Tag Archives: Dallas County Master Gardener Association
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme
As I’ve shared before, my childhood years spanned the 50’s and 60’s. Our television was never turned on during the daytime hours. Instead, a lot of time was spent outdoors playing with friends. We always found a way to create our own adventures in the natural world; climbing trees, exploring the creek while catching crawdads, picking mulberries and writing “plays” for our parents that were performed on a backyard “make-shift” stage.
My family lived in a very small rental house with several old elm trees and one lonely, yellow rose bush. At that time, I had absolutely no awareness of herbs. Honestly, I don’t even remember using herbs for culinary purposes unless they were the dried variety purchased from the local grocery store in small tin cans.
It wasn’t until after my husband and I married in 1970 that my introduction into the world of garden grown herbs began. And even then, it was a slow, sporadic start with some of the more familiar herbs. Now, 55 years later, I’m growing over 28 different types of herbs in pots, raised beds and throughout my garden. We experience the delightful aroma and taste of freshly harvested herbs with almost every meal.
On a refreshing trip last summer to the very scenic and historic mountain town of Park City, Utah, I was met with an unexpected “herbal” treat. After the “hubbies” took off for a day of golf, the “girls” headed over to the main street art fair. You can imagine how thrilled I was to discover a lovely handmade ceramic plate featuring the four herbs mentioned in the title. It happened suddenly when my eyes caught a glimpse of something intriguing in one of the smaller booths along the event route. Stopping to take a look, I soon had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with a precious couple from Colorado that had come to exhibit their wonderful herb-themed ceramic pieces.
Listening carefully as the wife so proudly explained how she chose herbs from her own garden to embellish each and every item, I imagined how their cleverly designed plates, bowls and more might soon become the creative serving pieces I would enjoy using. Her “technique” involved carefully positioning, then gently pressing freshly harvested herbs into the soft, moist clay. Next was a trip to the kiln for the firing to begin. I was memorized by the stunning variety of options on display before me. Ultimately, I narrowed it down to two choices; this tastefully done 16” round platter featuring a slightly curved bundle of parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme and an elegant lavender-pressed cake stand.
Back in Dallas my thoughts turned to finding the perfect recipe for serving on my new platter. Once the decision was made I started preparing “Roast Chicken with Herbs”.
And then, I found myself humming to the tune of the 1966 Simon and Garfunkel hit; Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. While the duo didn’t write the song, it was adapted from the 19th century English folk ballad “Scarborough Fair”. The four herbs were included because they were a traditional part of the folk song. Each of the herbs has a long-standing symbolic meaning in folk lore and as ingredients for love potions:
*Parsley: Represents comfort or a desire for a loved one.
*Sage: Symbolizes strength or power.
*Rosemary: Represents love and remembrance.
*Thyme: Signifies courage or ethereal significance.
Simon and Garfunkel’s contribution was the anti-war “Canticle” melody. It was woven into the traditional folk song to create their own version.
FYI…You might not be able to resist listening to Simon and Garfunkel songs while making “Roasted Chicken Breasts” prepared with a generous combination of freshly gathered parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
May Flowers with Patriotic Flavors
May 1, 2026
As we continue our patriotic journey into the month of May, yards across the metroplex are becoming eye-catching panoramic expressions of red, white and blue. With only two full months remaining before the nation-wide celebrations reach their grand finale, we’re reminded that 250 years of freedom is a major milestone in American history!
Hopefully, you are planning to come to the Raincatcher’s Garden Plant Sale this Saturday from 10:00-3:00pm where two creatively designed patriotic pots overflowing with red, white and blue flowers will be available to purchase. We are grateful to our local garden centers that participated in this fun and colorful endeavor. The April Patriotic pot was donated to our sale by Nicholson Hardie Garden Center on Lover’s Lane. Click here for the link describing their pot. The May Patriotic pot is courtesy of Jackson’s Home and Garden Center on Lemmon Ave. Our thanks go to Alyssa Rohde, Tropical Green House Manager, and Tess Garza, Plant Department Manager, for their outstanding creation. In their own words, here is a lovely description of the plants chosen:
“The plants we chose are sun loving, timeless, tried and true plants. Over the years they have proven to be successful. These plants are known to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
For our tall center thriller, we chose the ever-popular Victoria Blue Salvia, a perennial with beautiful blue-purple blooms that are great for height. Our fillers are (one of our favorites) Fresh Look Dusty Miller; great for Spring all the way into Fall and is cold hardy. It can be replanted over and over and withstand our crazy Texas weather.
We know red is absolutely necessary in a red, white and blue patriotic pot! So, we chose the best ‘pop’ of red; Red Graffiti Pentas! They are so bright we knew that only a few were needed. Pentas are drought tolerant and can handle all day sun. They have multiple clusters of star-shaped blooms; they are the best pop of color for any pot or garden.
Next we chose White Profusion Zinnas, a sun loving annual. They have distinct yellow centers and large flat petals creating daisy like blooms. Let’s be honest, they just scream classic Americana!
For our trailing or ‘spiller’ plant we chose White Scaevola or Fan Flower. It is sun loving in spring and does well in combination planters and in garden beds. This plant can typically last until fall if not in all day hot sun in the 100’s. But no worries because a great alternative to this trailer is White Cascading Vinca for a full sun, drought tolerant summer planter. Thank you for the opportunity to help support the plant sale. We hope your fundraiser goes well!”
