Why do gardeners keep going? Its hot—get up really early start to work to beat the heat—and find the mosquitos got up earlier.
Work hard on weeding feel successful–turn around–and find more weeds.
Wonderful to have so many flowers–until its obvious many flowers mean alot of deadheading.
Sometimes the problems pile up. It can be easy to forget the blessings gardening brings. Of course there is the functional fitness aspect–digging those weeds is actually a good thing. Fresh air and sunshine help the body and the mind.. Just being needed by the garden can be seen as a burden–but really its a blessing to be needed.
But remember another aspect of gardening that brings lasting joy. That is the way our plants and gardens connect us to others.
Some of our connections are to friends and family that we see regularly. Those who share successes –and some failures—and sometimes plants. Others are gone now but the plants they shared long ago ensure that they are not forgotten. Somehow they are not gone at all but with us still as we garden.
This was the first plant I ever had, well, a descendant, of course. I was about 6 years old. My mother and I were visiting one of her friends. She had Ghost plants in a huge iron kettle used by generations before to heat water over a fire and wash clothes. The plants spilling out of the kettle, now used as a flower pot, enchanted me.
So for sure–gardening is hard work somehow conditions never seem “just right” too hot too cold too dry too wet–it all happens. And we have to get out there anyway.
But don’t just work. Pause and take a step back every so often. Think about all the people and all the stories that surround your plants.
Then you will remember why you keep gardening. Remembering will lift you and bring joy to you even in difficult times.
This is Red Dragon. I was given a few stems in a glass of water by a friend and now it’s being shared.This unknown grass is a descendant of a small plant gathered by my mother near Lake Proctor.Raincatcher’s Garden used to be at Joe Field. I took some cutting of this pink turk’s cap before we left. They continue on!I found this rosemary in a trash pile. It isn’at a particularly good plant but it made me happy to find it and see it growing now years later.A neighbor came by and told me she enjoyed the zinnias in my yard and how much they took her back to her Mother’s garden.Growing a tree from seed reminds us that we can do a lot if we try.
Thank you plant sharing friends:
Jim has grown so many seeds for the plant sale. This is Pride of Barbados, one of his specialty plants. Hope it blooms soon but even if it doesn’t, I am reminded of Jim and all his work for the garden.Mark started these cuttings and generously shared. Be sure to notice Althea when you visit The Raincatcher’s Garden. It has been blooming all summer and thank Mark.
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Surprise Lily-The interesting thing about the name of this lily is that I was the one met with a surprise – in my own back yard!
Just a few days ago, with the temperature hovering around 93 degrees, I decided to run the sprinkler system in my raised edible bed. It was a hot afternoon and overspray from the system felt good hitting me in the face, so I sat down on a bench and waited for it to complete the cycle. Interestingly, something in the blue blooming salvia bed just to my right side kept catching my eye. Curious to figure out “why” a single, and very lovely, pale pink flower was peeking out at me, I got up, walked a few steps and stared in amazement.
Gently pushing back some of the ‘black and blue’ salvias that had been growing in that spot for over 5 years, was the most unexpected sight. Droplets from the sprinkler that had just watered that area were gracefully clinging to the petals and seemed to be inviting me to come closer and take a look. What was this mysterious plant that I had never even noticed in the 19 years we’ve lived here?
After taking a few photos with my iPhone and then doing a quick plant search, the answer was revealed to me. I was pleased to learn that the botanical name Lycoris, is from plants in the Amaryllis family. Some of their common names, however (resurrection flower, surprise lily and magic lily) refer to the trumpet-shaped blooms that resemble lilies. Also known as ‘naked ladies’ for the absence of leaves, these striking lilies start blooming around the end of July. She almost looked like a flamingo standing stiff-legged in my garden bed. I wanted to learn more about her!
Lycoris includes around 20 different species found in China, Japan and a few other Asian countries. However, the tall, pink flowered Lycoris x squamigera is the most common in American gardens. If you are interested in growing this lovely, delicate pink lady, here are a few tips to get started:
*The surprise lily is a perennial bulb in the Amaryllis family and is the hardiest of all the plants in the Lycoris species.
