Clark Gardens Blog

Save the Date Friday, May 25th for a Family Fun Evening at Clark Gardens

2012-05-16T00:00:00Z

What does Skip’s Choo Choo Express, Farmer Jason’s Punk Rock Skunk and JJ’s Smoothies have in common? Clark Gardens Jammin’ in the Park—of course!!! The staff at Clark Gardens has planned a Memorial Day weekend celebration like no other. On Friday, May 25^th the fun kicks off at 5:00 pm. Skip’s train will be chugging along offering guests a scenic ride through the garden, Beverly and family will be grilling hot dogs, Joe and Josh will be serving up delicious cold smoothies and Farmer Jason will be serenading the crowds with his songs about guitar pickin’ chickens and rock ‘n’ roll tractors. CNN.com says “Farmer Jason filled the venue with energy and charisma to burn, and the kids responded in kind. Everyone left with smiling faces, highly entertained.” Among Farmer Jason’s award are 2009 and 2010 Emmy Awards for best children’s program mid-south region; Parents Choice Gold Award and the Disney Family Fun Top Five Family Record of the Year Award.

Bring your own picnic and beverages or enjoy hot dogs and smoothies provided by Clark Gardens staff; spread a blanket on the bowling green and enjoy an evening of music, games, trains, and star gazing.

Date: Friday, May 25, 2012

Times: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Farmer Jason concerts at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

Regular Admission fees apply: $7.00/adult; $5.00/Children 5-12 years of age; $5.00/seniors 65 and over; No Charge/Children 4 and under; Clark Garden members No Charge.

Clark Gardens and Palo Pinto General Hospital Offer Free Program on Breast Cancer

2012-04-09T00:00:00Z

Clark Gardens, in partnership with Palo Pinto General Hospital, offers a free program this Thursday, April 12.

^{The program, presented by Dr Nanette Evans, will discuss women’s health issues emphasizing breast cancer risk factors, the diagnosis of breast cancer and the treatment options. Dr. Evans specializes in diagnostic radiology and serves as a vital resource to Palo Pinto General Hospital as a diagnostic digital mammography physician.}

^{April at Clark Gardens is "Plant it Pink" month. The gardens will donate a portion of the sale of all pink flowering plants to local health organizations that provide financial aid for breast cancer screenings.
Admission to the presentation is free with light refreshments served. The presentation is at 7:00 pm in the Clark Gardens Chapel. Attendees are encouraged to come early and tour the garden. Bring a picnic to enjoy before the presentation.}

It's Official--there's a breakup at Clark Gardens.

2012-03-30T00:00:00Z

“As the Garden Grows”…part one.

Clark Gardens is a family. And like most other families in 2012 we aren't the traditional "Leave it to Beaver" family. Our family consists of humans, plants and animals. Years come and go; some members leave the "nest" while others never leave. Some go to sow their oats and return and then some go never to be seen again.

Important members of the Clark Gardens family are the swans. Over the years we have had several species of swans--trumpet swans, mute swans and black swans. The all time favorite swan though would have to be Houdini, a mute swan.

Houdini was given to the gardens about four years ago by a neighbor. Houdini had lost his mate and was trying to "break" up another couple-in others words he was a wife stealer and was kicked out of that lake! His name Houdini came after it took a number of days to corral him. Once corralled he would escape--hence his name Houdini. Once caught Houdini moved into Oxbow and settled in with the other birds on that lake.

On Emerald Lake a pair of trumpeter swans lived together until the female was killed by a predator.

Thus Doc lived alone on Emerald Lake and Houdini lived alone on Oxbow separated by a few hundred yards. The staff often times mused that it would be nice if they could be together.

One day to our delight Houdini went knocking/splashing into Emerald Lake. At first Doc was leery of the intruder but over time he warmed up to Houdini. Then one day in early February some courtin' began causing quite a stir among family members.

And just like in all families a great deal of gossip went around: primarily Doc MUST is a female. We were thrilled – the two could be together. But Doc needed a new name. On Valentines Day we hosted a competition to rename Doc. He/she was renamed Judy Valentine after one of our favorite volunteers/photographer and extended family member.

Can you imagine how excited we all were? Clark Gardens hosts many wedding. And like all newly married couples we thought life was going to be good. Judy and Houdini would live together forever, set up house and have a family.

