Save the date-May 1, 2025
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.
Thank you for supporting Raincatchers’ Garden. .
February 1, 2025
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS,
YOU MAKE LEMONADE.
BUT, WHAT IF YOU GET
GREEN TOMATOES?
YOU MAKE CHOW-CHOW!
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.
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
“The Compost Queen of Raincatcher’s RED”
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
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
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.
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
Our garden has survived and even thrived this summer. The Raincatcher’s Garden was built using the 7 principles of Water Wise Landscaping:
With fall temperatures giving us a respite, maybe you are looking for plants and practices that will endure our hot Texas summers. Take a look below at what worked for us and as always we would love to have you come for a vsit.
Ann Lamb, pictures by Starla Willis- class of 2005 and 2008
August 28, 2024
Honestly, I’ve had a change of heart. But it didn’t happen suddenly. I must admit that, until a
few months ago, an unknown plant with the characteristics of a weed was taking over strategic
areas of my garden and had to go. I began yanking and pulling it up with ‘wild abandon’. And
then I paused for a moment, allowing my curiosity time to reconsider. Thankfully, the plant
finder app on my iPhone came to the rescue.
The answer appeared quickly and offered helpful information. What I assumed to be just
another noxious weed, was instead an herbaceous plant in the dayflower family. You may know
it as Widow’s Tears, White-mouth Dayflower or Asiatic Dayflower. It gets its name because the
tiny one-inch blooms last for only one day.
After reading more about the dayflowers growing in my garden, I was then redirected to an
exceptionally moving YouTube video made by a lady in Israel. It was so beautifully done that
my heart began to melt while watching the history of dayflower unfold on my computer screen.
Common dayflower sprawls along the ground like a vine, often rooting at the nodes. Flowers
emerge from a boat like sheath, one at a time. They are composed of 3 petals: 2 larger mouse-
eared shaped blue petals above and a small curling white petal tucked beneath. Bloom time is
generally May-October.
If you have an adventurous spirit and feel inclined to experience something new, the stems,
flowers, leaves and seeds of dayflower are all edible. Remember to harvest the tiny blue
flowers early in the morning when they are fully open. Use them as a garnish for cheese and for
an added splash of color in salads. My choice for the first ‘taste’ was to place the flowers atop a
bowl of yogurt and fresh peaches. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar was the perfect finale.
Interesting facts about Dayflower:
*As one of the few flowers with a true blue bloom, the dayflower symbolizes reliability,
steadfastness and trustworthiness.
*Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist, named the genus for three Dutch botanists, the
Commelijn brothers. Linnaeus believed the unequal petals of the dayflower nicely represented
the talents of the three brothers.
*An exquisite Japanese woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai, from the Edo Period, about
1800-05, gives credit to a distinctive blue dye created from the petals of the dayflower. The
blue-gray color at the top of the tallest wave was identified as dayflower blue. For a fascinating
in-depth look into the world of blue flowers, go to Science Friday and read the article entitled
“How The Humble Asiatic Dayflower Revealed Clues To Blue Hues”. (Written by Lauren J. Young,on September 9, 2021).
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Don’t give up, Susan Thornbury has some words of inspiration and an action plan for us during these hot days of summer.
August 15, 2024
Memory is strange. Most thoughts and memories are unhelpful. So much so that often a deep breath and a reminder that they are just thoughts and memories and not reality seems to be indicated. But then when least expected a flash of amazingly helpful inspiration!!
After listening to a weather forecast –given after the meteorologist offers an apology for what will be coming–and then stepping out to look at the garden already in a negative frame of mind and naturally seeing trouble everywhere—a song came –the words very loud and clear: “I”M GOING TO STAND MY GROUND YOU KNOW I WON’T BACK DOWN I’M GOING TO STAND MY GROUND”
Now don’t rush to judgement on that song–in this case it was crystal clear what the meaning was–it was aimed at gardeners!!
Not those in “other places” Places where the nights are cool it rains at least once a week and where things “just seem to grow” Oh no, they don’t get a song–it was not meant for them.
It was meant for gardeners here–it was meant for US!!
It is just such a temptation to give up–Its so hot and yet weeds are thriving–the list of “NOT FAIR” is a long one
But not for us to dwell on that: WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN WE WILL STAND OUR GROUND”
We can’t just think about it though–a plan is needed!
Each plan must suit the planner of course but–there are some important point that might be universal.
First give serious thought to becoming a morning person–if you start at 7AM –its not so bad and you can get a lot done in an hour or two. If this is not your usual habit–well just tell yourself–when November comes you can sleep late!!
Second set priorities. Take a good look and decide what must be done now some things can and should wait until later. One thing is usually deadheading.. The poor plants are stressed they don’t need to be trying to set seeds or supporting yellowing leaves. When you tidy them up they are really helped–and you get some encouragement–things are looking better already.
Third don’t give up on weeding. Weeds are cleaver plants and they can grab water and use it to set their seeds faster than one can believe–so don’t let them–you sure don’t need more weeds and your plants need all the water they can get.
Fourth–look for what is working. Which plants are showing a fighting spirit and a will to live they must be encouraged and rewarded–as they are encouraging and rewarding you.
But of course you must also face what isn’t working–Bite the bullet–remove dying plants there is just no use in trying to care for them and waste precious water on them–make a mental note to avoid them in the future.
Last–congratulate yourself!! you deserve it YOU STOOD YOUR GROUND NO YOU DIDN’T BACK DOWN YOU STOOD YOUR GROUND!!!
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
More information about Turk’s Cap
August 1, 2024
If you’re contemplating a substitute for boxwood, consider these words from Cyrus Hyde, the late garden herb folklorist and founder of Well-Sweep Herb Farm in New Jersey. He referred to germander as “poor man’s box”. Why then, has it not received more recognition in the world of herbs?
Even our first president, George Washington was such an admirer of germander that it was planted at his Mount Vernon, Virginia estate. But sadly, it seems to have faded from view until recently when garden centers began featuring lesser known herbs alongside the more desirable customer favorites. Thankfully, it was a wise decision with germander finding its place as a decorative evergreen border plant and as a substitute for boxwood in the beloved knot-garden design.
Germander is a Mediterranean native in the mint family (Lamiaceae) with small, dark green scalloped leaves and a mild garlic-spice aroma. It is a hardy perennial and evergreen, keeping its tidy appearance throughout the year. In early summer whorls of purple-pink flowers appear. Bees are attracted to the tiny flowers.
Grow it:
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 