*Bulbs are about 3 inches in diameter with long necks that can persist for many years once established.
*Lycoris prefer full sun to partial shade.
*When planting, bury bulbs to a depth of 8 to 12 inches, spacing them 6 inches apart.
*They grow best in well-drained, fertile soils.
*Foliage emerges in late winter to early spring. Silvery gray greenish strap-like leaves measure 12 inches long and 1 inch wide. They grow in clumps.
*Foliage dies away in late spring followed by the late summer “surprise” lily that emerges like magic and produces 5-7 four-inch pale pink trumpet-like blooms atop the 2-foot tall stalks.
*Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the fragrant flowers.
Now that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this remarkable lady, I’ll be especially watchful next spring while awaiting her return!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Travel with me for a few minutes and you’ll understand why!
A long, long time ago (over 1,000 years or more) in a far away land (China) a lovely little ornamental tree was discovered. It was given the name “Pai Jih Hung” meaning hundred days red for its beautiful color and long bloom season. While another name sometimes used is “monkey tree”, monkeys could not climb the smooth, slippery trunks but, perhaps, they never stopped trying. Today we know it as the very familiar “Crape Myrtle”! (Lagerstroemia indica)
A lovely white crape myrtle at Raincatcher’s Garden is allowed to grow naturally
Over time, Crape Myrtles made their way to England and then around 1790 they were introduced to the United States. Cultivation has continued for over two centuries. The oldest known crape myrtle was planted in 1790 and is still blooming in Charleston, South Carolina.
And what about the spelling? Is it crepe or crape? Depending on the source, you’ll find it spelled either way. So, let’s move forward with “crape”. And the next question to answer is in regard to the meaning behind the name. There are more explanations than you can imagine but here is one that seems to offer a nice horticultural fit: the shedding bark is as thin as crepe paper and as crispy and curled as French crepes. Beyond that, the internet offers a lengthy list of botanical research that you might want to explore. For now, let’s just enjoy the beauty of these colorful trees that can be found blooming in the metroplex and throughout the southern United States.
From vibrant, fiery reds to a wide spectrum of pinks and luscious lavenders, crape myrtle flowers add a stunning splash of color to landscapes during the summer months. (All photos were taken within the metroplex over the previous two-week period.) Numerous stops along the way included everything from residential yards to churches, schools, and commercial sites.
Driving along the North Dallas Tollway, colorful blooms draping over unattractive concrete walls transformed the otherwise dull and drab roadway into something spectacular. (FYI…my husband was driving while I quickly snapped as many pictures as possible!) Crowded parking lots at grocery stores, restaurants, banks and drive-throughs seemed to share in the showy parade of magnificent color!
So, please enjoy my ‘necessary distraction’ of photos featuring a vast and diverse display of crape myrtles dotting the metroplex. These lovely trees provide interest and appeal whether used as a single specimen, in groupings of three, defining driveways or providing a privacy screen outside fences. They are especially striking when featured flanking stone walkways and steps in expansive landscapes.
From tiny bungalows to homes with rambling landscapes covering several acres, crape myrtles are ready to grace the south with their glory. Let’s celebrate this beautiful explosion of color gifted to us seasonally by the elegance of crape myrtle trees!
A few observations to share:
*Symbolism – While their crinkled flowers have a rich history, they are typically associated with marriage, chastity, good luck and prosperity.
*Placement – Crape myrtles thrive when planted in full sun and with ample space to grow and develop a large canopy. (However, as you can see from several photos, it is very common to see them planted in groupings of “three” which eventually become one giant canopy).
*Most used color – White, then pink, followed by lavender and finally that vibrant watermelon red. (My personal favorite, for now, is lavender)
*Most creative display – Crapes and Cactus! Not something that I would think to use together but in this setting it created an intriguing touch of drama. Very effective!
