February March 2021 Ellis County Living Magazine

LOVE IN THE DETAILS www.living-magazine.com

New Logo, Same Exceptional Service

Terry Wooten 214.949.9285 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 224831 Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com

Tom Ker 972.365.7022 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 356892 Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com

Lance Wallace 903.571.9869 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1146461 Lance.Wallace@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Authier 903.654.0145 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1527367 Matt.Authier@GatewayLoan.com

Adrian Sanchez 469.628.3868 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 643358 Adrian.Sanchez@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Helms 903.641.9838 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1696114 Matt.Helms@GatewayLoan.com

Danny Gildea 972.921.5569 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1903297 Danny.Gildea@GatewayLoan.com

Office: 972.937.2200 1332 W. Hwy 287 Bypass, Suite-1 | Waxahachie, TX 75165 www.gatewayloan.com/waxahachie-tx

Gateway Mortgage Group, A division of Gateway First Bank, NMLS 7233

Enter the Home Buying Process Prepared!

We pride ourselves on providing you with the perfect loan for your situation, good rates and personal service!

Call Us: (469) 325-3570 NICK HESTER Sr. Loan Originator

ALLISON MORROW Loan Originator

DEANN YEILDING Sr. Loan Originator

130 Chieftain Drive Ste 103 Waxahachie, TX 75165

Cell 469-855-9262 NMLS #338108

Cell 325-201-7476 NMLS #1713496

Cell 325-665-5427 NMLS #192182

#1 Village Drive, Ste 354 Abilene, TX 79606

Nick@midtexmortgage.com

Allison@midtexmortgage.com

Deann@midtexmortgage.com

Marlene Norcross 512-431-4413

Janie Hendrix 817-271-0720

The keys to buying or selling your home?

We’ve got them!

Estefanie Gutierrez 214-886-6583

Amelia Valdez 469-658-5506

Karen Emery 817-917-5035

Give us a call today!

Ennis Main Office 101 NW Main St Ennis, TX 75119

Red Oak Office 100 Plaza Dr, Suite 500 Red Oak, TX 75154

Waxahachie Office 311 Ferris Ave Waxahachie, TX 75165

Corsicana Office 108 S Beaton St Corsicana, TX 75110

Professional Values • Real Estate Solutions Your City Real Estate citytxrealestate.com • 972-878-2222

CALL US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 972-298-8515 WILLIAM A. BROWN, D.D.S. F.A.G.D. General Dentistry 226 N. Cedar Ridge Rd. Duncanville, TX 75116 williamabrowndds@gmail.com

www.WilliamABrownDDS.com

“ Contents February - March 2021 |

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volume 17

LOVE IN THE DETAILS From the tiniest of features to the biggest of statements, we have filled this issue with articles from some outstanding contributors who take details and create something beautiful out of each of them. From a tiny seed growing into part of a beautiful garden to the kindness of a friendly face making you feel right at home while dining out - we hope you enjoy each detail.

- Cindy

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issue 1

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LIFE + STYLE FASHION • 12 Love is in the Details and in the Jewelry BAKING • 14 Fresh Florals + Cake COOKING • 18 At the Heart of the CookThe Journey of Like versus Love FOOD REVIEW • 20 Dinner with Danny DAY TRIPPING • 22 Midlothian + Ennis Events

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HOME + GARDEN LIVING RIGHT DESIGNS • 24 Spring into Color DUCKWORTH INTERIORS • 28 Incorporating Plants Into Your Decor JINA ARMSTRONG • 32 Spring Garden Prep Starts Early HISTORY • 36 The Waxahachie Chautauqua FEB/MARCH TIPS • 38 Planting/Growing Guide for the Season

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LA FIN CINDY BURCH • 40 For the Love of Dog

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ECLM Contributors 2

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Mica Daleiden (1) is a wife, girl mom, and owner of Casus Clothing and Casus Digital.

