October 9, 2023
After an especially punishing summer, it was refreshing for Raincatcher’s volunteers to pause and reconnect.
Many of us think fall is the best gardening season of the year. In the north garden we are harvesting okra, peppers, eggplant, long beans, and zucchini as well as preparing space for our new greenhouse.
Don Heaberlin, Beverly Allen and Ann Lamb, Dallas County Master Gardeners compiled this article.
Raincatcher’s pansy sale is November 8th, more information is coming.
September 27, 2023
Dining locally at Suze restaurant for dinner is something my husband and I enjoy doing a few times a month. So, for my birthday just a few weeks ago, it was my first choice. As always, the appetizers and entrées were superb, but it was the dessert that left us swooning.
Gilbert Garza, our dear friend and chef-owner, said he would be bringing out an “off the menu” dessert for us. He mentioned that one of the ingredients was only seasonally available and in his words, “difficult to get my hands on”. But, as luck would have it, that special ingredient had been delivered to the restaurant earlier in the day.
As we leisurely finished the main course, Gilbert appeared with a bowl of something so intriguing it required an explanation. As told to us by Gilbert, once a year he puts in a request for a very hard to obtain plum from California known as Green Gage Plum. His dessert presentation was an artfully designed bowl of caramelized Green Gage plums warmed and served with house made vanilla gelato, crushed almond tuille and crème anglaise. Freshly harvested spearmint with a splash of balsamic was the final touch. It was a perfectly delicious, light and refreshing birthday treat!
Curious as to the unusually sweet taste of the rather small green plums, we did an internet search later that evening to learn more. The story behind Green Gage plums was fascinating.
‘Green Gage’ Plum (Prunus domestica) produces fruit that is sublimely sweet. They are a naturally occurring hybrid of the European plum, Prunus domestica and P. insititia, a species that includes Damsons and Mirabelles. Possibly, first grown in Iran in ancient times, the plums were spread to early civilizations along the Silk Road. In the 16th century they were planted in the royal gardens of Francis I in France.
Green Gage plums were brought to England by Sir William Gage in the 18th century. The story is told that Gage purchased a tree from Paris and planted it in his home garden. Having lost the label that identified the tree, Gage eventually renamed the tree after himself. Green Gage plums then spread throughout Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Australia.
On March 31, 1773, Thomas Jefferson recorded sending slips of the tree to Monticello. In 1783, he planted twenty-one of these trees in the South Orchard. Records from Monticello show that Green Gage Plum was the most intensively documented variety of fruit that Jefferson grew at Monticello.
In describing the look, texture and taste of Green Gage plums, we found the following information helpful. Green Gage plums are small, averaging 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter with a round, ovate to oval shape, curved shoulders and a slightly flattened base. The plum’s skin is smooth, taut, and thin, ranging in color with variegated hues of green and yellow to gold. Beneath the surface, the flesh is dense, finely textured and succulent, displaying yellow-green hues with a translucent quality.
After finishing every tiny morsel of our dessert, Gilbert brought out a few Green Gage plums for us to sample. We agreed with the vivid description from Specialty Produce…” Greengage plums have a sweet, honeyed and syrup-like flesh with a balanced and ambrosial flavor composed of dried apricot, ripe mango and citrus marmalade nuances.”
Don’t be misled by their green-colored appearance, which is often associated with unripe, sour flavors. What we experienced was an exceptionally sweet tasting plums, both enjoyable and suitable for eating fresh!
An update on our plum journey: The next morning, we ordered two Green Gage plum trees from plantmegreen.com. They arrived last week and are now at home in our Texas garden.
Growing Information
Green Gage Plums can be grown in USDA zones 5 through 9. They thrive in regions with sunny, hot summers combined with cool nights. We followed the planting instructions and placed them in a sheltered, sunny area of our garden with well-draining, fertile soil. We are hoping that the trees will be ready for a bountiful plum harvest by summer to late fall of 2024.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
What’s happening at Raincatcher’s Garden: We are harvesting okra, peppers, eggplant, black-eyed peas, and long beans. Radish seeds are being planted anywhere there is unused growing space.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR DCMGA’s EDUCATION DAY
Make plans to join us on Saturday, October 14, for a unique day-long educational event sponsored by the Dallas County Master Gardener Association and Dallas College featuring well-known horticulturalists Felder Rushing and Callie Works-Leary. The $20 cost of registration includes lunch. To review the schedule of presentations, to read more about our speakers, and to register, visit dallascountymastergardeners.com. All who love gardening are welcome to attend!