Then problems started...first Houdini walked over to the waterfall at White Garden for a few days. Then the worst of our fears played out...Houdini moved out for good. He moved lock, stock and barrel to Lake Pavilion.

Rumors flew around--was Doc really a Judy? Had Doc tricked Houdini? Was Judy a gold digger? Was Houdini a bad mate? Or was Doc a cross dresser? Was their love purely physical? But whatever the reason they were ‘split up’.

Houdini became so despondent that garden friend, Phyllis Glidewell saw him alongside Hwy 180 trying to run away. But after contemplating his options he returned to Lake Pavilion to his bachelor pad. (smart move—hwy 180 can be dangerous for a swan)

So...as the Garden Grows our family remains intact but different, questions unanswered. But what I can tell you there must have been no prenup. Doc/Judy clearly got the house (Oxbow) and Houdini, broken and bitter, was kicked out to find a new home!!! We will survive...well unless Houdini goes back down to Hwy 180!!

Houdini--after the breakup!

Stay tuned for part 2 of “As the Garden Grows”.

Composting Class coming in April

2012-03-20T00:00:00Z

Class Description
Composted organic wastes can be used in your landscape to reduce the amount of fertilizers used and to conserve water. But how do you get started in a home composting system? This class is designed to teach you the basic steps and procedures to start your own home composting system.

Instructor: Stanley Liles

Reservations: Nonrefundable, pre-paid reservations are required. In the event the class is cancelled due to weather, participants will receive a full refund. A printable reservation form is available online at www.clarkgardens.org. Fees may be paid online via PayPal, or with a credit card by phone (940) 682-4856), or in person at the Clark Gardens admissions booth.

Dates
Saturday, April 28, 2012, 9:00 am to noon
Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 5:00 pm.

Cost:
$30.00 per person
$25.00 per Clark Gardens Member

Aromatherapy Class coming soon in April....

2012-03-20T00:00:00Z

Aromatherapy Class

This class covers the therapeutic use of powerful natural essential oils derived from plants, to complement health naturally. In this class you will learn the history and manufacturing process of Pure Essential Oils. As well as the power of Aromatherapy to boost health naturally. Cost includes a take home kit of 6 Pure Essential Oils and recipes.

Cost $70.00 per person; members pay $65.00

Please dress comfortably.

Instructor: Dr Janet Tayler ND, BCIM

Reservations: Nonrefundable, pre-paid reservations are required. In the event the class is cancelled due to weather, participants will receive a full refund. A printable reservation form is available here. Fees may be paid online via PayPal, or with a credit card by phone (940) 682-4856), or in person at the Clark Gardens admissions booth.

Dates

Monday, April 23, 2012, 6:00 to 8:00 pm

For more information contact Beverly at beverly@clarkgardens.com or visit our website at www.clarkgardens.org

Clark Gardens Featured in Texas Co-Op Power Article

2012-03-12T00:00:00Z

Clark Gardens is featured in an article entitled, "From the Ground Up," on the Texas Co-Op Power website.

Article by: Kaye Northcott
Issue: March 2012

"Clark Gardens Botanical Park spotlights hands-in-the-dirt work of two visionaries.

Clark Gardens Botanical Park is a remote oasis with an address in Weatherford but a physical location just three miles east of Mineral Wells. I took Interstate 20 west from Fort Worth and then jogged north on the Main Street exit to Weatherford. It’s a treat just to circle the ornate Parker County courthouse before heading west again on U.S. Highway 180. Before Mineral Wells, signs announce Maddux Road and direct you for a mile or so to the entrance of the 35-acre garden."

See the full article: http://www.texascooppower.com/travel/north-central-texas/from-the-ground-up

Planting onions by Janice Ellis

2012-02-16T00:00:00Z

Janice Ellis is the Clark Garden Garden Club President and shared with our Garden Club members information on how to plant onions.I asked Janice if I could share this information on the Clark Gardens blog and she kindly agreed.The following are her notes:

Growing Onions

The size of the onion bulb is dependent upon the number and size of the green leaves or tops at the time of bulb maturity. For each leaf there will be a ring of onion; the larger the leaf, the larger the ring will be. The onion will first form a top and then, depending on the onion variety and length of daylight, start to form the bulb. Onions are characterized by day length; "long-day" onion varieties will quit forming tops and begin to form bulbs when the daylength reaches 14 to 16 hours while "short-day" onions will start making bulbs much earlier in the year when there are only 10 to 12 hours of daylight. A general rule of them is that "long-day" onions do better in northern states (north of 36th parallel) while "short-day" onions do better in states south of that line.