I love the “art” in everything; life, clothing, shoes, web design, photography, the list goes on. Midlothian native, Tarleton grad, and explorer of all things.

Angel Schiffer (2) is the owner and creator of Bittersweet Bakery in Waxahachie, Texas.

An Ellis County native and 3rd generation business owner, she lives Bittersweet. Most days you can find her in her shop sporting pink crocs and wearing baking ingredients as an accessory. She is a hands on business owner who puts her touches and artistry into every delicacy that comes out of the oven. When she’s not at the shop she enjoys spending time with her family and handsome young Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Leo. Phillip Morgan (3) is a local home cook and pit master. He serves as the Director of Fine Arts for the Waxahachie ISD and remains a student of all things academic and culinary. He enjoys a focus in smoked meats, barbecue, prime steaks and chops, alongside uniquely swanky side dishes and desserts. He and his wife Angela reside in Waxahachie with their daughter, Stella.

Dinner with Danny (4) You can also check out other reviews on Facebook @dinnerwithdanny

Lacey Rodgers (5) is an award winning designer and a person who has a true passion for Interior Design.

She attended The Art Institute of Dallas where she earned her BFA in Interior Design.

She has over 10 years of industry experience and knowledge. Living Right Designs was established 5 years ago and is based in Waxahachie, Texas.

Kate Duckworth (6) is an interior designer based in Ennis, TX. With over a decade of design experience ranging from high-end residential design to restaurants & bars, she finds joy in creating spaces her clients love. Follow her at www.duckworthinteriors.com or @duckworthinteriors.

Jina Armstrong (7) Jina is a lifetime resident of Ennis, TX. She loves to find the light and beauty in the ordinary things. With many years as an experienced photographer, she has been able to document things of beauty, and showcase them to her community. She and her husband, Andy, have spent several seasons evolving and growing their vegetable and flower garden, and love to share their tips, tricks, and harvest with all. You can follow their journey through gardening & photography @jinaarmstrong & @jinaarmstrongphotography Cindy Burch (8) and her husband, Andrew, own and operate The Doves Nest in historic downtown Waxahachie. Cindy is also a freelance writer, caterer and consultant. Her awardwinning cookbook, “The Doves Nest Restaurant: New American Recipes From A Historic Texas Town,” is in its fifth printing.

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YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR ELLIS COUNTY LIFESTYLE, HOME AND COMMUNITY SINCE 2005

PUBLISHER CINDY CAMP publisher@living-magazine.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR LINDSEY KEENEY lindsey@living-magazine.com

ART DIRECTOR CARLY PECHAL carly@living-magazine.com

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE

Cover photo by Angel Schiffer, Owner of Bittersweet Bakery Photoshoot at Hidden Waters Wedding & Events Venue Staff photos by Rebecca Chesney Photo & Film A special thanks to all of our contributing writers.

For advertising information, please contact Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938 or info@living-magazine.com.

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Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by ECL Media, Inc.© using only environmentally-friendly ink.

We are proud members of the Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian and Red Oak Chambers of Commerce.

Copyright 2021, ECL Media, Inc.© All rights reserved.

No portion of Ellis County Living Magazine shall be reprinted in any other publication without permission. The views expressed herein should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician.

Follow us on Instagram: @EllisCountyLiving facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving pinterest.com/ECLivingmag twitter.com/ECLiving

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021

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Discover Downtown WAXAHACHIE Gingerbread Antiques Don’t sit too long! Visit Gingerbread Antiques regularly so you don’t miss out on great finds like this vintage bench recovered in cowhide.

Gingerbread Antiques...making homes beautiful since 1995!

972.937.0968 | 310 S. College St. | Waxahachie

facebook.com/GingerbreadAntiquesTX

Farmhouse Come browse our wide variety of home decor, antiques, handmade jewelry, yarn and more! Monday – Saturday, 10-5.

