Tag Archives: Dallas County Master Gardener Association

Wild Violets are Welcome Here!

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

March 23, 2026

I’ve taken a “walk on the wild side” with a colorful new friend and my perspective has changed. Let me introduce you to the charming little spring bloomers known as wild violets (Viola sororia). Shortly after a refreshing seasonal rain, I was impressed by the meadow-like look the plants added to an otherwise neglected corner of our yard. They were already here, in much smaller numbers, when we purchased the 78-year-old property almost 20 years ago. 

During that time, they were continuously treated as nothing more than a nuisance. Sometimes, they were even pulled up and tossed into the compost bin just to prevent them from creeping into our gravel driveway. But now things have changed. Those delicate little heart-shaped leaves and purple five-petaled flowers bring a touch of early spring beauty to that same area. We look forward to their arrival and have given them the freedom to spread as they desire.

Here are some of the reasons why we are embracing these persistent little perennials and welcome them to stay as long as they desire:

Wild violets provide one of the first nectar sources for pollinators in early spring. They’re food for butterflies, native bees and other pollinating insects. They serve as host plants for caterpillars of several fritillary butterfly species.

Both the flowers and leaves are edible and nutritionally valuable as they are rich in vitamins A and C. Violet flowers can be used in spring salads while leaves can be cooked like spinach. Also, for a very refreshing beverage, the flowers can be used to make violet syrup, the base for Springtime Wild Violet Lemonade.

Wild Violet Lemonade is a new discovery for me. After searching online, I combined the best of two different recipes with pleasing results. Give this simple recipe a try.

Freshly snipped violet blossoms rinsed and placed in a jar with filtered water

Wild Violet Characteristics 

Scientific Name: Viola sororia

Plant Type: Perennial 

Hardiness: Thrive in USDA zones 3-9

Sun Needs: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Height and Width: 4-6 inches in Height

Wild violets spread through both seeds and rhizomes. While they prefer partially shaded areas, morning to mid-day sun is tolerated. Violets are very adaptable and will grow in various conditions and soil types. Let them grow!

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

Springtime Wild Violet Lemonade Recipe

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Shout Out to Workers at Raincatcher’s  Garden of Midway Hills 

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

The Awards meeting for Dallas County Master Gardeners this year reminded me of how blessed I am to be a part of  this organization and especially Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills.   The board in charge of this event, created an opportunity to celebrate the amazing things that Master Gardeners have done over many years.  The variety of projects, the people served, and the information shared is truly something of which to be proud.  

So many of our volunteers were honored for their service and commitment to Dallas County Master Gardeners.   Thank you for your enduring hard work and consistency.  

Mary Kay Estep was a delightful MC, Cynthia presented a lifetime achievement award, and then a roll call of familiar names filled the screens, many who have graced Raincatcher’s since 2014, and even some before that at Joe Field Road.   Many master gardeners have spent time helping at Raincatcher’s during Special Events, meetings, and supporting the fundraising efforts.   Thank you for your support and volunteering efforts.  It has been a group effort that has allowed us to obtain goals that were beyond our expectations.  

 We have Class Captains, those who have stayed strong for over 25 years, several who consistently have over 100 hours every year, and those who have amassed an incredible number of hours during their time as Master Gardeners.   We have past presidents, board members, project leaders, and those who show up week after week to garden at our project.  The vegetable group meets Monday mornings others meet on Tuesday morning to work in a variety of areas – rain garden, pollinator garden, compost area, edible landscape, color wheel, and the courtyard.  There are many choices depending on your interests and abilities.  

This meeting, unlike the educational content that we are grateful to hear monthly, was filled with reflection, pride, and a sense of family of Master gardeners.   Raincatcher’s has a very special place in the heart of many, and I am honored to be a part of this family.  

Here are some pictures from the Ceremony – not a complete list, but a representation of the family that Raincatcher’s has become.  And for new master gardeners, or those that haven’t found a place to belong, we would love for you to be a part of this community. 

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener,  click on this link for more information.   

Starla Willis, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2011

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THE SPRING TO DO LIST—-REVISITED

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

March 10, 2026

This time of year is a busy one.  Its a time of new growth and new plans for the future.  

For gardeners it often involves visions of “THE BEST GARDEN EVER’.  

That tends to be a wonderful few minutes. The beauty and well yes the envy of all who see it may play a part too.  One can see the modest acceptance of complements and all quite clearly.