Care Of Transplant Instructions

When you receive live plants, they should be planted as soon as possible. Should conditions exist that make you unable to plant these plants right away, remove the onion plants from the box and spread them out in a cool, dry area. The roots and tops may begin to dry out but do not be alarmed, the onion is a member of the lily family and as such will live for approximately three weeks off the bulb. The first thing that the onion will do after planting will be to shoot new roots.

Preparing the Soil

Onions are best grown in a raised bed. Onion growth and yield can be greatly enhanced by banding a fertilizer rich in phosphorous 3” below transplants at planting time. Make a trench 4” deep, distribute one Tablespoon per 1’of the fertilizer, cover the fertilizer with two inches of soil and plant the transplants 1” deep.

Planting

Set plants out approximately 1” deep with a 3” spacing. Should you want to harvest some of the onions during the growing season as green onions, you may plant the plants as close as two inches apart. Pull every other one, prior to them beginning to bulb, leaving some for larger onions. Transplants should be set out 4 weeks prior to the date of the predicted last average spring freeze (March 17 for Palo Pinto county).

Fertilization and Growing Tips

Onions require a high source of nitrogen. A nitrogen-based organic fertilizer (such as blood meal*) should be used. The first application should be about three weeks after planting and then continue with applications every 2 to 3 weeks. In my SFG, I use 1 Tablespoon of blood meal per square foot. Once the onion neck starts feeling soft do not apply any more fertilizer. This should occur approximately 4 weeks prior to harvest. Always water immediately after feeding. The closer to harvest the more water the onion will require. Unfortunately, there is not any organic product available to assist in weed control so the only method will be cultivation. While cultivating be careful not to damage the onion bulb. As the onion begins to bulb the soil around the bulb should be loose so the onion is free to expand. Do not move dirt on top of the onion since this will prevent the onion from forming its natural bulb.

Disease and Insect Control

The two major diseases that will affect onions are blight and purple blotch. Should the leaves turn pale-green, then yellow, blight has probably affected the plant. Purple blotch causes purple lesions on the leaves. Heavy dew and foggy weather favor their rapid spread, and when prolonged rainy spells occur in warm weather. The best cure is prevention: use only well-drained soil, run the rows in the same direction as prevailing wind and avoid windbreaks or other protection.

The insect that causes the most damage is the onion thrip. They feed by rasping the surface of the leaves and sucking the liberated juices. The thrips are light-brown in color and are approximately 1mm long…very small and hard to see.so look for the leaves curling in places and becoming distorted. For control use an organic plant based insecticidal soap*, biological insecticide* or pyrithrin based insecticide*. Always follow label instructions.

Flowering -- Abnormal For Onions; Normal For Garlic

Most folks want to grow onion bulbs NOT onion flowers! What causes bulb onions to send up flower stalks? Flowering of onions can be caused by several things but usually the most prevalent is temperature fluctuation. An onion is classed as a biennial which means it normally takes 2 years to go from seed to seed. Temperature is the controlling or triggering factor in this process. If an onion plant is exposed to alternating cold and warm temperatures resulting in the onion plant going dormant, resuming growth, going dormant and then resuming growth again, the onion bulbs prematurely flower or bolt. The onion is deceived into believing it has completed two growth cycles or years of growth in its biennial life cycle so it finalizes the cycle by blooming. Flowering can be controlled by planting the right variety (short day for zone III) at the right time. Planting too early in the spring in our area may not be the way to go because we tend to have cold then warm spells early in the spring. It may be better to wait later in the spring until temperatures are more consistent…not fluctuating between cold and warm so much. Use only transplants that are pencil-sized or smaller in diameter when planting in early spring or always plant seed, NEVER transplants, in early fall in Texas Zones III - V (USDA Zones 8 and 9).

DON'T plant garlic in the spring! Bulb formation in garlic occurs in response to the lengthening days of spring, and bulbing and maturity are considerably hastened if temperatures are high. In addition to these requirements, the dormant cloves (divisions of the large bulb) or young growing plants must be exposed to cold temperatures between 32 and 50 degrees F. for one or two months in order to initiate bulbing. Plants that are never exposed to temperatures below 65 degrees F. may fail to form bulbs. With fall plantings, the cold treatment is accomplished quite naturally throughout the winter, but a spring planting spells disaster for garlic in Texas Zones III - V (USDA Zones 8 and 9)

What To Do About Flowering?