WHITE
Never mind all the wires, this cascading line of white crape myrtles is an eye-catcherSentinels on Guard! Attention, Salute!Three-In-A-Row For Drive-Up Drama! A single trunk spectacleA burgandy-leaved white crape myrtle adds bold color to the Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills
PINK
Nestled in the corner of a wooded lot, this pale pink crape myrtle adds a little sparkle to the backdrop of greeneryPretty in Pink Along the FenceDeep Pink Crape Myrtle in a Shopping CenterA Welcoming Entrance of Three Crape Mayrtles at Grace Bible Church
LAVENDER
A Manicured Evergreen Hedge Provides Structure For This Grouping Of Lavender Crape Myrtle’sKeep Your Eyes On The Wheel When Sneaking A Peek At This Lavender Crape Myrtle In The Median On Midway RoadThis Lavender Crape Myrtle at the Entrance to a Local Children’s School is My Favorite ‘Canopy’ Photo“Stop And Stare” – This Stunning Lavender Crape Myrtle Is Electrifying Against The Azure Blue SkyA Drool Worthy Lavender Crape Myrtle In Bluffview
RED
Hopefully, Whoever Builds On This Vacant Lot Will Include This Lonely Red Crape Myrtle In Their PlansWelcome To The SMU Campus!Red, White and Blue, We Celebrate You.Just A Quick Stop Was Made To Capture This Pretty Grouping Of Red Crape Myrtle’s On Inwood RoadMesmerizing!
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
There is something transformative about walking under an arbor. It is a marker for some kind of change, possibly an entrance to a new space, or a transition from one area to another— One thing for sure, is that an arbor sets the space apart. Arbors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. It’s difficult to understand all the work that goes into putting up an arbor–Only when you see it unfold before your very eyes will you fully see the scope of the project. Thanks to all who take the time, make the plans, and see it to its final position in the garden.
At Raincatcher’s we’ve been reworking an arbor that was first constructed in 2012 as an Eagle Scout Project at Joe Field, a previous Dallas County Master Gardeners site. changes came and we relocated in November of 2014 to Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills. It was reassembled at the entrance to the North Field Pollinator Garden in 2015.
Arbor reassambled late 2015, notice the stark contrast between these 2 pictures. Our pollinator garden was just beginning.The 2015 pollinator friendly arbor with crossvine flurishing on the right and coral honeysuckle on the right.
This arbor served faithfully for several years, supporting multiple kinds of vines, such as passion vine (host plant for gulf fritillary butterfly), crossvine, coral honeysuckle and others added a touch of shade, some color, and best of all, the attraction of pollinators. In 2024(after about 12 years), the elements contributed to the deterioration of portion of the structure. Some of the original posts remained and were used in the new arbor.
Dallas County Master Gardeners and Raincatcher’s project specialists, Jon Maxwell (class of 2015 and Joe Labay (class of 2008) put a redo of this arbor on the to-do list. . Work began in January 2025 – first, devising a plan, then acquiring materials, and then came execution. This entailed many little things that made big differences, such as , measuring twice, or 3x if needed, so they cut once; leveling the wood and adjusting yet again. The original design was enhanced for functional and aesthetic purposes, the base was reinforced in concrete to better withstand the weather; more slats were added to the top, and the posts and beams leveled and adjusted numerous times.
Teamwork in action as speacialists measure and asemble the new arbor at Raincatcher’s.One more step in arbor reconstruction with the goal of enhancing our garden.Jon and Joe, our dedicated volunteers!
It was meticulously assembled after measuring, sanding, painting and placement. Finishing touches included grading the walkway, mulching, adding decomposed granite, placing stepping stones and adding a brick border to complete this garden work of Art. The project took about 5 months, partially due to only meeting once a week on Tuesday mornings. At times, other issues took precedence, or weather altered plans. It has been well worth the wait!
Interns assisted Jon and Joe with border and stone placement around entrance.Awaiting the finishing touches-decomposed granite, stepping stones and the brick border.Voila! French for Texan speak – here it is!