But then comes the realization that ‘THE BEST GARDEN EVER’  Will be a lot of work and the work has to start now.

So obviously the to do list must be started.  It can be simple but sadly can get complicated with systems of checks columns headings –must buy a new notebook of course–it can get out of control.

Now there is a lot of good in the list It helps to have a plan and a list of tasks and even a system of checks can be ok .

But remember it’s not helpful when it becomes a goal in itself and checking things off becomes the focus of the day.

Time for a rethink

First note–your old notebook is ok–really and you most likely do not need to draw lines and decide on what color ink would work best.

Next think small and simple. –if the task is Weed the garden–that is way too much and too vague to help  weed one bed or even half of one is doable and useful

Plant a tree in the middle of the garden–well maybe this needs breaking down into what to do today–maybe decide on exactly what tree would work in your space.

But more important by far is realizing that your list is for results in the future.  Now of course you can’t ignore them.  Weeds will ruin the garden if you don’t get them out.

There will never be a tree in the garden if it isn’t planted

However we must not ignore the present.  The tasks are endless and yes they must be done but don’t let them keep you from enjoying your garden now.

Gardeners just tend to be people who take the work hard now for results later as an absolute rule.  As we just said we have to do this –yes we must and its alot of time consuming work.  

But also we are not promised anything but the present–this very day and hour!  We must remember this and think about it and practice what it teaches us.  

So yes have a list move those sticks out of your garden.  Pull those weeds and plant something wonderful.

But take time to see the pale green of the new foliage as it emerges.  Look and take pictures of the early flowers–its ok to notice how lovely weed flowers are–right before you pull them up!!  Listen to bird song and the buzzing of the bees.

This is absolutely as important as the planting and pulling–PUT IT ON THE TO DO LIST —AT THE VERY TOP!!!

The new fresh growth is so beautiful
Winter Honeysuckle, loved by the bees.
Enjoy your house plants, remember Chrsitmas is not just one day
Mahonia-so pretty now
How much dead foliage can there be?
Don’t forget to enjoy the vegetables from your garden
Now ready for a fresh start.
You did it! All that damaged foliage was hiding the blooms.
A tiny bloom on a succulent, but worth a close look

Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

Garden Chores for March

Save the date for the RAINCATCHERS’ ANNUAL PLANT SALE 2026 : SATURDAY, MAY 2nd

10:00 am – 3:00 pm

11001 Midway Road, Dallas, TX 75229

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March Madness and Gardening

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

Are you experiencing a touch of March Madness around your house? Having played basketball in high school and college, my husband follows it with such a high level of intensity that I sometimes have to “leave the room”. Considering the frustration from a gardening perspective, I’m beginning to see some similarities. 

Let’s review the facts:

*The tournament features 68 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball teams in an intense, single-elimination format culminating in a championship game that determines the national champion.

*It is a cultural phenomenon known for unpredictable upsets.

*It is one of the most anticipated events on the sports calendar, showcasing the amazing talents of collegiate athletes.

If you are wondering how that relates to gardening, smile first, then consider a gardener’s approach to spring planting:

*Beginning in early March, garden centers tempt us with an ocean of plants in every color, size, shape and texture imaginable. I’m sure the number far exceeds 68 participants.

*As seasoned gardeners, we understand the criteria for planting in Zone 8, and yet, we sometimes select material that either outperforms or overwhelming disappoints based on our very emotional decisions.

*Springtime for gardeners is our moment of anticipation. We’ve spent the cold, winter months studying seed packets, diligently reading instructions and carefully evaluating the possibilities. Why, because we hope to select the best performers in each “bracket”!

And so now, we have finally arrived at the most anticipated event on a gardener’s calendar; spring planting! Yes, some of our selections will have to be eliminated but, ultimately, the champions will reward us with their impressive performance. Wanna make a bet on that?

As we leave winter behind and begin the transition into spring, here are two red, white and blue flowerpot creations to welcome in some “March Gladness”!

Red: Geraniums ‘Santana’ (An interspecific, heat tolerant variety) White: Alyssum ‘Sweet White’ Blue: Pansies

Red: Gerbera Daisies White: Impatience Blue: Campanula ‘Bluebells’

In-ground Composition

Red: Ranunculus, Salvia ‘Radio Red’ White: Candytuft Blue: Mystic Blue Salvia and a salute to our state flower, Texas bluebonnets!

