School’s out and Summer is upon us, but the activities at Raincatcher’s Garden continues to Bee busy. Thanks to the recent June rains, the plants are still blooming, the vegetable garden continues to produce, and the workers remain diligent to come and maintain our space. We have also been able to welcome students both young and old to experience our garden. Even though the temperatures are heating up (after all, it is July in Dallas), there are still jobs to do and beauty to observe.
During the school field trip, each child chose one item to harvest and take home. They enjoyed the experience of finding and harvesting things like pepper and squash. The dense green arbor of loofa vines invites you inot the fenced garden with it’s yellow blooms and loofa gourds.We also showed them blossoms which were becoming fruit and we talked about how some of our food is harvested above the ground and some below ground. Searching for a very hungry caterpillar in the umbels of fennel and dill.
Early Summer garden maintenance includes deadheading the blooming plants, weeding unwanted plants and grasses and watering throughout the spaces of our garden.
The vegetable beds provide fresh produce for Now Forward formerly known as North Dallas Shared Ministries, as well as some fun and community among the workers. They meet on Monday mornings to work in the beds in the North Garden.
Master Gardener, Don, is holding an Armenian Cucumber saying ” So what you’re saying is we’ve harvested 996 pounds this year?”
We are always glad to welcome visitors to the garden and in mid June. A group of young friends came to see what’s going happening.
Volunteers took students on atour of the garden. The children were able to take notes on their findings on a notepad made especially for each student
We will continue to work in the garden, but will start earlier to beat the heat. Come and join us on Monday or Tuesday mornings.
It’s been six years since Dallas County Interim Extension Agent Jeff Raska advised us to let our carrots grow for two seasons. We should have listened more attentively. So, this summer instead of harvesting the carrots first, my little Chantenay plants are going the distance. And now it’s time to share the good news.
While it is true that carrot tops and blossoms are edible, a very strategic decision had to be made. Why? Carrots quickly lose their sweetness and flavor if left in the ground too long. Once they begin to blossom the plant pulls energy from the root to produce flowers. As gardeners, we know this process as “bolting”, which causes the carrots to then become woody, somewhat tough and loose their signature sweet taste. At this point, they can even become bitter.
Chantenay carrots left in ground too long were no longer edible. Straight to the compost bin they went!
My decision to let the bolting stage happen naturally was made one morning earlier this spring when doing garden chores. While observing the carrots lush green foliage, I remembered Jeff telling us that all parts of the carrot were edible. Shortly after that, I discovered a recipe for carrot top pesto and gave it a try. Here is the recipe that called for one cup of carrot tops. It was my first time to use carrot tops as the main ingredient in a recipe but the results were impressive.
From Carrot Greens to Carrot Pesto
Fast forward to June 2026. As you can see from this photo (taken last week) my carrots were clearly in the “bolting” stage and the flowers were putting on a stunning show. Honeybees and other pollinators were enjoying the spectacle as well. It was time for a new culinary moment fresh from the garden.
Honeybees get first “dibs” but the beautiful umbels also make great cut flowers
This slightly adapted recipe for a French-style carrot salad was so simple that I couldn’t resist. My adventure into the world of carrots has now come full circle as each part of this amazing plant has been totally experienced and embraced. Bon Appetit!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Watermelon is the most popular holiday fruit with around 700 million pounds consumed during the week of July 4th. From “eating races” and seed-spitting” contests to “grower competitions”, prizes are awarded annually to participants across the United States.
Grammy and Sadie with our Watermelon and Blueberry Sparklers
If you are thinking about growing watermelon in your garden, here are some things to consider:
There are over 1,200 varieties of watermelon globally which are categorized into the following types:
Picnic: Large, oblong or round melons. Typically weigh 15 – 45 pounds. (Charleston Gray)
Icebox (Mini): Round or oval melons. They weigh 5-15 pounds. (Sugar Baby)
Personal: Ultra-compact, single-serving melons, weight 3-7 pounds. (Mini Love or Golden Midget)
Seedless: Most common commercial variety specially bred to contain no mature black seeds.
Yellow/Orange Fleshed: Colorful interiors instead of red. (Orangelo or Yellow Doll)
In our Zone 8 climate, these are a few the varieties you might want to try:
Crimson Sweet: This variety is recognized as the most popular and is prized by home gardeners and commercial growers alike. The average weight is around 25 pounds. It features a light green rind with dark green stripes. The bright red flesh is firm and fine-textured and exceptionally sweet.
This is the variety I chose to plant in my garden about a month ago. It receives about 6+ hours of full sun daily. Just a baby now but with 80 days to maturity, it should be ready to harvest sometime in mid-August.
Other top varieties for Zone 8 include: Sugar Baby, Charleston Gray and Jubilee.
And finally, if you are craving watermelon, here are several reasons why:
*Watermelon is composed of about 92% water, making it one of the most hydrating foods available.
*Watermelon is a natural sugar fix. It provides natural sugars in the form of fructose, offering a subtle yet effective energy surge without the pitfalls of processed sugars.
*Watermelon is a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its numerous health advantages.
*It is an electrolyte balance. Potassium, an essential electrolyte found in watermelon, helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals.