Home – Garden – Antiques – Art 972.938.9090 | 308 S. College St. | Waxahachie

farmhouse308.com

Massage at Vogue Salon + Spa by Sharon Leach Give the gift of relaxation. Sharon Leach at Vogue Salon + Spa specializes in, but is not limited to, Swedish massage, aromatherapy, vacuum/cupping therapy and pre-natal massage. Her healing touch speaks for itself.

972-937-4247 | 106 West Main St. | Waxahachie

voguesalonswaxahachie.com

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jewelry

Love is in the details.. AND IN THE STORY BY MICA DALEIDEN PHOTOS BY BAILEE STERLING PHOTOGRAPHY

Is there a greater gift for any loved one than the perfect piece of jewelry? We have been told, “A Kiss Begins with Kay” but who wants a kiss when you can have turquoise! After last year, I think we are all looking for a little calm, a little grounding and turquoise might just be the answer.

Did you know that turquoise has healing properties? It can promote positive energy and an inner calm. With two little heathens running around my house, I need all the “inner calm” I can get. Not to mention that turquoise is timeless. It is an extremely detailed and unique stone that has never not been in style, it can be paired and purchased from any high-end store and in boutiques across Ellis County.

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Do you plan on adding a few turquoise staples to your collection this Valentine’s Day? If so, make sure to share them with us, we need and want all the inspo!

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Fresh Florals + Cakes STORY & PHOTOS BY ANGEL SCHIFFER

As the daughter and granddaughter of florists incorporating fresh blooms into baked goods has always been a natural fit for me. I’m inspired by the work that the generations before me did and have found a way to embody my family’s legacy, or what my mom calls “the eye” into what we do at Bittersweet. If you’ve ever popped your head in the kitchen while visiting the bakery you’ve probably noticed the massive sign that reads “The Flower Pot” . No, you can’t find this at hobby lobby, it was hand-cut by my grandfather and hung over my grandmother’s floral shop that she and my mother worked side by side in from 1985-1995 here in Ellis county. While it seems easy enough to simply stick some roses in a cake, it’s a little trickier than that.

Never fear, as I have compiled a list of tips and tricks so the next time you bake a cake and it needs a little, well, something... we’ve got you.

Choosing your florals: Like toxic relationships, you’re going to want to avoid toxic florals.

Granted, we are going to wrap them so that nothing seeps into your cake (we’ll teach you) and the toxicity levels and doses play a huge part, too... but if you’re just trying to make your cake look pretty let’s maybe stay away from the scary plants. Some are pretty obvious, hello poison hemlock.

But some are not.. everyone’s favorite plant hydrangea for instance. Not to mention they wilt almost immediately out of water. A quick google search is a smart move when choosing florals for your cake.

Favorite Florals TO use: roses dahlias pansies peonies fresh herbs or fruit blooms

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Texture and variety: Are you looking to create a playful garden design? It’s tough to achieve if all you have are large red roses. It doesn’t mean you can’t use red roses but think size and variation. Closed blooms, open blooms, filler florals, and our best friend greenery. Sometimes a cake will have more of an impact if you use just a few of the heavy hitters - roses, a large dahlia - and fill in with greenery that allows you to create that whimsical movement you’re after.

Tip: Don’t get rid of the damaged bloom! Maybe it’s not your statement flower but you can still use it. Rip off the petals, use them as an accent. See what’s on the inside of the flower.

Sometimes it’s exactly the funky piece you needed in your design.

Wrapping the stems: It is smart to wrap your stems in floral tape to not only protect your cake from the plant if there’s any question on its toxicity but also to keep it from seeping any floral secretion, yum, into your delicious cake. You can find floral tape at any craft store. Simply wrap the tape around half the length of the stem, as this is about how much will be inserted into the cake usually.

Tip: Did you cut your stem too short? Add a toothpick into the base of the flower, wrap with floral tape and it will be good as new and add an extra layer of stability.