Onions. What can one do if flower stalks appear? Should the flower stalks be removed from the onion plants? Suit yourself but once the onion plant has bolted, or sent up a flower stalk, there is nothing you can do to eliminate this problem. The onion bulbs will be edible but smaller. Use these onions as soon as possible because the green flower stalk which emerges through the center of the bulb will make storage almost impossible.

Garlic. Seedstalk formation (bolting) of garlic is not induced by exposure to fluctuating temperatures, as is the case with onions, which means that a wide range of fall planting dates is permissible for this crop. I plant garlic bulbs on the first day of winter. Seedstalk formation is also not damaging to garlic since the cloves are arranged around the seedstalk and will be removed from the dried seedstalk. When the tops become yellowish and partly dry, garlic is ready for harvest.

Harvesting And Storage

Onions are fully mature when their tops have fallen over. After pulling from the ground allow the onion to dry, clip the roots and cut the tops back to one inch. The key to preserving onions and to prevent bruising is to keep them cool, dry and separated. I usually store onions is in a nylon stocking. Place an onion in the leg of the stocking and tie a knot or put a plastic tie between the onions and continue until the stocking is full. Loop the stocking over a rafter or nail in a cool dry building and when an onion is desired, simply clip off the bottom onion with a pair of scissors or remove the plastic tie. Another suggestion is to spread the onions out on a screen which will allow adequate ventilation, but remember to keep them from touching each other. As a general rule, the sweeter the onion, the higher the water content, and therefore the less shelf life. A more pungent onion will store longer so eat the sweet varieties first and save the more pungent onions for storage.

*For organice fertilizer and insecticide, go to Organic Materials Review Institute and reference the products list

Notes: Much of this info came from TAMU and Plant Answers at TAMU and what I have learned from experience.

Thank you Janice for sharing. It's great information. If you would like to join the Garden Club please call Clark Gardens for information. (940.682.4856). Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 6 at 6:00 pm.

Houdini's Girlfriend has a name!!!

2012-02-15T00:00:00Z

Our beloved Houdini has found true love. We ran a contest to rename the trumpter swan as she was mistakenly named Doc. And the winner is (drum roll please)....Debbi Robertson. Thanks to Debbi Doc's new name is Judy Valentine.

We chose the name Judy Valentine for a couple of reasons. Judy and Paul Valentine are two special friends of the garden. Judy takes amazing pictures of the gardens and generously shares them with us. Her husband Paul is a conscientous, dedicated volunteer at the Clark Garden Depot. Yesterday on Valentine's Day Judy and Paul celebrated their 51st anniversary. Now that's true love!!! And lastly, Judy was Houdini's first love. He loves to follow Judy around the garden on her visits.

Here's to Houdini and Judy (the swan) sharing many more Valentines Days together.

Recipe for a Successful Spring Festival, part one

2012-02-14T00:00:00Z

On this beeautiful spring day we can't help but start talking Spring Festival presented by .

This year's theme is "The Art of Living....Texas Style" and will be held March 31 and April 1st (all joking aside )

We will have our Education Stations again this year. One of the returning education stations is the

They bring an awesome display and talk about the importance of bees to our environment.

Other activities include a wine and cheese tastings, art show, shopping promenade, music, model train show, car show and a motorcycle show--thus the theme "The Art of Living...Texas Style". Mark your calendars. BEE there or bee Square.

Final TWO days for Half Price Memberships

2012-02-13T00:00:00Z

Our once a year "Half Price Membership" is available until Tuesday, February 14th at 5:00 pm. A Clark Gardens membership is the perfect gift for the Valentine in your life.Memberships must be purchased at Gift Shop of by phone. Call Beverly at 940.682.4856. Individual memberships may be purchased for $25.00; a dual for $37.50 and a family membership for just $50.00.

Membership benefits include free daily admission to Clark Gardens and OVER 200 United States botanical gardens, free admission to Clark Gardens three festivals a year, discounts to our educational classes, 10% discount in the Clark Gardens Gift Shop, a free year long subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine and invitations to member only events.

But best of all, a Clark Garden membership allows you to share your love of the outdoors with those you love. Hurry, offer ends February 14th at 5:00 pm.

