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
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 