Throughout the next five months, look for fun ideas using some of the flowers listed below to create your own version of a patriotic garden display. (We would also like to include some of your own red, white and blue flower displays. Please send pictures no later than June 15th for the July 4th Grand Finale!)

Red Bloomers: Amaryllis, Azaleas, Bee Balm, Begonias, Camellias, Dianthus, Geraniums (Interspecific, Ivy and Zonal), Gerbera Daisies, Hibiscus (Hardy and Tropical), Hollyhocks, Nasturtiums (Alaska Red), Pentas, Peonies, Periwinkles, Petunias, Pineapple Sage, Roses, Salvia, Snapdragons, Turk’s Cap, Verbena, Yarrow (Firefly Red Pop), Zinnias

White Bloomers: Amaryllis, Alyssum, Angelonia, Azaleas, Bachelor’s Buttons, Bee Balm, Begonias, Campanulas, Camellias, Candytuft, Dianthus, Geraniums (Interspecific, Ivy and Zonal), Gerbera and Shasta Daisies, Hibiscus (Hardy and Tropical), Irises, Lilies, Moonflowers, Pentas, Peonies, Periwinkles, Roses, Salvia, Snapdragons, Verbena, Yarrow, Zinnias

Blue Bloomers: Agapanthus (Blue Globe), Ageratum, Angelonia, Bachelor’s Buttons, Blue Daze (Dwarf Morning Glory), Campanulas (Bluebells) Hydrangeas, Irises, Larkspur, Lavender, Morning Glory, Nepitella, Savia (Black and Blue, Mystic Spires), Veronica (Skyward Blue)

Our recipe for the month is a garden-inspired celebration of late winter to early spring selections. It’s easy to assemble and can be personalized according to your preferences. Substitutes might include grapefruit, navel oranges or mango as a fruit option. Walnuts, pecans or pumpkin seeds instead of pistachios. Goat cheese crumbles could replace the feta and, maybe, why not toss in some blueberries for a touch of blue!

Roasted Beet Salad with Blood Oranges and Crunchy Pistachios

(Harvested from my garden: Lettuce ‘Romaine Green’, Spinach ‘Space’, Bull’s Blood Beets, Salad Burnet)

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

Texas Super Star Plants

Native Plant Society of Texas

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February…A Time of Romance and Patriotic Love 

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

February 4, 2026

Are you ready to bid farewell to January and move into the next month of the year? If so, welcome to the first phase of our patriotic journey with a salute to the “month of love”. It seems very fitting to celebrate the occasion by recognizing Valentine’s Day, February 14th as the perfect time to focus on the vibrant, romantic color of red flowers. And what could be more appropriate than geraniums and Gerber daisies to get us started?

As we experience a seasonal “rebirth of nature”, consider the intensity of hues ranging from deep crimson, scarlet and ruby to cherry, maroon and burgundy found in red flowers. Our first arrangement allows blue hydrangeas to make a quiet appearance while the brilliance of red geraniums establishes boldness. Also irresistible are the Harmony Double Scarlet Anemone’s with white eyes encircling a black center. The regal look of Gerber daisies unifies the composition. 

*February’s featured flavor is the Southern classic known as Red Velvet Cake. Embraced for its deep red color and velvety soft crumb, this moist and tender cake is embellished with a delicate touch of red rose petals. It’s time to indulge!

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

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Winter Garden

Posted on January 1, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

January 1, 2026

 Winter is officially here! The winter solstice has come, leaves have finally turned and fallen, and the Frost Weed has frosted. Never mind that we are alternating between sweaters and shorts. It is winter in the garden. Many older gardening books speak of closing down or putting a garden to bed for this season, but like children waiting to see the New Year arrive at midnight, our landscapes are not truly snoozing. 

Our deciduous trees stopped producing chlorophyll. This let us see and enjoy their yellow carotene colors that were previously hidden, instead of just greens. The gorgeous reds and pinks seen across Dallas this year remind us that our autumn was dry, sunny, and certainly stayed above freezing, the conditions needed for the productions of anthocyanins. The mix of colors this year was constantly changing and quite stunning. 

But now these trees are bare (my sister refers to them as stick trees) and this slimmed down profile helps to protect them and their branches from wind, snow, and ice.  But those lovely leaves still have so much to offer, in one form or another across just about every landscape.

