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my garden in the lusty month of May

May 13, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

I’ve always been a huge fan of strawberries, but today I am celebrating the most glorious strawberry ever. Glorious because I grew it in my garden! My first ever strawberry. I named her Scarlet. Yes I did. She’s plump and lusty and such a vibrant spot of color. Growing strawberries may not seem like a big deal to all you long-time gardeners out there, but Scarlet gives me hope and makes me believe I can do this veggie (and fruit) gardening thing.

My very first strawberry EVER. I named her Scarlet.

Last year I swore I would never again attempt to grow a tomato. I even posted a rant about it on Facebook. That’s how serious I was about the whole tomato debacle. What a difference a year makes, a year with a plot of land in full sun. I have several varieties of tomatoes, and they seem to be doing well (knock on wood). I don’t take full credit. I have rich compost from Promise of Peace, organic fertilizer from Redentas, egg shells from Great Day Farms and Ollas which provide steady irrigation. But still...

All spring I’ve had a bounty of onions and radishes—enough to share with neighbors. And my squash and cucumbers are thriving. So far, so good.

My garden in the lusty month of May. Onions!

Y’all, take a look at my peppers. Vigorous!

My garden in May. Peppers!

I’m excited. Can you tell?

Grace Grits and Gardening

Musical Pairing:

Lusty Month of May – from Camelot

Swiss Avenue Historic District

May 11, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

I took these pictures last year. I’ll be going back today. Hope to see you there!
Swiss Avenue Historic District, Dallas, Texas
Mother’s Day Home Tour
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” 

― Winston Churchill

Six Blocks from my House - East Dallas

G. B. Dealey Library at Fair Park

May 2, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

Today on Six Blocks from my house…the G. B. Dealey Library in the Hall of State building at Fair Park.

Dealey Library, Fair Park, Dallas

I’m willing to bet most of you aren’t aware of the G. B. Dealey Library—even those who live in the neighborhood. Or maybe I am the last to know?

We wandered into this jewel of a library last fall during the State Fair of Texas after visiting the Big Tex exhibit. Tucked away from the nearby buzz of downtown, the space is as much art gallery as it is library. Hand-painted murals, hand-cut tiles, hand-hewn beams—every detail captures the austere Texas landscape.

George B. Dealey Library

And the best part? This library is quiet as a library should be.

Named for Texas Historical Society founder George B. Dealey, the library’s holdings include 2.5 million documents, 3,000 photos, 14,000 books and 3,000 periodicals including rare books and manuscripts on the founding of the Republic of Texas. If you are working on a Texas historical research project and need to access documentation, call in advance for an appointment. If you are simply looking for a quiet place to read and write, no appointment is needed.

Dealey Library Card Catalog

I snooped through the card catalog because I couldn’t help myself. The smell alone lured me over. (Know what I mean?)

There are entire drawers devoted to Dallas street names. And I learned something new… Worth Street—our street which was named for Captain Jefferson Peak’s son (Worth Peak)—was originally named Barksdale? According to the card, Barksdale was changed to Worth in October 1887.  Interesting.

There are SO many things to see and learn at Fair Park, even during non-State Fair times. Put George B. Dealey Library on your list.

Hall of State, Fair Park

Grace Grits and Gardening

SIX BLOCKS FROM MY HOUSE

 

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Our Garden Mission Statement
  • Goodbye, 2025. Hello, 2026.
  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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