Tomatoes, I owe you an apology. All is forgiven. We had some rain and a mild beginning to the summer. You behaved reasonably under those circumstances and gave us an abundance of delicious fruit. I’m sorry for all the negative things I’ve said about you. I have called you names. I have described you as difficult. I have suggested to beginning gardeners that they avoid you and try peppers instead.
Our biggest problem with you this year was that certain bushy tailed scoundrels found you irresistible even when you were green. That was not your fault. Never fear, we are planning our squirrel defense strategies for next year.
Now our high temperatures are in the triple digits and you have developed blight and begun providing food and shelter to stink bugs. You held out as long as could be expected and for this I thank you.
Tomatoes, despite the pain of previous seasons, I am grateful for what I have learned from you-mostly patience.
Beverly Allen, Dallas County Master Gardener, Class of 2018
Tomatoes are the Jerkiest Plants
Tomatoes Will Break Your Heart
Squirrel photo by Don Heaberlin and stink bug photo by Diane Washam
June 3, 2023
If African Blue Basil could speak it might first suggest introducing you to the “parentals”. In this case, that would be a good idea. The African parent is a perennial shrub from forests of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
In 1983, African Blue basil was first seen by a nurseryman named Peter Borchard, owner of Companion Plants in Athens, Ohio. He noticed it growing in the path between beds of the two presumed parents, East African basil and ‘Dark Opal’. Borchard dug the hybrid out and brought it into the greenhouse hoping to save seed. No seed formed leaving Borchard with the task of growing more plants from cuttings. Shortly thereafter, African Blue Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) entered the market.
African Blue basil is now identified as a hybrid plant in the Lamiaceae family made
by crossing East African camphor basil and a varietal of purple sweet basil called
‘Dark Opal Basil’. Its strong camphor scent was inherited from the East African
basil used to breed the plant. Though some people may find the camphor odor
and taste too strong to use in the kitchen, others embrace its culinary uses.
While doing morning chores in the garden, the dark purple leaves of African basil
tempt me to experience their crisp, semi-chewy and woodsy flavor with notes of
menthol, musk and cloves. With a refreshing and earthy taste filling my mouth,it’s time to move out of the way and give the honeybees time to forage for nectar.
Before planting in the garden, familiarize yourself with its specific characteristics.
African Blue basil is a rare, aromatic, perennial shrub that can grow up to five feet
tall in some gardens. Plants produce abundant flowers that are pink with a dark
purple base, making it attractive to bees and beneficial wasps. African blue is one
of the few basils that is sterile, meaning it will not produce seeds. Fortunately,
this unique trait allows the plant to stay in bloom for a longer season. As with
other basils, African Blue does best in well-draining soil amended with compost.
Plants thrive in full sun and will form rounded mounds.
Suggestions for cooking with African Blue basil offer a wide range of possibilities.
While best suited as a fresh flavoring or garnish, the leaves may also be used in
pesto’s, chimichurri sauce, salad dressing and dips or sprinkled over soups, tossed
into salads or layered over bruschetta. Also, try it mixed into pasta, spread over
sandwiches, used as a pizza topping or for elevating desserts.
Along with the leaves, African Blue basil flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish in soups, salads and grain bowls.
They can also be incorporated into
cocktails, floated on sparkling beverages or stirred into teas. African Blue basil
pairs well with parsley, cardamom, ginger ale, champagne, green beans,
tomatoes, potatoes, lentils, rice, and feta cheese. For best quality and flavor, use the leaves and flowers shortly after harvesting.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Like a bee going from flower to flower for different types of nectar, I am flying all over gathering information from many sources about tomatoes. Last year I learned of a grower, Bobby’s Best. You can find him on instagram-Bobby’sbeststarts.com
Recently he was kind enough to share his compelling explanation of the advantages of using organic fertilizers. Remember if you feed your soil, it will feed you!
