea was most important a little earlier in the year.
How was it so useful? well the yellow cosmos are a great example. All summer they grew and grew. No flowers at all. Some falling over due to the weight of stems and leaves. A passerby was heard to say ” I don’t know about those green leafy things they sure are big” Were they a terrible mistake? Are they ever going to bloom? Are they going to all fall over? Temptation grew to pull them all out. And then all at once they bust into huge numbers of lovely cheerful flowers. Butterflies and bees are just loving them. They even look great as cut flowers.
Yes!!! holding was the best choice for sure.
Aji dulce peppers –no peppers for months. All they were doing was taking up space and causing thoughts of “what on earth went wrong?” They were biding their time. Summer just didn’t suit. Just a small improvement in the weather–and blooms followed by lots and lots of little peppers. It was a temptation to give up–but it would have been a shame.
Marigolds–they also seemed to find the past few months not to their liking–the remaining tomatoes are happy maybe because the marigolds are happy.
Turk’s cap–honestly it seemed to be asking to be cut to the ground–very few blooms and yet requiring constant pruning to keep it withing reasonable bounds–but–again a reward for avoiding extreme measures–countless flowers–and happy creatures.
Of course the facts are–that all doesn’t go as hoped.
The most obvious are annuals that have tried really hard but have now reached the end of the line. It is hard to do this when they aren’t quite done but face it–sad straggliy plants just distract from everything around them. Let them go its ok.
Same with vegetable plants. These plants work hard some can make it on into fall. But some just can’t. It is really best to get rid of them they can attract pests and diseases that are just doing what they do to eliminate the weak–but best to beat them to it.
The really hard part of the fold ’em is facing that some of your efforts really were in vain. For some reason plants die. Sure try to figure out why. Was it lack of water–a common issue. Maybe over crowding? But sometimes its unknown. Pull them out anyway no use spending resources–including your time and energy on plants that just are not making it.
Those first two are pretty clear–but what about KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAY?
Actually its an important one. This is the time of the year when plants have pretty well done what they are going to do. It can be so valuable to step back and away and look at the big picture. Could you do anything different ? Is it just that much too much? Or not quite enough? Walk away and take a good look and make some mental notes for next year.
Can’t forget YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN TO RUN. No it won’t be a big problem don’t worry. But do keep in mind that wasps and yellow jackets are very active at this time of the year. Of course they are part of nature and normally not an issue–but do look around they like to build nests in protected places–who doesn’t of course–but sadly when its right above the back door for example you may have to do what you would rather not. But be careful at times their temper can be kindly said to be “Uncertain” And i hope you don’t have to run–but—-.
YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN TO HOLD EM
YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN TO FOLD EM
YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAAY
YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN TO RUN.
Susan Thronbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Hibiscus, Hollyhocks and Hydrangeas
October 28, 2024
Fall is a good time to plant Hardy Hibiscus and Hydrangeas for spring and summer blooms.
Blissfully soaking rains in April ushered in the arrival of extraordinary May flowers. How refreshing to see these three stalwarts of the garden bursting with blossoms as they made their dramatic appearance in the landscape. New growth started to emerge on these three beauties sometime around early April. Continuing into May, they filled out with tender green leaves, buds and blossoms.
June’s gift to us was an explosion of color. The temptation to selectively snip and arrange them for indoor enjoyment was overwhelming. Restraint was needed but rather difficult to achieve.
Hibiscuses (Malvaceae)are in the Mallow family and, interestingly, also include such plants as okra, cotton and the old-fashioned hollyhock. My preference for dependable seasonal color is the tropical variety, which is considered an annual in our Zone 8 climate. Late winter is when I start planning the layout and design of my seasonal garden beds. Hibiscus is ALWAYS included. Who wouldn’t appreciate a flowering, seasonal plant that can go into the ground during the month of April and continue blooming until the first freeze? Another benefit: it’s the type of plant that manages itself well. During the growing season when glossy green leaves begin to turn yellow and die, they politely fall to ground. Blossoms that open for a few days, do likewise. They really are gardener friendly plants!
This year I’ve included tropical hibiscus in different shades of pink mixed in with existing limelight hydrangeas. They receive about 6 hours of morning to mid-day sun. And for a bit of whimsy, two hibiscus topiaries were added in areas that benefited from slightly more height. One is my favorite; it was placed behind my sunflower girl statue and features dreamy double yellow blossoms. The other is a sassy 4 foot tall, braided hibiscus topiary tree nestled in a corner bed. The multi-colored blossoms are a standout against our bronze colored fence.
Starting in late June our three hardy hibiscus plants began their seasonal show with those bodacious salad plate size flowers. These herbaceous perennials die to the ground in winter then around mid-April new growth signals their return to the garden.
At Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills, Master Gardener Susan Thornbury started seeds of a variety respectfully referred to as ‘Outhouse’. In days past, this treasured garden beauty was supposedly used as the perfect blocking for an unsightly outhouse while helping to mask the smell. Take a closer look at the multi-colored single blooms of white, pink, red and burgundy and you’ll see why it provided a pretty visual barrier.
Hydrangeas: When we moved into our home in May of 2006, oak leaf hydrangeas were already growing in a mostly shaded area of the garden. A few years later, they had overgrown the space and needed to be moved. A successful relocation to an area with filtered sun in the morning gave them more room to stretch their branches.
Since then, we’ve introduced a variety of hydrangeas to our garden beds:
*Big Leaf Hydrangea – Hydrangea macrophylla (Also, known as ‘mopheads’, these are the most common type of hydrangeas grown in home gardens and landscapes. Bloom time is usually late April through July. They are deciduous shrubs with large pom-pom heads of pink, purple or blue flowers. The flowers are greenish-white when young, picking up subtle shades of pink and brown as they age.