Father Daughter Dance

2012-02-10T00:00:00Z

G.A.L.S Father Daughter Ddance was a huge success. Send us your pics so we can share them.

Mother's Day Luncheon

2012-02-07T00:00:00Z

Treat your Mom to the beauty of Clark Gardens at our Mother's Day Buffet Luncheon created by Judy at City Kitchen.

Menu

Freshly Baked Rolls

Brisket Braised w/vegetable & Red Wine Sauce

Chicken Forestier w/pearl onions, mushrooms, terragon and marsala wine sauce

Roasted Seasonal Veggies

Saffron Rice

Blackberry and Apple Cobbler

Iced Tea and Water

Fee includes admissions to the Park, lunch and one electronic picture per Mother emailed to you following the event. $30.00 adult/ $16.00 children 3-12/ $10.00 Children 2 and under.\

For more information contact beverly@clarkgardens.com or register on our website www.clarkgarden.org

Soup Canning Class At Clark Gardens

2012-02-03T00:00:00Z

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012

Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm

*Lunch will be included

Cost $50.00 $45.00 members

Deadline to register is February 7, 2012

Description:

Learn to can homemade soups with Mennonite teacher Mary Otto in the gourmet kitchen of one of the private Clark Family homes. Each student will go home with a jar of each delicious recipe! Lunch is included.

Mary will demonstrate canning home made soup: both a chicken noodle soup and a tomato based soup. Mary's down to earth, practical, waste not want not, approach provides students with a simple, step-by-step approach to canning. She gives students the confidence to go home and give it a try themselves.

Houdini has found his Valentine

2012-02-03T00:00:00Z

You can't come to Clark Gardens without noticing the majestic Houdini, our Mute Swan who lives on Oxbow Lake. He is handsome, fearless, and commands the respect of all other garden creatures. Only recently has Houdini ventured out and discovered his new love on Emerald Lake.

Doc is our Trumpeter Swan who lives on Emerald Lake. Until recently, Houdini and Doc's relationship was ver adversarial. But now, it seems that the Doc that we thought was a male is most likely a female.

Today you can see Houdini and Doc swimming together in loving harmony on Oxbow Lake. It is a heartwarming sight to see!!

This Valentine's Day we would love to give Doc a new more feminine name. Can you help? Please submit your favorite name choices before February 14th to beverly@clarkgardens.com. If we choose your name choice you will receive a complimentary Family Membership for yourself or to give as a gift.

Give the Gift of Love...(for Nature)...on Valentines Day

2012-02-01T00:00:00Z

Clark Gardens LOVES our members so much we are offering our memberships at half price-- Valentines Day Half Price Membership again this year. Last year many of you took advantage of this special offer so we are making it available again. All indivudual, dual and family memberships are half off--from today until February 14th at 5:00 pm. To receive the discount please call Beverly--these are not available on line. (940 682.4856)

And that's not all--in January we lowered the price for family memberships--from $150.00/year to $100.00/year. During the Valentines Day Special you may purchase a Family Membership for ONLY $50.00.

Membership provides members with free admission year round (INCLUDING our annual festivals) to not only Clark Gardens but to over 270 gardens nationwide through the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal program.

And to make your gift even more special--American Public Garden Association is offering a free annual subscription to Better Homes and Garden.

Share your love of gardening and the great outdoors with your sweethearts--purchase annual memberships for those you love, including yourself--it's the gift that keeps on giving for ONE full year. Now who wouldn't LOVE that.

Clark Gardens BOOtanical

2011-10-26T00:00:00Z

Get your costumes ready for BOOtanical.

The judges are looking for that X Factor--do you have it? These guys did last year.

Great prizes await the winners. Prizes are valued at $150 for the first place winners. Age catagories are 5 years and younger; 6-10 years old; 11-15 years old; and 16 and older.

Don't forget to enter your pet in the costume competition--Dr. Talley with Pet Western is sponsoring the pet costume and her prizes are AWESOME!! The format this year is a little different than last year. All entries will parade around the Channel Garden with the judges and spectators cheering them on.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Cooking Class with Sandra Lewis THIS Saturday

2011-10-25T00:00:00Z

The Fall season brings with it an anticipation of warm kitchens filled with family and friends. For my family it's all about the food. The next three weekends, Clark Gardens is offering cooking classes sure to please the most discriminating foodies.