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0b3k9rnty84MkkqNSpA8g65Rw
Ann Lamb, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2005
Download the video after opening the link. If any of our dear Dallas Garden Buzz readers have trouble viewing the link, please let me know.
March 11, 2023
You may not be thinking about tomatoes tonight but I am. March 15th is the frost free date for the Dallas area which means it is not likely we will have a frost after that date. However, next week we may have a few low temperature nights so you may want to wait to plant. Regardless of the date you choose to plant, you are going to want to come to our garden on Tuesday to purchase tomato and pepper plants; lovingly started and tended by Raincatcher’s volunteers. See details below. Ann
It’s time to plant!!!
TOMATOES and PEPPERS, TOMATOES and PEPPERS, TOMATOES and PEPPERS
The MG volunteers of Raincatchers at Midway Hills have grown several varieties of tomatoes and peppers from seed and will have them for sale.
Tuesday, March 14th, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Courtyard Garden
Midway Hills Christian Church
11001 Midway Rd. Dallas 75229
$2.00 per 4” pot
Cash or Check only, please
Sarah Sanders, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2006
Jackie James, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 1998
Don’t be confused-we have our big plant sale coming up May 4th and will talk it up over the next few weeks.
It was only a few years ago when just an ordinary piece of toast topped with gently smashed avocado became the rage. You’ll find it now on menus across the country from small cafes to upscale restaurants. Everyone seems to have created their own version by using an alphabetical listing of edibles including everything from artichokes and micro greens to tomatoes and tarragon for appeal. My approach tends to be more simplistic in style.
An early morning harvest from my edible garden provides a seasonally fresh selection of blossoms, greens, herbs and vegetables. On Saturday mornings from April until November a visit to our local farmer’s market gives me additional options. Here are a few delicious suggestions that my husband and I have recently enjoyed but be creative with your choices because any combination that pleases your palate is a winner.
Springtime
*Thinly Sliced French Breakfast Radishes, Onion Chives and Nasturtium Blossoms
*Broccoli Florets, Arugula and Mrs. Taylor’s Scented Pelargonium Blossoms
*Thinly Sliced Carrots Topped with Caraway Sprigs
*Swiss Chard Perpetual Spinach and Nepitella Blossoms
Summertime
*Sliced East Texas Peaches and French Tarragon
*Campari Tomatoes Sprinkled with Chopped Balsamic Blooms Basil Leaves
*Sliced East Texas Peaches, Sweet Banana Peppers and Purple Basil
*Armenian Cucumbers with Salad Burnet and Watercress
Avocado toast is something we enjoy for breakfast, brunch, lunch and as a delightful appetizer. For a light summer dinner we often serve it alongside homemade gazpacho or chilled cucumber soup. Our goal is simply to use garden fresh ingredients! The only exception is when I’ve made a visit to purchase fresh eggs from my master gardener friend who raises chickens at her ranch. A delicately fried egg sitting on top makes for a very scrumptious breakfast experience.
**Additional edibles from summer’s bounty will include anise hyssop blossoms, blueberries, shaved yellow crooked neck and zucchini squash, onions, jalapeno and shishito peppers. To complete the flavor kick be sure to consider a sprinkling of these herbs; anise, dill, fennel, lovage, mint, papalo, pipicha, lemon thyme and rosemary or any of your personal favorites.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
Try These Three Recipes:
Asparagus, blueberries, garlic, jalapeno peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, basil, cilantro, Italian parsley, and mint are some of our Zone 8 seasonal garden crops. If you’re growing any of these springtime and summer favorites, consider giving them a starring role for breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner. Each recipe calls for a list of ingredients which can be picked, snipped and harvested directly from the garden. The combined flavor profiles will elevate that fresh-from-the-garden taste experience we find so satisfying to our palates.
Caprese Roasted Asparagus with Grape Tomatoes
Fettuccine with Cashew, Mint and Cilantro Pesto
You may have noticed that the common thread in each of these recipes is olive oil. This past Christmas, family members and close friends received themed gift packages from my husband and me featuring olive oil and olive wood products. From olive wood boards, bowls and spoons to different varieties of olive oil, each one was customized for the recipient. A recipe for my favorite olive oil cake was included with each gift.
