Tag Archives: photography

January appreciation–it can be hard

Posted on January 11, 2025 by Dallas Garden Buzz

January 11, 2025

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!

Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

More information on:

Christmas Cactus

Winter Honeysuckle

Hellebores

2024 Raincatcher’s Pansy Sale

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

Raincatcher’s Pansy and Plant Sale 2024
Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills is offering fall annuals for your fall and winter landscape color. Pansies and violas are $21/flat of 18 4″ pots, which includes tax. The sale begins at 6 AM on Wednesday, 10/16, and ends on Sunday, 10/27, at midnight. Flats will be delivered to the garden on Thursday, 11/7, and will be available to be picked up from 10 AM until 2 PM or by appointment.

All orders must be prepaid either through Signup Genius using your credit or debit card (fast and easy) or through Zelle. Orders paid through Zelle to treasurer@dallasmga.com allow you to avoid Signup Genius transaction fees. Orders will be placed with the nursery after payment is received. To place your order, please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084EAFAD22A4FC1-52262807-raincatchers.
Contact raincatchersgarden@gmail.com with any questions.

Phlox for Texas Gardens

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Dallas Garden Buzz

July 17, 2024

*Phlox at the Dallas Arboretum behind boxwood*

Everyone’s garden needs a leading lady. Have you considered Summer Phlox as yours? This tough, heat tolerant perennial makes a 3″ tall show stopping clump that lasts from early summer through fall. Texans make sure to select the Victoria Phlox shown above or the John Fanick cultivar. They have both been named to the Texas Superstar Program which means they will perform well in your garden and after all they probably grew at your grandmother’s homestead.