Placing the first flower: Placing the first flower is the scariest part! I start with my statement flowers first as it helps you see the design and then fill in with the supporting characters: greenery, filler, fresh fruits. I make sure not to push the stems too far in, leaving plenty of room for dimension and interest. The last thing you want is a disproportionate cluster of too tight florals.

Remember to let the florals breathe and step back and check out your masterpiece from every angle.

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At theThe Journey Heart of the Cookof Like versus Love STORY & PHOTOS BY PHILLIP MORGAN

It’s easy to make food that people like. Across Ellis County you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t have a gentle liking to staple southern dishes – chicken fried steak, brisket, baby back ribs, pecan pie, ‘nanner puddin – soft spots to the soul of many native Texans. Having been a member of the Lone Star state myself for nearly four decades, there’s a lot to like about our cuisine – from barbeque to Tex-Mex. While I’ve hosted my share of get-togethers for family and friends alike, there is one fact that I do know – it’s easy to make food that people like, but takes creativity, patience and attention to detail to make food that people LOVE. Love is passion, love is commitment, love is choosing just the right flavor of meat rub for your Memom, love is putting the crispy ends on the chicken just for Uncle Jay, love is cutting the steak just right for your little girl. Love carries significant weight in this culinary relationship – so to make food that someone truly loves to eat, your heart has to be in it. That’s where the detail comes in. Preparing and cooking food worth ‘love’ is something I’ve been working at mastering since high school. Let me be the first to admit that it’s a labor of love – because if you don’t love experimentation, failure, and exploring new foods, you’re going to struggle with the patience it takes to master food that folks deeply and truly love.

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As a school district administrator in Waxahachie ISD, I have to admit that I’m committed to being a lifelong learner, but also that I’m as vulnerable as anyone when it comes to my oncefragile ego regarding whether people like or love my cooking – especially when it comes to the smoked meats!

However, the maturity that comes with loving what you do and loving who you cook for tends to expand your tolerance of criticism, and that

growth brings you to a whole new level of understanding when it comes to cooking with love. They say, “the devil’s in the details”, but truth be told, the devil’s in trusting yourself at the stove or over the grill – the love is in the details of what you cook, the care in preparation, the attention in execution, and the heart that motivates you to break bread… and barbeque… with those you hold dear. Eat up – you know we will.

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Danny

DINNER WITH

I have lived in Ellis County for 24 years. The last few years between Waxahachie and Midlothian. We have passed by Jimmy’s for years but never stopped to eat. That changed tonight and we won’t be driving past it any more. I can’t say why we never stopped before, but we didn’t. You will learn that Italian food is one of my favorites for sure.

A moment later our server, Jalyn, arrived with a basket of hot fresh bread (my weakness). He took our drink order and returned promptly with cold drinks full of ice. Jalyn stayed on top of the refills all night, and that takes a lot. I tend to drink about 15 Dr. Peppers like Forest Gump would. We also ordered some appetizers, fried pickles and their garlic cheese tomato basil bread. The pickles were good, the batter was just right, but they were a bit sour for me, my wife however LOVED them. The cheesy bread was the best part of the meal... until dessert, but I don’t want to spill that secret just yet.

The cheesy bread could make a meal in itself. The bread was excellent, just the right amount of garlic and tomato and plenty of cheese. The marinara sauce was homemade and you could see the chunks of vegetables in the marinara. Together, this combo was perfection!!

For my meal I asked our server, Jalyn, what he thought was their best dish. He suggested the Richie’s Special which consisted of spaghetti noodles, grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, garlic and onions in an oil sauce. While I would not normally order a dish like this, I was very pleased with it. I tend to lean

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toward the tomato based meals at an Italian restaurant, but I was very happy with Richie’s Special tonight. I would order it again.

My bride ordered the meat stromboli, which was stuffed with hamburger, sausage, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, ham, salami and cappicolla. I have no clue which meat was the cappicolla, but the combination of all of the meats inside the stromboli crust worked well. The best part, more marinara dipping sauce. I actually tried some of the marinara on my chicken pasta and it was great.