We at Raincatcher’s are grateful for the commitment and expertise of Jon and Joe to make this beautiful arbor a reality.
It is a statement piece that welcomes everyone to walk under it and into a pollinator paradise. Come and stroll through the garden and check it out! We have workers at the garden on Monday mornings and Tuesday mornings; pollinators are more frequent. See you soon!
Starla Willis, DCMG class 2011, Jon Maxwell, class 2015, and Joe Labay class of 2008
Constructive tips:
* Use the best quality materials you can afford. The better the materials, the longer it is likely to last. Cedar is a better choice than treated lumber. Treated lumber, especially the 4×4 posts tend to warp badly unless thoroughly dry, which are hard to find at the box stores. Cedar, while more expensive, will last longer and will not warp. If treated lumber is chosen based on cost, be sure to prime and stain it immediately upon installation.
* Using materials from the existing arbor may save on the costs, but not necessarily time.
* Plan on it taking longer than you expect —projects have a way of evolving.
Starla Willis, DCMG class of 2011, Jon Maxwell, class of 2015, and Joe LeBay class of 20
What a great plant larkspur is. Coming up from the seeds of last springs plants–living all winter as little fluffy greenery and suddenly growing tall and blooming before most other flowers.
Winter can be a challenge but finding the tiny larkspur seedlings and thinking of whats to come lifts the spirits. What a bonus that they honestly do not need a great deal of help from the gardener to grow and thrive.
As with most self seeding plants they come up where they wish to and may require some editing. If they are too crowded they won’t be their best so don’t hesitate to thin out the smaller ones. This will allow the remaining plants to grow tall. This adds structure to the spring garden. The color honestly goes with everything. Pink poppies–nigella–combined with the blues and purples of the larkspur–its a picture waiting to be painted–at least admired by you and anyone lucky enough to pass by.
Watch carefully larkspur is a magnet for native bumblebees. As we know bumblebees have been struggling. Seeing so many enjoying the larkspur makes growing them worthwhile in itself.
But wait–there is more!! When you grow larkspur you are growing a plant that has been grown by gardeners for hundreds of years. The Victorians were very fond of them–they were popular gift flowers.
In medieval times they were grown in monastery gardens. These gardens had to be useful not just beautiful.
Now–lets pause–important information will follow: all parts of larkspur are toxic. Do not consider internal use. But its great to know that people tried their best to help and use what they saw around them. Potions were made to treat a variety of problems including depression and anxiety. The seeds were used to make a solution to kill lice. That had to be a welcome relief as lice were a horribly common problem. In fact this use continued for a long time –soldiers used it during the revolutionary war..
The flowers can be used to make a dye and were used by the monks to make a blue ink.
So think of all those before you as you work in your garden–and remember you are a link in this long chain. Remember yes–but as always–there is more.You obviously must let the plants finish their blooming and go to seed–yes this can be a bit untidy but its essential. Lots of seeds will fall and they will lie in wait until next winter when the cycle starts again. But don’t let them all fall–gather some seeds.
Share some seeds with friends and neighbors–answer their questions about how to grow larkspur.
So the chain that links the plant and the gardener to the distant past will extend into the future–and you are and will be a link in that chain.
Larkspur and Poppies far better togetherLarkspur comes in white, this one has tinges of lavender look closelyThis one might be more lavender than whiteBe tolerant. A few larkspur in a vegetable bed is hardly a problem-in fact it is healthyNotice the variation in color, this one is very dark purple.This one is a bit lighter and blooms close to a tall verbena.Amazingly intricate flowersThe foliage is lovely itself- so delicate!A bumblebee, look close-they love larkspur.
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Music in shops–usually just more noise to be ignored—but then, just every now and again a line from a song provides a useful and welcome bit of advice. A helpful insight for the volunteer gardener.
It can happen that for this volunteer a sneaking feeling that all is not well–a creeping feeling of discontent appears and can grow and affect every hour in the garden. A feeling that the task is too big just too much. And the reward–where is it??? Why aren’t there more volunteers? Does anyone see what I am doing–much less care or appreciate it??