One use involves shredding leaves. This allows us to add that temperature modulating 3–6-inch layer of mulch around our trees and shrubs, or 2-3 for our flowers. That blanket is really appreciated by any newly planted perennials as they settle into their new homes. Extra shreds are perfect for composting. Whole leaves between rows in the vegetable garden keep our feet dry and relatively mud free, while they discourage pesky weeds.

But consider the advantages of doing nothing at all in much of your flower beds and lawns, leaving even a small section of your landscape undisturbed, with plant stems untrimmed and fallen leaves where they fall this winter. Those stems and leaf litter house the insects that will populate, pollinate, and protect our plants next spring. Leaf blowers, rakes, snippers, shredders, and compost heat destroy the habitat our beneficials need this season.

Not all our garden friends headed further south with the monarchs and hummingbirds. They have deployed many clever techniques to survive until spring and summer. Some insects are sheltering in stems, others have headed underground, and some have taken the ‘get small’ approach by wintering as eggs.   Cleaver swallowtail butterflies produced their own antifreeze, turning sugars to glycol as an added layer of protection for chrysalis wintering in their cocoons. Despite appearances, life has not deserted our landscapes.

And in our pollinator gardens most especially, we want those insects to survive, to continue to play their garden roles.  A fascinating study of the effects of removing autumn leaves can be found here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969725004565. To support our diminishing populations of butterflies, bees, beneficial of all kinds, please consider how you can support them as they winter in our yards and gardens. While I don’t want to offer my house as a winter vacation getaway for arthropods and arachnids, I do want them year-round in my landscape outside.  

Mary Freede, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2005

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Jewels of Opar

Posted on November 3, 2025 by Dallas Garden Buzz

November 3, 2025

My Jewels of Opar is in a mostly shady area. Next spring, as new plants emerge, they will be relocated to a place in my garden that receives full sun until late afternoon.

In May of 2021, we shared an article with our readers about Jewels of Opar, a lovely plant that is both edible and ornamental. Click here for the original article which includes helpful growing information.

This time, we’ve chosen to “drop in” for a quick autumn visit showcasing this adorable little beaded wonder in full bloom. You may remember that Jewels of Opar, sometimes referred to as Pink Baby-Breath, produces wands of tiny, pink star-shaped flowers followed by jewel-like fruits in shades of pink and orangish red.

Enjoy this photo of a simple arrangement filled with Roselle Hibiscus leaves gracefully surrounding Jewels of Opar in its colorful autumn wardrobe!

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

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A Wave of Purple Haze

Posted on October 16, 2025 by Dallas Garden Buzz

October 16, 2025

If you’re like me, a baby boomer who graduated from high school in 1967, the title above might suggest something other than what I’m going to write about. Yes, the song “Purple Haze” written by Jimi Hendrix came to mind one hazy, overcast afternoon as I was taking photos and working in my garden. I don’t remember the words and really never fully understood the reason for the title but it wasn’t difficult to find the answer. 

Jimi Hendrix, a brilliant guitarist, wrote the song on December 26, 1966, while backstage at a club in London. The inspiration came from a vivid dream he had after reading a science fiction novel. In the dream, Hendrix finds himself walking under the sea when a purple haze surrounded and engulfed him. And from that experience his iconic song “Purple Haze” (later discovered to be to be about a woman he loved) changed rock music forever.

Putting this into perspective as it relates to that quite afternoon in the garden, my own sensory moment of feeling “engulfed” by the color purple had nothing to do with walking underwater. It was the sheer beauty of being surrounded by a sea of purple flowers in full bloom. Honeybees, by the hundreds, were so busy visiting the blossoms that I quietly paused just to listen to the familiar buzzing sound bees make when foraging for nectar and pollen. I was reminded, once again, how time spent in the garden brings unexpected joys.

Hopefully, you will appreciate my “Purple Haze” experience and the lovely flowers in varying shades of purple and blue that gave me the opportunity to share it with you!