I overheard two of the servers talking about sports that they played in and it hit me, these guys know what it means to be a team and it shows. The food was good, it really was, but I think the service impressed us the most.

All in all we had a great experience at Jimmy’s and I will most definitely be going back. I’m ashamed to say I hadn’t given it a chance before, as much as I love Italian food. Go in and ask for Jalyn to serve you.

If you decide to visit Jimmy’s or any other restaurant I have reviewed, please share your experience with me. I love to see pics of your favorite foods. You can also check out other reviews on Facebook @ dinnerwithdanny

JIMMY’S PIZZA PASTA AND SUBS 972.775.2409 300 N 8TH ST MIDLOTHIAN, TX 76065

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Day Tripping Check out fun things to do in Midlothian & Ennis as a day trip experience or activity!

Mayor’s Winter Walk Features Mockingbird Nature Park Mayor's Winter Walk will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2021, 10 a.m., at Mockingbird Nature Park, 1361 Onward Road, Midlothian. A one-mile walk through the beautiful nature park features a guided tour and. Information about the park’s plants and trees, as well as the birds, bats, and butterflies that inhabit the park.

This event is free and open to the public. Precautions for COVID-19 will be followed. For registration, visit www.midlothian.tx.us/winterwalk or call (972) 775-7177.

About Mockingbird Nature Park Mockingbird Nature Park is a 62-acre nature park located at 1361 Onward Road in Midlothian. It features hiking trails, public restrooms, butterfly garden, pond, bluebird nest boxes, boardwalk, and native grass areas. The city partners with the Indian Trail Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists for the development of this park. Visit inaturalist.org for more information on the projects at the park.

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Follow Your Heart to Downtown Ennis!

Do you enjoy romantic strolls down tree-lined streets, shopping with your sweetheart in unique boutiques and enjoying a starlit dinner with a view? We have the perfect day trip for you that will not disappoint any day of the week but will be a bit “lovelier” on Valentine’s Day Weekend.

The newly renovated Dallas St has become a destination with visitors loving the atmosphere of the beautiful, brick paved, tree-lined street. Spend the day browsing unique shops featuring the latest in home décor, fashion and gifts. Take time to relax at Minnie McDowal Park and take in the views of the hand sculpted 10 foot art wall replicating a bluebonnet field painting from a local artist. Stop by the Ennis Railroad & Cultural Heritage Museum to see the train display and learn about the history of Ennis. For lunch, choose from comfort food, Mexican Food or a fresh made sandwich using locally raised meat. As the sun begins to set, head over to Rooftop 101, the only rooftop patio in Ellis County, to enjoy cocktails and dinner with a view of the Ennis skyline and new rooftop lights. To end the evening, take in a live show at the Ennis Public Theatre.

If you love “LOVE” you will want to plan your day trip to downtown Ennis on Valentine’s Day weekend.

The streets will be aglow with twinkling red and pink rooftop lights and romantic music will be playing throughout downtown. Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a horse drawn carriage ride. Walk-up rides will be for sale Friday, February 12th from 5-9pm and the 13th and 14th from 3:30-7:30pm leaving from Minnie McDowal Park. If you want to taste a bit of heaven, make sure to visit the Romeros Mini Donut food truck selling hot, delicious donuts topped with your choice of sprinkles, chocolate, Nutella, cinnamon or powder sugar. Don’t forget to shop for Valentine’s Day décor and apparel with our downtown merchants who will be serving yummy sips to enhance your shopping experience.

Carriage rides, romantic music, shopping and hot donuts are the key to anyone’s heart so follow yours to downtown Ennis!

For more information about Downtown Ennis and our lovefilled Valentine’s Day weekend, follow Ennis TX: A Main Street City on Facebook.