Sandra Lewis is returning to the gardens this Saturday, October 29th. Her class will showcase a non-traditional fall menu featuring butternut squash soup, pork roast with apples and dates, wild rice dressing and (yummy!) last but not least whiskey bread pudding with cranberries and caramel sauce. Sandra Lewis, a native of the Dallas area, blogs passionately about food, family, and friends. In Sandra's blog, Life at the Table, she shares her perspective on the simple, interwined pleasures of food and relationships. The class is from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and is set in one of Clark Garden's private residences. This is a perfect outing for a you to treat your "better half" or bring along a couple of girlfriends and enjoy good food, good fun and a beautiful day at Clark Gardens. Call Beverly at 940.682.4856 or register on line here.

This year would you like to give a one of a kind gift? On November 5 Kelly Andrews will be teaching a Holiday Candy Making class including fudge, toffee, peanut brittle and homemade vanilla extract. For class information click here.

And back by popular demand is Mary Otto. Mary brings her Amish roots to the garden on November 12 as she teaches us to make homemade bread including honey wheat bread, mashed potato dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls. Registration is open and information can be found here.

Space is limited for all the cooking classes so register early.

Class this Saturday--How to Grow Iris--taught by Mr. Clark himself

2011-09-19T00:00:00Z

Do you love irises-those beautiful blooms that appear in early spring?

Maybe you haven't had much luck with them or perhaps you don't know how to get started growing them. This Saturday, September 24, Clark Gardens is offering you an opportunity to learn the basics of growing and caring for the different species of iris.

Every now and then you get an opportunity to learn from an expert. And now is your chance. Sometimes the "expert" doesn't consider himself an expert and would NEVER call himself one. But if walking the walk and talking the talk makes you an expert then Max Clark, co founder of Clark Gardens, is an expert in growing and caring for irises. Clark Gardens has over 2000 different named irises, including tall bearded, siberica, louisiana, japanese and spuria. And all 2000 of the Clark Gardens irises are cared for, planted, divided and pruned by Mr. Clark himself.

And long before there was a Clark Gardens Mr. Clark (Max) was planting and caring for irises. Max grew up in Woodward, Oklahoma where his sister, Theda, was an iris hybridizer. She passed along her love of irises to Max and their nephew Hooker Nichols. Both Hooker and Max followed in Theda's foot steps. Hooker and his wife Bonnie operate Hillcrest Iris Gardens in Mesquite and are successful iris hybridizers and actively involved members of the Dallas Iris Society. Many of the irises in Clark Gardens were hybridized by Hooker and Bonnie.

Clark Gardens was a guest garden for the American Iris Society Convention hosted by the Fort Worth Iris Society in 1992 and also the convention hosted by the Dallas Iris Society in 2000. The Dallas Iris Society will again host the American Iris Society Convention in 2013. Clark Gardens will be one the Master Plantings Gardens, demonstrating over 1100 newly developed irises.

This Saturday Max will teach a hands on class regarding the care and planting of irises. Class participants will learn how and when to dig and divide iris rhizomes; brief overview of the different species of iris and the best conditions to grow iris. In addition you will leave with your own iris rhizomes to plant in your garden. Following the class, a cook out will be hosted by garden staff at the Lake Pavilion, one of the original structures built by Max and his wife Billie. This unique and rare opportunity will start at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 24th. Fees: Members $30.00/non members $40.00. Are you a member of the Dallas Arboretum or Fort Worth Botanical Garden? If so, sign up for this class as a member. Clark Gardens is a member of the APGA reciprocal membership program.

Some Like it Hot! Can you believe these blooms?

2011-08-29T00:00:00Z

With this summer as hot and dry as it's been, I am amazed at what plants have continued to thrive and grow in this heat. But take a look..

Rose of Sharon and Crape Myrtles

Encore Azaleas--who would have thought.

Ol' Gringo Chili Co Sponsors Spiciest Festival Around Chili Cook Off

2011-08-25T00:00:00Z

Ol' Gringo Chile Co of Fort Worth has teamed up with Clark Gardens to sponsor the 2011 and 2012 chili cook off on Oct 1 at Clark Gardens. North Texas Spiciest Festival just got spicier. Thank you Tom West and Ol' Gringo Chili Co.

Enter today for prizes, bragging rights and just a dawg gone good time! Can't get any better than that.