Here are some of the flowers and plants featured in the video. You’ll see a selection of many within the purple/blue range that have been growing in my garden over the past five to six months:

Ageratum 

American Beauty Berry

Angelonia

Anise Hyssop

Aster

Basil (African Blue, Balsamic Blooms, Cardinal, Red Rubin)

Blue Borage (a favorite of honeybees)

Butterfly Bush

Celosia

Clary Sage

Eggplant Blossoms

Foxglove

Impatience

Lavender

Pentas

Perilla

Petunias

Periwinkles

Phlox

Rose of Sharon (Blue Satin)

Sage (in bloom)

Veronica

Wisteria

Zinnias

Why, you might ask, designate so much garden space for flowers in the blue/purple spectrum?

*I’ll offer a few answers, but, most importantly, is that honeybees are highly attracted to these colors and see them more clearly than other hues. Flowers in this range signal to the honeybees higher nectar production. For this reason alone, gardeners focused on pollinator-friendly flowers should try to include blue and purple flowers in the landscape whenever possible.

*Looking a little deeper into the psychology of color, studies have shown that blue lowers cortisol while purple stimulates creativity and inner calm. In our gardens, these colors not only provide beauty but help to nurture our mental well-being.

*And finally, from a landscaping perspective, click on the link to Longfield Gardens for an in-depth guide on using purple in your flower garden. You will be inspired to get started!

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DALLAS WATER UTILITIES 31st WATER WISE GARDEN TOUR OCTOBER 18, 2025 

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Dallas Garden Buzz

October 14, 2025

Every fall, I look forward to one of my favorite  garden tours—The Water-wise Garden Tour hosted by Dallas Water Utilities and the city of Dallas.  There are several smaller organizations that participate, some giving lectures at the White Rock Pump Station (the traditional starting point of the tour). That’s where one picks up the map showing the location of the participating “winners” of this year’s tour.  I know in years past Dallas County Master Gardener’s Association has been both entrants and support staff. I’ve lost track of how many years Roger and I have wandered through Dallas, looking at peoples’ interpretation of what water-wise gardening entails.

Years ago, A&M Research Center on Coit Road had a program called Water University.  They had examples of homes with all sorts of saving water inside and outside the home.  We learned about Rainwater harvesting: how to build rain barrels for the home, rain gardens, etc.  All of which we demonstrated at our Joe Field location (thanks to County Commissioner M. Dickey).

Rain barrel courtesy of Water University
DIY-Buy pre-fab rain barrels and link them together
Rain Collection at home
Rain chain water collection
These barrels should be raised for more efficient use.
Painted rain barrels at Anne Frank Elementary School

When the county closed that location in 2014, we found a new home at Midway Hills Christian Church, located at 11101 Midway Road—thus our name “The Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills.” This rain garden is located near the street on Midway Hills, next to the two cisterns that were put in place shortly after we started gardening there. This noncommercial rain garden would work in most home landscapes. It captures water from heavy rains and is also used to catch overflow from the cisterns.

2-2500 gallon water cisterns at The Raincatcher’s Garden

Although our garden is not on tour this year, feel free to visit us at 11101 Midway Road in Dallas, especially on Tuesday mornings when we are working in the garden. We love to share water saving tips.

Water Wise Garden Tour maps of the participating homes will be available at the White Rock Pump Station on Saturday and the information link can be found below.

Some yards or gardens use xeriscaping, while others have lush  lawns and gardens.  There are innovative uses of hardscaping. 

On the 18th, I am playing tourist to get more ideas about saving water and creating a beautiful yard at home.  I always find some new idea  to take home to try out.

Hope to see you on the tour.  Be sure to take notes or, better yet—pictures!

Cindy Bicking, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2006

Pictures by Starla Willis, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2011

Water Wise Tour Information

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Growing Eggplant in Texas

Posted on October 11, 2025 by Dallas Garden Buzz

October 11, 2025

The Raincatcher’s Garden vegetable gardening team has enjoyed growing several varieties of eggplant.

They have found them to be easy to grow as long as they remain vigilant about controlling the flea beetles with diatomaceous earth.

These long purple eggplants are called amazingly enough long purple eggplant.

Aswad eggplant pictured above is an Iraqi heirloom variety known for its mild sweet flavor.

Mark your 2026 calendar to start eggplant by seed February – mid-March. Transplants should be set out in mid-May through June.

While eggplant may not be your favorite vegetable, it’s nice to harvest something new after summer crops have withered in the heat. There are many varieties and ways to cook eggplant. Tonight, at our house we’ll have eggplant apple quesadillas; find the recipe here.

For more growing information: Easy Gardening-Eggplant

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

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