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Spring Into Color STORY & PHOTOS BY LIVING RIGHT DESIGNS Pantone is the standard language for colors. It is a Matching System and is the standardization system that assists in color matching and identification. It is comprised of 1,867 solid colors. People in different locations can refer to the same color by knowing only the number that identifies it in the Pantone System. This helps manufacturers and others to avoid mistakes like color deviation between the design and the finished product. As long as a factory has the right Pantone number for the color of your product, they can be sure about whether or not the color will match your specification.

Since color scientists point to the significance and impact our environmental hues have on our well-being, Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the year announcement is an opportune moment to look at where and how one might want to use its selection(s). This year Pantone has unveiled not one, but two hues for its Color of the Year: the neutral Ultimate Gray (Pantone 175104) and energetic yellow Illuminating (Pantone 13-0647). Yellow is the color of the mind and the intellect. Ultimate Gray is a timeless neutral that provides a foundation in interiors. The two colors compliment each other beautifully, and one can expect to see the combination throughout the fashion, beauty, and interior design industries in the new year.

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To work this duo into your own home, try a few of these ideas for incorporating Pantone’s 2021 colors of the year, both indoors and out. Perfect for painted walls, wall paper or upholstered furniture, Illuminating yellow adds a dash of brightness and energy when used on accent furniture, wall decor, accessories like pillows and arrangements, wallpaper, outdoor spaces or even a front door.

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BEFORE

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Color trends come and go, so one of the best ways to incorporate them is with accessories that can easily and inexpensively be switched with the times. Pillows, area rugs, throw blankets, wall art, and other accessories offer a simple way to try out Pantone’s colors of the year without going all-in on new furniture or wall paint right away.

Layering in yellow accessories to add charm to a neutral kitchen is a great way to see how it will characterize the space. Start with a base of gray on cabinets, walls, or countertops then introduce yellow in smaller ways. These colorful accents can be as simple as illuminating yellow décor displayed on open shelves, a vessel of lemons on the counter, or a touch of yellow in a floral arrangement.

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Set a welcoming tone from the street by having a bright, happy yellow painted front door. The optimistic and uplifting color stands out particularly well against exteriors with gray siding or roofing materials. It is a wonderful spot to showcase a stunning color because it’s typically applied with paint, making it quite easy and inexpensive to change in the future.

Take Pantone’s 2021 colors outside for an inviting patio, porch, or deck. Create a neutral foundation with gray patio furniture, then accessorize with yellow pillows, lanterns, patio rug and other bright accents. Of course, bright yellow foliage is always a great way to bring color into any area.

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Incorporating Plants Into Your Decor STORY BY BY KATE DUCKWORTH PHOTOS BY DUCKWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY

With springtime upon us, many of us find ourselves motivated to freshen up our homes. What better way than to incorporate houseplants into your decor? Plants have many benefits to your health and well-being.

Well known to purify the air, they have other lesser known benefits. Along with reducing anxiety and stress, plants boost immunity and healing. It’s also very rewarding to care for a living thing and watch it thrive!

If you’re busy and on the go, you may think you don’t have the time to care for houseplants. I always thought of the typical “plant person” as someone that was retired or had lots of time on their hands. After getting a plant of my own, I realized quickly that it not only brought joy to my life, but didn’t take near as much time to care for as I thought it would.

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Once you decide to take the plunge and buy your first plant, it can be intimidating to decide which one to select. Walking the isles of the plant section is exciting and overwhelming.

My advice is to select a plant that speaks to you, that you enjoy looking at, like a piece of art you’d choose for your home. Some varieties we love for style and ease of care are ZZ Plants, Snake Plants, and Polka Dot Begonias. After the plant is selected, it’s time to select a container. Look for a pot that you love and goes with your decor. Be sure it’s slightly larger than the container your plant comes in.

or a night stand for a splash of color? Do you want a few different plants in varying size and texture to put together in a grouping?

These are good things to think about when incorporating the plant into your design.