Sadly once this happens –if nothing changes–the next step can be a vanished volunteer.
What needs to change?
The basic situation isn’t going to change. Garden work can be hard and it can be repetitive. Weeds come back without fail. Treasured flowers and veg can seemingly fail for no apparent reason. Add in garden tours to be led, fundraisers, plant sales,and extra work days- all need volunteers and they seem to come around way too often.
So what to do. Everyone has heard it but now its time to believe it. The situation is the same–the response to it that’s different-it can change–a lot–and for the better.
Take a step back and think clearly don’t just react. Remember respond don’t react.
Maybe part of it is listening to a lot of talk of self care. One thing often mentioned is just saying no to requests for help. And of course no one can say yes to everything.
We must take time for ourselves and our own homes and gardens.
But don’t lose sight of the personal benefits of helping either. There are friendships and connections–yes we may have to work on them but its valuable work.
We all want our communities to be better–greener–safer for plants wildlife –and ourselves.
Plant sales and garden tours–well those aren’t just things to get through–they can make a difference. If just a few people learn about plants that will grow and provide help for the bees and butterflies–isn’t that valuable.. If people learn that insects are the foundation of life on earth and they can help protect them, that is your time well spent. If you help a child develop a love for living things not a fear–well what could be better–that is the highest form of self care.
Starla’s niece with cicadaLinda teaching the butterfly life cycleIntroduction to an insectStarla’s son long ago with butterfly
Can you save the earth? No you cannot–but can you make your part of the world a little better? Yes, you can and you make yourself a little better with the time and effort.
We can’t wait for all the others who should be there helping.. Those others that should be appreciating us more. Give them time!! But for now–
We ARE THE PEOPLE WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR
Many hands make light workVolunteers planting a treeOn their knees, hard at workEnthusaiastic Raincatcher’s volunteers
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Join us at the garden, 11001 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas 75229 on the grounds of Midway Hills Christain Church. Our work days are Monday mornings and Tuesday mornings. This is a Dallas County Master Gardener approved project.
Here we are in January–its cold and can be dark and gloomy. So how to appreciate it?
January is named for the great Roman God Janus. This God could look to the front and to the back–seeing both the past and the future–thats a lot right? But really his powers were far greater. Janus was a God of practical importance. When asked by mere mortals assistance could be given to turn dreams into reality. Janus had the power to help the followers to see and understand what actions were needed to recognize an abstract goal and take the necessary actions to make it real.
There seem to have been other powers but those seem quite enough for us to think about in this time of the year that can seem a bit bleak.
In fact it seems very possible that Janus was fond of gardening and was able to use the powers to make gardeners happier.
Well it is hard to say it was all a very long time ago now–but some things don’t change. We want things to be brighter and more cheerful. we know we can’t just wait for it to happen–its up to us–we are going to have to be inspired by ancient wisdom but we are the ones who must make it happen. OK lets turn the idea “make things brighter” into action to make it so. Remember–no just hoping for a good day–make it a good day!
Let’s decide on what to do:
Go and pick some of the lettuce and arugula in the garden make and enjoy a salad–delicious and healthy too.
Take a walk around the yard–Yes its cold but the hellebores are starting to bloom but you will never know unless you go out and look. Winter honeysuckle is covered in lovely white flowers a treat for people and bees but again it requires a good close look those flowers are beautiful but they are small.
Houseplants are right there for enjoyment. Don’t take them for granted and let them become just part of the furniture. Of course do the routine care but take the time to really look closely they will appreciate it and you will reap the benefits. Even the most common of the plants are amazing on close inspection.
Even January can be a wonderful time for gardeners. Lets learn from Janus and take action to make it so!
Enjoy every bloom of the Christmas Cactus!Eveyone including the bees can enjoy the pretty flowers of winter honey suckle. If you have orchids, apppreciate the amazing long lasting flowers.Growing lettuce just makes good sense. It is delicious and healthy.Arugula doesn’t give up and neither should you.Begonias are very easy to grow and not boring!Foliage plants are worth a careful look.What a treat; the Hellebores are starting to bloom.
