Gardens and Gardening

Aug 19 2019, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Okrapalooza celebrates 10 years with two-day fest

The 10th annual Okrapalooza festival on Sept. 14-15 at Reeves Family Farm will feature a Seed to Table dinner and a family-oriented fest with a chef cook-off. Proceeds benefit Promise of Peace Gardens' programs like Soup It Forward, aiding Dallas food deserts with fresh produce and nutritional education.

Jul 16 2019, JOHN KENT

Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s new fees start Friday

Fort Worth Botanic Garden introduces its first admission fee to address a $1.2 million budget shortfall. Revenue will support maintenance, program restoration, and new initiatives. Reduced and free entry options exist for families, students, and military. Planned improvements include greenhouse upgrades and a tram service.

Jun 18 2019, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Plant propagation is worth digging into, says Dallas author

Dallas horticulturist Leslie Halleck's second book, "Plant Parenting," is a visually rich guide on plant propagation for novices and experts. It covers techniques for multiplying houseplants, vegetables, and flowers sustainably and cost-effectively, fostering beginning gardeners while enriching experienced ones.

Jun 11 2019, JULIE THIBODEAUX

North Texas storm topples trees across region

Severe storms in North Texas toppled hundreds of trees, causing power outages and a crane collapse that killed a Dallas resident. The Texas Trees Foundation emphasizes proper tree planting and care to prevent storm damage, advising certified arborists for maintenance. Trees enhance community health and offer numerous benefits.

Jun 10 2019, MINNIE PAYNE

New park designed to cool Dallas campus

A new park opened at Dan D. Rogers Elementary as part of a Dallas ISD greening initiative. The Texas Trees Foundation's Cool Schools program, tackling urban heat and pollution, installed 90 trees and recreational facilities. More schools will join the initiative, backed by anonymous donations.

May 21 2019, MINNIE PAYNE

Pond tour dips into North Texas backyards

The 28th annual Tour of Ponds, hosted by the North Texas Water Garden Society, will be held on June 8-9, showcasing diverse backyard ponds across North Texas. The event offers a self-guided tour of 40 ponds, welcoming gardening and pond enthusiasts for a unique, educational experience. Participants can purchase a tour guide book for access.

May 20 2019, Jo Ann Thomas Collins

Opinion: Will you speak for the prairie?

Jo Ann Collins of the Native Prairies Assocation, Fort Worth Chapter mourns the loss of a prairie remnant to be bulldozed for a new elementary school in west Fort Worth, off Hulen Street, behind 4049 Kingsridge Road. Photo by Julie Thibodeaux.

May 20, 2019

A prairie that I love is about to be plowed to build a school.

Apr 03 2019, MARSHALL HINSLEY

New Dallas tree zoning law to be voted on Wednesday

The Neighborhood Forest Overlay ordinance, unanimously approved by Dallas City Council, allows homeowners to create zones for tree preservation, aiming to protect urban forests beyond the 2018 ordinance. It empowers residents to manage greenery preservation, affecting future property sales, and complements existing tree laws.

Feb 01 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

AgriLife specialist schooled North Texans on sustainability

Dotty Woodson, a horticulturist dedicated to spreading enthusiasm for water conservation and gardening, retired after 30 years, including 24 with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Honored by public figures, she's known for her engaging talks, TV appearances, and plans to focus on orchids post-retirement.