As the spirit of giving continues, throughout 2022 our family and friends are receiving a monthly recipe featuring new and unusual ways of cooking or baking with olive oil. The three recipes listed above were for March, April and May. Summer recipes calling for olive oil will include farm fresh garden vegetables (corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, etc.) and zesty, flavorful herbs. I’m even sharing a cobbler recipe that calls for ¼ cup of lemon olive oil!
If you are an olive oil fan, check back for monthly recipes featuring this versatile product and its variety of uses. Writing in The Illiad, Homer revered olive oil as having the qualities of “liquid gold”. Let’s discover those possibilities together over the next seven months.
A Bit of Trivia…It was the ancient Greeks who invented the salad dressing which was comprised of extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, sea salt and honey.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
After waiting for over a year and a half to resume monthly meetings, The Pierian Club of Dallas chose Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills for their first event. The much anticipated gathering was filled with hugs, laughter and smiles of happiness on the faces of those who attended. We were thrilled to welcome them to learn about our approach to gardening in North Texas and to enjoy a garden-themed lunch prepared by our “Friends of the Garden” volunteer culinary team.
The story of The Pierian Club is very fascinating. It began in 1888 and has continued to evolve for over 133 years. The purpose of the club is to increase knowledge. Their motto states, “A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep or taste not the Pierian Spring. Their shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again.” In Greek Mythology, it was believed that drinking from the Pierian Spring would bring you knowledge and inspiration.
With a focus on seasonally fresh herbs and vegetables from our edible gardens, we treated them to a flavor-filled menu that stirred the senses. A brief explanation of how the menu was developed includes comments about several carefully chosen items.
The Pierian Study Club
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Lunch Menu
“Finger Sandwich Trio”
Pimento Cheese topped with a Raincatcher’s Pickle
Cranberry Curry Chicken Salad with Orange Blossom Honey
Sliced Radishes on Salad Burnet Spread Dusted with Fresh Fennel Pollen
Marinated Vegetables with French Tarragon and Anise Hyssop Blossoms
Grilled Figs topped with a Dollop of Mascarpone Cheese, Drizzled with Orange Blossom Honey and Fresh Thyme
Iced Tea Flavored with Garden Fresh Lemon Verbena
Our finger sandwich trio included the following:
1. A tribute to Martha Stewart’s favorite sandwich…buttered white bread topped with thinly sliced radishes sprinkled with salt. Taking inspiration from herbs growing in our garden, we substituted a spread made with whipped cream cheese, freshly snipped salad burnet leaves and onion chives. Radishes were added next, sprinkled with sea salt and then lightly dusted with delicate fennel fronds. Each sandwich was topped with a thinly sliced Armenian cucumber brought in from the garden.
2. Pimento Cheese. This recipe is a favorite from a recently closed restaurant in Fredericksburg, Texas…The Peach Tree Tea Room. While the original recipe calls for jalapeno juice, we omitted it, as requested, for this event. Each sandwich was topped with a pickle made by one of our volunteers. Pickles were made from the variety, ‘Homemade Pickles,’ currently growing in our garden.
3. Cranberry Curry Chicken Salad with Orange Blossom Honey. We love using this special honey from Savannah Bee and available locally at Central Market. It adds just the right amount of sweetness to the earthy flavor of curry.
Marinated Vegetables were embellished with fresh-picked French tarragon from our edible landscape. Served in individual clear glass flowerpots, they made a colorful addition to the menu with pretty purple anise hyssop blossoms scattered over the top.
Dessert was on the lighter side. Fig leaves from the garden cradled two figs halves that were lightly grilled and topped with a dollop of mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of Orange Blossom Honey. Tiny lemon-flavored thyme leaves added that fresh from the garden effect that rounded out the meal.
Following lunch, a short program introducing the Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills was presented by Dallas County Master Gardener, Lisa Centala. Master Gardener volunteers then joined Lisa and our guests for a delightful tour of the demonstration gardens. With their newly acquired horticultural knowledge, members of the study group left inspired and feeling as if they had been refreshed by drinking from the Pierian Spring.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 