And finally, what fun to celebrate gifts from the garden with a touch of patriotism. While waiting for the main course, enjoy these bite-size nibbles composed of English cucumbers filled with herbed cream cheese, thinly sliced radishes and freshly snipped blue borage blossoms. Nestled on petals of Hot Shot Red Tropical Hibiscus for a touch of whimsy, they’re irresistible!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
The Pleasure of Parsley
April 27, 2026
An invitation from the Edible Landscape Team
Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills.
Please join us Saturday, May 2nd for the Raincatcher’s Garden Plant Sale
from 10:00 – 3:00.
And while you are there, take a few steps over to the Edible Landscape for a parsley pleasing feature event. Sample a taste of our parsley covered “moss ball” appetizer then join Abbe for a “snip-and-go” opportunity. We invite you to cut both curly and flat-leaf parsley to take home.
We’ll provide a “take-it-with-you” plastic bag for your freshly harvested parsley. Enjoy collecting a generous bunch of either curly or flat-leaved parsley, the choice is yours. Also, before leaving, take a photo of several recipes with suggestions for using your parsley cuttings.
FYI…Did you know that chefs and gourmet cooks today prefer flat-leaf for its superior flavor?!?
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Bye Bye Parsley, Thanks for the Greens. An article from 2018.
The Raincatcher’s Garden and Plant Sale Reminder and Dallas County Master Gardener Garden Tour Information
April 17, 2026
Last week I met Cindy at the garden to deliver 2 Black Prince tomato transplants. Cindy and Roger were busy with a customer buying fresh compost from our garden. I wandered through our garden captivated by the moody sky and challenged by the productiveness of our garden efforts.
Wooly Mullein, is invasive to natural meadows and forests openings, we keep ours in check.
Napa Cabbage, Broccoli, Peppers (several varieties),Turnips, Carrots, Tomatoes and Beans.
Bluebonnets of course, and see below for information on planting bluebonnets. The yellow wildflower is Englemann’s Daisy. It is very authentic to see the pile of mulch in the background; a Raincatcher’s standard procedure.
Are you liking the vibe of our garden, do you long for yours to be productive and attractive to pollinators? Shop at the Raincatcher’s Plant Sale on May2nd, 2026.
And/or come to the May 9th Dallas County-Spring 2026 DCMGA Garden Tour.
Ann Lamb Dallas County Master Gardener, Class of 2005
Type Bluebonnet in our search bar when you have an ample amount of time, some of our best pictures and write-ups will appear.
Botanical Desert Of The Southwest
April 7, 2026
Having recently been to places that are not in the North Texas Hardiness Growing zone (8a/ 8b), I’ve come to appreciate plants that are not usually grown here. The region of Phoenix (9a), located in the Sonoran desert, provided an opportunity to experience a very different variety of plants and trees.
During late March the streets were lined with yellow blooms on medium sized trees. These are known as Yellow Palo Verde Trees. A blue variety also exists, but yellow ones were most common. These trees are located in The Sonoran desert, Southwestern US and in Northwest Mexico.
Yellow Palo Verde tree at entrance of Desert Botanical Garden along with Yuccas, Cacti and even some Chihuly glass sculptures.
The Desert Botanical Garden was in bloom around every corner. Here are a few of the blooms and interesting specimens. The red rosettes of baja fairy duster, Calliandra Californica, were beautiful against the feathery fernlike leaves which close at night.
Several varieties of the hedgehog cactus sported different color blooms. This one caught my eye and is suited to zones 5-9 in North and Central America.
However, there are some plants that we have adapted to our landscape due to their drought tolerant nature. The yucca being one. The Scientific and common name is the same. With over 50 species, The range of the Yuccas extend from Southern Canada through North America and down to Panama.
These pictures were all taken at the Botanical Desert of the Southwest in Phoenix. https://dbg.org
Starla Willis. Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2011
A few more prickly facts about Texas cacti here.
Raincatcher’s Garden Annual Plant Sale May 2, 2026
Raincatcher’s Garden Annual Plant Sale
Location: Midway Hills Christian Church ,11001 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas 75229
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
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.
Thank you for supporting Raincatchers’ Garden.
Capturing Garden Photos during The Golden Hour
April 2, 2026
It’s special when you find yourself in the right place at the right time. The “Golden “ or “magic” hour is often that for photographers and for those that are blown away by the beauty that is experienced during that time. The few minutes around sunrise, and then yet again just before and shortly after sunset is known as the golden hour.
Recently, a trip found us in the air chasing the sunset. Upon landing the sun was just setting and it created some interesting shots reminding me of how the angle of the light changes the pictures taken during what is known as the golden hour.
During the rest of the day, the shining sun can create situations where the lighting is very harsh. But during the golden hours, the light softens the subjects and creates a warm look. The natural light is easier to work with because the light is more even than at midday. The low angle nearer the horizon creates a softer look with the golden hue.
During these times, the constant changing of the light creates ever changing scenes and scenarios and there is a greater opportunity for creative effects to be used. Backlighting, silhouettes, and side lighting can bring interest to the photos. Some people plan carefully for specific pictures during this time, but for others, the spontaneity of the moment creates magical shots.
For this trip, every evening brought different opportunities. Initially, the interest was the sunset and ever changing ground and sky in the plane and on the ground; the second day found us at the Botanical Garden of the Desert, which softened even the most prickly cactus, and lastly, golden hour was observed at a baseball game complete with palm trees and a pink and orange sky. Each different, each unique, and mesmerizing.
But you don’t have to be on vacation to experience this phenomenon – it could occur on your way to work, or as you travel home and it may not always be welcomed especially when the rising or setting sun is directly in your line of view. Embrace and Enjoy the beauty of this magical time when it appears.
Starla Willis, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2011
Wild Violets are Welcome Here!
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
Shout Out to Workers at Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills
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
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 