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
First some good news; the persimmons that we are featuring won’t cause you to pucker up after taking a bite. These are locally grown, non-astringent Fuyu persimmons that have been ripening on the tree for the last few weeks. Honestly, they are sweet, delicious and ready to enjoy plucked straight from the tree. We’ve also included a few recipes that might convince you to become a persimmon enthusiast, as well!
A few weeks ago, I received a message from Susan Thornbury, a master gardener friend. We went through the Dallas County Master Gardener program together in 2008 and have volunteered at the same demonstration garden since that time. Susan’s message to me was delivered in the form of a special gift. Knowing how much I really like persimmons, she graciously shared over 25 juicy, ripe Fuyu persimmons with me from the tree in her backyard. I was thrilled to have them just in time for a big autumn bread baking project.
Anxious to see Susan’s tree, I headed over to her house a few weeks ago. We had a lovely visit sitting on a bench under her spectacular persimmon tree. Here a few things I asked Susan about persimmons.
Where and when did you find your persimmon tree?
“I found it about 12 years ago at North Haven gardens. It was in a 5 gallon pot and approximately 2 – 3 feet tall. I planted it in a full sun area of my backyard.”
When does the fruit appear?
“Hard, green orbs start appearing after flowering and continue developing until early fall. Persimmons are usually ready to be picked in early to mid-November.”
Approximately, how many persimmons does it produce during the season?
“Each year is different. Last year (2023) there was hardly any. This year, I’ve harvested over 200 beautiful persimmons.”
How do you pick the persimmons at the top of your 12’ tall tree?
“Well, the persimmons on those upper branches get harvested by the opossums. That’s my gift to them!”
Susan has a totally organic garden and doesn’t worry about fertilizing her persimmon tree other than with fresh compost from her bins, as needed. It has been a fairly low maintenance tree that sparkles with a beautiful display of colorful leaves each autumn.
If you are ready to add a jewel of a tree to your yard, here is some helpful information to get you started.
Fuyu persimmon trees (Diospyros kaki) bear a glowing, yellow-orange fruit that is sweet and filled with flavor once the color appears. In zone 8 look for fruits in mid-October that transition to a glowing orange. Be patient when planting a small seedling as it can take several years to bear fruit. Irrigate regularly, especially during the early years when it is getting established.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-1
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Type: Rich, Well-drained
Water Requirements: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Height: 20 – 30 feet
Bloom Time: Spring
Fruit Size: 2’ – 3’ across
Flower Color: Creamy white, pink
Resistant To: Heat, drought
Plant Spacing 20+ feet
The best reason for growing a Fuyu persimmon tree in your yard is for the abundance of sweet, non-astringent fruit. Enjoy persimmons fresh from the tree or in jams, jellies, puddings, breads, cookies and salads. Here are three of our very favorite persimmon recipes but, don’t tell, as they will be part of my Christmas gift giving this year!
Linda Alexander and Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardeners class of 2008
In observance of National Cookie Day yesterday we included a arecipe for Persimmon Cookies made with fresh persimmons from Susan’s tree.
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.
The big green leafy things that were bare all summer are blooming at last and they are amazing. Cosmos!
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.
The Peppers finally realizing they have a job to do.
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.
The Marigolds were to keep the tomatoes company all summer. They are doing it now.
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.
Turk’s cap-all summer, some flowers but now covered in flowers.
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.
It’s time for an old friend to go. Sad but true.
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.
This tomato in my garden just isn’t going to recover.
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.
Perennial doesn’t mean live forever!
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.
Is it maybe just a little too much? Take a step back and look.
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
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.
King Henry VIII Pink Hollyhocks with Honeybees Foraging for NectarPlanted 2023 in a location with morning sun and mid-afternoon shade‘Fiesta Time’ was added to my garden in May. Its fringed flowers are stunning
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
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 