“We spend so much time indoors these days. Once you start bringing the outdoors into your spaces, you begin to realize how much life, vitality, and energy they bring with them.”

Whether it’s a small plant on your desk at work, some fresh herbs in your kitchen, or a Next, you’ll want to think about where to put sturdy tree in your living room, they are sure your new friend. Do you want a larger plant to bring you joy. Warning: Once you begin to put in a corner of a room as an anchor? your collection, it may become an addiction.

Do you want a smaller plant to put on a shelf

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Plant location ideas:

• Create a cozy spot on a bench in your foyer or mudroom. Utilize a tray to group a small plant, a couple of books, & a candle. Add some pillows and a throw.

• Bring some life to your nightstand. Layer lamp in front of some art. Add a small plant on top of a couple of books.

• Liven up a foyer console or a dining buffet. Create a grouping of three items on each side. (see previous page) • Incorporate a plants on your side tables. A lamp, a plant, and some books. Don’t forget to leave some room for your favorite beverage!

• Have an empty corner? Try a grouping of plants on stands. Make sure you use a variety of planters and different materials on the stands to add visual interest and texture. (see picture to the left) Grouped together are the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, Audrey Ficus, Snake plant (From largest to smallest)

AGLAONEMA, CHINESE EVERGREEN (common name) Sun: low to medium light Water: when soil is dry Tip: Keep temp above 60 degrees F

ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA, ZZ PLANT Sun: prefers indirect bright light, will tolerate low light Water: occasionally….

Tip: Thrives on neglect!

Rotate periodically Dust leaves regularly

SANSEVIERIA, SNAKE PLANT OR MOTHER-IN-LAW’S TONGUE Sun: low light Water: occasionally Tip: Likes sandy soil, doesn’t like drafts

SEDUM CLAVATUM Sun: Full sun to partial shade Water: Soak completely and then let dry completely Tip: Needs well draining container

Photos taken at Farmhouse Furnishings (@thefarmhousefurnishings) in Downtown Ennis

BEGONIA MACULATA, PLOKA DOT BEGONIA Sun: bright interest light Water: keep soil moist/ like high humidity Tip: Needs pruning twice per year

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Spring PrepGarden Starts Early STORY & PHOTOS BY JINA ARMSTRONG

After the new year begins, the first thing on my mind is getting ready to start my garden. Some may think spring is the busiest time in a garden, but that isn’t the case; winter is the time when all the planning, gathering, purchasing, and preparing take place. We get started as soon as we can in January. We map out the garden on paper, deciding which seeds and plants will go where, and then we move on to my least favorite part, but the most important - Soil prep!

As the saying goes: “What you put in upfront will payout in the end.”

This year, we purchased a greenhouse which has opened up a whole new level of excitement and many new opportunities. Being able to start seeds indoors, not only give you a jump on a harvest but also allows you to grow strong plants that may be less likely to struggle in the heat, due to pest and disease.

My husband, Andy, says every year’s garden is different, and no two are the same. So, we plant plenty of what we have had success with and always try experimenting with new methods and new seeds. It is so exciting that gardening is becoming more and more popular. I hope this trend continues. There is nothing like growing your own flowers and vegetables.

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I am constantly reading, searching, and learning. This past year I have come across some very helpful books and Instagram accounts that have taught me so much and changed the way we garden.

Books + Accounts: • Cool Flowers (Lisa Ziegler) is a breakthrough for me. She recommends starting the seeds in fall and winter because they can handle the cooler temps. It’s a great option for some hardy annuals.

• Cut Flower Garden (Erin Benaikain) gives step by step details on how to start a cut flower garden.

• The Vegetable Garden Bible (Edward C. Smith) is a great resource for methods on harvesting bigger yields and cutting down on your labor.

This is our 7th year to have a flower and vegetable garden. I can say for sure, I have never worked so hard physically, but I have never been so full of joy and satisfaction when the job is done and the harvest is ready. More importantly, I’m so thankful for the tough stuff that Andy takes care of - that allows me to try new things, and take pics of God’s amazing bounty!