*Watermelon is a good source of Vitamin C, vital for skin health, immune function and the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
*Dietary Fiber. Though it’s mostly water, watermelon also offers dietary fiber which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Read Jon Maxwell’s article on Black Diamond Watermelon here.
Savannah Bee Company in Georgia just posted some very helpful information that we wanted to share with our readers.
From Savannah Bee…
The table you set started in the hive!
“Bees support more than 100 U.S. crops. Pollinators are responsible for 1 in 3 bites of food we eat. Consider these five things worth knowing about our favorite pollinators:
*They support 100+ U.S. crops. From almonds to zucchini, the USDA credits bees with pollinating the food that sustains us.
*They shape entire ecosystems. Without pollinators, ecological webs collapse. Protecting bees means protecting landscapes far beyond the orchard.
*Bees practice “flower fidelity”. A bee returns to the same bloom type during a forage trip. This precision is why Tupelo honey tastes like nothing else.
*Wild bees are just as vital. Thousands of native, wild bee species work alongside honeybees to keep agriculture and nature thriving.
*Hives create more than honey. From beeswax to royal jelly, the hive’s diverse bounty reminds us it is a living system worth protecting. “
As gardeners, let’s be intentional in doing our part to provide seasonal foraging opportunities for the bees in our own gardens. Look for plants that offer a steady stream of blooms from spring until winter.
Avoid using chemicals, if possible. This helps to protect the hives from harmful toxins.
Over the past few years, I’ve become more focused on creating a pollinator friendly environment in my garden. Thankfully it is now visited daily by a large honeybee population. It is fascinating to observe how this “teamwork” approach to pollination gives great results. Overall, here are my top three favorite blossoms to share with the bees!
My A, B, C’s for attracting pollinators:
Anise HyssopBorageCalendula
For additional pollinator friendly plant ideas, click here.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Patriotism is making a sweeping splash across our great country with landscapes transitioning into vibrant and colorful vistas of red, white and blue. Local garden centers have joined in the celebratory plans with creative patriotic pots ready for purchase. Over the next thirty days the United States of America will experience an explosion of fireworks, festive gatherings and joy-filled enthusiasm for this wonderful place we call home!
Gardens everywhere are beginning to look like true expressions of American pride, as well. From residential neighborhoods to shopping areas, schools and churches across the metroplex, let’s take a moment to enjoy the local scenery. It’s a wonderful time to embrace the patriotic spirit of red, white and bloom!
Here are a few of my 2026 top choices for lighting up the summer garden with flowers that pay tribute to colors found in the American flag:
Red stripes represent hardiness and valor!
Red pentas in the garden have an electrifying effect. Their hardiness level is impressive with bloom time starting in late spring and continuing well into fall. One of their most distinctive features is the clusters of star-shaped flowers which are attractive to butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. They thrive in full sun to partial shade.
The vigorous blooms of verbena, ‘homestead red’, function as both spillers and fillers. Mine were selected for their mounding-trailing habit which will work well in front of the taller Mystic Spires Salvia.
The fiery red flowers of New Guinea impatiens paired with caladiums are an excellent choice for adding a burst of color to semi-shady garden beds or containers. As a heat tolerant perennial, expect to be dazzled by months of attractive blooms and long-lasting flowers.
White stripes on the American flag signify purity and innocence.
Flowers found in this camp act as brilliant anchors. For this reason, white pentas help to give off a crisp vibe which provides a necessary resting spot for the eyes.
Another favorite used seasonally throughout my garden are white dragon wing begonias. Once again, with a continuous bloom cycle beginning in late spring and performing beautifully until the first frost, begonias help to brighten up shadowy spaces. Their vibrant blooms and lush foliage provide a stunning compliment to shady areas of the garden.
Catharanthus Soiree Kawaii White Peppermint is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). You may know it best as the Madagascar periwinkle. They were available in quart-size containers at a local garden center so I snatched up seven of them to get started. I was impressed with the small five-petaled white blooms featuring a tiny red “’eye” in the center.
Blue on the American flag signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.
Salvia ‘Mystic Spires’AgapanthusVeronica ‘Skyward Blue’
Since early childhood, blue has always been my very favorite color. However, most blue flowers aren’t truly blue. Look closely and you’ll see shades of lavender or purple. Nevertheless, my perseverance in selecting blue flowers to complete the patriotic theme landed on the following:
The truest blue flower blooming in my garden from late spring to mid fall is, without a doubt, Salvia ‘Mystic Spires Blue’. Giving it the justice it so deserves, Mystic Spires was selected to be the unifying plant throughout all of my seasonal beds. With its sturdy deep blue flower spikes, this herbaceous perennial has continued to make an impressive statement in the garden.
Mystic Spires Blue is a recognized top performer and has earned the prestigious Award ofGarden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society for delivering big on both beauty and reliability.
‘Blue My Mind’Dwarf Morning Glory is another true blue flower that was introduced to my garden this season. It ranks among the best heat tolerant annual flowers.