*Oakleaf Hydrangea – (Hydrangea quercifolia) Commonly referred to by its translation oak-leaved or oakleaf hydrangea, this variety offers year-round beauty with seasons of blooms, foliage and peeling bark. Blooms in spring and early summer. These beautiful plants were already growing when we moved to our home in 2006. Since then, I have searched for the compact, well-rounded deciduous hydrangea shrub known as ‘Ruby Slippers’. Finally, in mid-June, our local garden center received a shipment. I was first in line to purchase 3 plants. It was a special Father’s Day gift for my husband whose late mother was Rubye. He was thrilled! Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on last year’s growth, so prune minimally after they bloom – not in early spring when new flower buds appear.
(This incredibly spectacular display of oakleaf hydrangeas is in the yard directly behind our house. It is the first thing that catches my eye when turning to leave our driveway. The photo on the left was taken in April when the plants were filled with those enormous white blossoms. Early to mid-summer they transitioned to lovely shades of deep pinkish/red. While the specific variety is unknown, something suggests to me that they could possibly be “Ruby Slippers’.)
*Panicle Hydrangea – (Hydrangea paniculata) This is one of the most cold hardy and heat tolerant of all species of hydrangea, thriving in Zones 3 through 9. Reaching 8’ + at maturity, there are now several dwarf varieties that stay under 5’ tall. For the strongest stems and the most abundant flowers, locate them in an area that receives 6+ hours of bright, direct morning sun then shaded during the hottest part of the day. We added ‘Limelight’ to our garden in 2022 and it has been a joy to watch them grow. Their huge, luxuriant conical flowers are mesmerizing. Bountiful blooms appearing in late May gradually turn from lime-green to creamy white in late summer followed by a rich deep pink which fades to beige as fall arrives.
*Of note, these hydrangeas are a recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and the Gold Medal Award of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
Note: All photos were taken in the April – July time frame. The 100+ degree temperatures of the summer have left some plants struggling to endure the extreme heat. However, just as happened last year, the hardy hibiscuses, hollyhocks and hydrangeas will return next spring. The tropical hibiscus plants are going to be replaced with a new color palette in April of 2025.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Order your fall color!
Our pansy sale is still open. The sale has been extended through Tuesday, October 29th, 2024.
2024 Raincatcher’s Pansy Sale
Raincatcher’s Pansy and Plant Sale 2024
Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills is offering fall annuals for your fall and winter landscape color. Pansies and violas are $21/flat of 18 4″ pots, which includes tax. The sale begins at 6 AM on Wednesday, 10/16, and ends on Sunday, 10/27, at midnight. Flats will be delivered to the garden on Thursday, 11/7, and will be available to be picked up from 10 AM until 2 PM or by appointment.
All orders must be prepaid either through Signup Genius using your credit or debit card (fast and easy) or through Zelle. Orders paid through Zelle to treasurer@dallasmga.com allow you to avoid Signup Genius transaction fees. Orders will be placed with the nursery after payment is received. To place your order, please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084EAFAD22A4FC1-52262807-raincatchers.
Contact raincatchersgarden@gmail.com with any questions.
Farewell Summer!
September 18, 2024
Summer’s official calendar date began on Sunday, June 21, 2024. The high that day was 95 degrees F. It was only the beginning of a miserably hot, humid summer. But now, exactly three months later, we have been rescued from the blast of heat that seemed to overstay its welcome. Once again, according to the calendar date of September 22, 2024, we have almost made it to the end of summer and will finally have some relief.
For all the bloomers and plant warriors that never gave up the fight, we celebrate you for gifting us with those bold and long lasting splashes of summer color. Our gardens were decorated with your presence. Throughout the months of June, July, August and September, early morning trips to the garden gave us a plentiful supply of dainty blossoms and gorgeous flowers, amazing vegetables and tasty culinary herbs.
Freshly harvested and carefully snipped, you filled our vases with stunning natural beauty. Charcuterie boards and chilled summer soups garnished with tiny treasures from the garden created an irresistible “feast for the eyes”. Your perseverance was remarkable. Thank you for giving us a summer filled with stunning landscapes, spectacular flowers, and fresh, flavorful edibles. Most of all we our honored that you leave us with the everlasting promise of returning next year!
*All photos in the attached video were taken from June 21, 2024, through September 18, 2024.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
The Dallas County Master Gardener Association Japanese Maple Sale
September 16, 2024
The Dallas County Master Gardener Association Japanese Maple Sale opens October 9
Once again, we are offering a large selection of Japanese Maples from Metro Maples for purchase with all proceeds going to DCMGA. These are very small young trees that will do well in a container until you find a place for them in your garden; in fact, many of them would be perfectly happy in containers for several years, although you can certainly plant them directly in the ground. If your interests lean toward the unusual and rare, we have several varieties that qualify including the dwarf Kotohime, Beni hagoromo, Chiri hime, Nuresagi and Ogon Sarasa. Get online early to make your selections. The SignUpGenius website for ordering and purchasing maples will go live October 9 at 8 a.m. 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 p.m. on October 16, or earlier if all trees are sold. This fall we have 20% more trees for sale, but don’t procrastinate because our inventory of trees has sold out within hours in the past. Please bring your confirmation to the pickup on Saturday, October 26 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 3015 Randy Ln., Farmers Branch (note: this is a new pick-up location.)
Take a look at Maples you could enjoy in your garden: The Japanese Maples at The Raincatcher’s Garden
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 