A few years ago, I discovered Agapanthus‘Lily of the Nile’ at a local garden center. It is an eye-catching perennial with exotic looking flowers that bloom continuously during the summer months. Now growing in a raised bed area around our Koi pond, the clusters of soft blue flowers atop stiff stalks give the area a more dramatic look.
One of the boldest blues in my garden is Veronica longifolia ‘Skyward Blue’. With a growth habit that seems to be reaching for the heaves, its vibrant blue flowers have a strong, pronounced presence in the garden. In Zone 8 it will provide color from late spring through summer.
From small vignettes to breathtaking vistas, the natural world is taking part in our 250th celebration of patriotism. Enjoy a refreshing glass of Blackberry Iced Tea or Strawberry Basil Lemonade with Basil-Lime Shortbread while viewing some of the ways master gardeners are creatively displaying their love of country with beautiful tributes to the red, white and blue!
Strawberry Lemonade with Basil Lime Shortbread and Blackberry Tea
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
“Thank You”! to North Haven Gardens for this stunning creation designed by Laura Prentice, NHG Garden Advisor. We are grateful to Rusty Allen, TCNP Events, Education and Outreach Coordinator, along with the staff at North Havens Gardens for their gracious donation and support of our 2026 Patriotic Project.
For our thriller in this patriotic summer pot, we chose Mystic Spires Salvia for it height, pollinator benefits and long-lasting blue flowers. We also added Platinum Beauty Lomandra for texture, variety and a ‘fireworks-esque’ display of height. As fillers, we chose Angel Wings Senecio for its unique velvety white leaves and Beats Red Verbena for its vibrant red blooms. Our spillers in this pot are Creeping Jenny with its trailing bright green leaves and the cheerful summer White Cora Cascading Vinca. All of these plants are tolerant of our hot Texas summers and are great choices for sun to part-sun summer color!” Laura Prenticer, NHG Garden Advisor
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
Spring has arrived! Local garden centers are unloading trucks filled with outrageously colorful plant material every day. My trips to each of these nurseries is too numerous to count while staying within a carefully drawn plan is an idea that has “fallen apart”. However, as boundaries are being pushed, the original plan of creating a monthly patriotic infusion of red, white and blue is “falling into place”.
A small bed in our backyard was the starting point for my in-ground approach to the theme. As that colorful little spot transitioned from cool, spring days and chilly nighttime temperatures to a blast of extreme highs in the lower 90’s, a few tweaks were needed. The blue bonnets were spectacular until their bloom time ended. Ranuculus pouted when hit with the heat wave. Mystic Spires blue salvia along with Autumn Red salvia powered through it all and are preforming beautifully. So, out with the ranunculus and in with a few red Pentas.
Next on the master plan was to create a gentle wave of red, white and blue flowers in what we loving to refer to as our “cross bed”. It was an anniversary gift over 15 years ago and is still the focal point for that bed. As the existing “Autumn Sunburst” azaleas were completing their bloom cycle, colorful new selections that would take us well into fall were next on the agenda.
As you can see from the photos, once again, the taller Mystic Spires blue salvia provides a strong curving line to define the area. Spunky little ‘Compact Red’ Sunpatiens are serving as “fillers” while Magadi Compact Dark Blue Lobelia creates a colorful border, (the abundant flowers invite butterflies). A new white Drift Rose was planted at the base of the cross with Easter lilies and Foxglove surrounding it temporarily. Hopefully, most of the newly planted flowers will gift us with three seasons of bold color, or more!
We are grateful for the neighborhood garden centers that have graciously offered to partner with us in creating spectacular, patriotic pots. First on the list is the Nicholson Hardie garden center on west Lover’s Lane. Their manager, Samantha, used her botanical talents to create something special.
She chose to fill a 15” x 15” white acrylic pot with the following: Blue Ageratum (butterflies love it), White Dianthus (great for filler and loaded with blooms for full sun), Red Profusion Zinnias (heat loving plant), Blue Lobelia (a filler that loves the sun) and Red Calibrachoa as a spiller. And for a touch of “sparkle”, she filled the center with White Diamond Frost Euphorbia, which will bloom all summer.
This stunning power-packed patriotic pot will be for sale at the Raincatcher’s Garden Plant Sale on Saturday, May 2nd. Sale starts at 10:00am. Thank you to Nicholson Hardie for making this such an enjoyable experience!
May you find joy this season as we move into another month of great gardening adventures!
Instead of sharing a monthly “red, white and blue” recipe with our readers, our culinary experience this time comes straight from my garden. It is a creation of fresh edible gifts that were ready to be harvested on the same day. This lovely salad is compliments of the following: vibrant green romaine lettuce as the base for cradling ruby red strawberries, blue borage blossoms and a sprinkling of white caraway blossoms. Just a light splash of honey balsamic vinegar provided a simple and refreshing uniting of flavors. Bon Appetit!
Blue Borage with Honeybee and Romaine LettuceCaraway BlossomsStrawberry Patch
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
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
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 beautifulWinter Honeysuckle, loved by the bees.Enjoy your house plants, remember Chrsitmas is not just one dayMahonia-so pretty nowHow much dead foliage can there be?Don’t forget to enjoy the vegetables from your gardenNow 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
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: 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!)
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!