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BEFORE

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021

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The Waxahachie Chautauqua STORY BY SUSAN KIRK HUNTER & THE CHAUTAUQUA PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Beginning of Chautauqua The Chautauqua movement began at Lake Chautauqua, New York in 1874 as a summer retreat for the training of Sunday School teachers. It immediately included academic subjects, music, art, humanities, and physical education and it established itself as a national forum for open discussion of public issues, international relations, literature, and science.

Chautauqua Comes to Waxahachie Waxahachie competed against Ennis and other Texas towns and won the Chautauqua in 1899. Beginning in 1900, the Waxahachie Chautauqua Summer Encampment and Assembly provided two weeks of education, culture, art, and recreation to the citizens of Waxahachie and to nearby cities, counties, and states.

It attracted thousands of participants and hundreds of campers and became the center of social, religious, and economic life in Waxahachie. At 31 years, Waxahachie had by far the longest running Chautauqua in Texas.

Waxahachie Chautauqua Auditorium The Waxahachie Chautauqua Auditorium, an unusual octagonal 2500-seat open-air

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auditorium, was built in 1902 to accommodate the throngs of people attending the annual Chautauqua Assemblies. In the mid-1970s, the decaying and almost demolished auditorium was resurrected and restored through the efforts of local citizens and remains today a monument to the Chautauqua history of Waxahachie. It has been awarded a Texas Historical Marker and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the only known original Chautauqua building still standing in Texas. .

Chautauqua Auditorium, along with the surrounding Getzendaner Park, continues to be a sought-after venue by local arts and cultural organizations, schools and others. Throughout the year, one may find educational, inspirational and entertaining programs and events in the restored Chautauqua Auditorium, in old-fashioned tents, and in the surrounding pastoral shaded setting of Getzendaner Park. “The Chautauqua tradition is alive and continues in Waxahachie!”

Waxahachie Chautauqua Now Since its revival in 2000, the Waxahachie Chautauqua has come alive again and offers a unique place for discovery and renewal. Lectures and performances in the arts, humanities and sciences presented by respected scholars, artists and teachers have graced the stage and the surrounding Getzendaner Park.

Additionally, creating public art through the Trash Can Transformation has been an integral part of the annual Chautauqua event in late September for the past several years.

You can see these creatively decorated trash cans distributed throughout many of the Waxahachie Parks.

The Chautauqua will host the 2021 Ellis BEFORECounty Master Gardeners Plant Sale!

EXPO AT CHAUTAUQUA Edible Landscaping: A Delicious Concept Gardenings Golden Rule: Right plant, Right Place

MARCH 27

GUEST SPEAKERS

9 A.M. - 3 P.M.

WAXAHACHIE CHAUTAUQUA

DANIEL CUNNINGHAM EAT THE YARD: FOODSCAPING

As a horticulturist and garden writer, Daniel provides professionals and the public with the most current research-based information on resource efficient landscape management. Focused on a holistic approach, Daniel specializes in native plants, edible landscaping, rainwater harvesting and utilizing landscapes as habitat for beneficial wildlife.

GETZENDANER PARK

FREE ADMISSION PLANT SALES ASK A MASTER GARDENER FIRST 100 CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER WILL RECEIVE A BUTTERFLY PUDDLER TO TAKE HOME.

FOOD TRUCKS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON-SITE

10 A.M.

GREG GRANT

HOME LANDSCAPING: RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE Greg Grant is an awardwinning horticulturist, conservationist, photographer and writer from Arcadia, Texas. He works in Tyler, Texas located in Smith County as the horticulturist for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Mr. Grant will be selling books he has written and provide a book signing after his presentation.

Only check or cash accepted for payment.

12 P.M.

RAINBOW SWISS CHARD

OKRA

ONION CHIVES

972.825.5175 | WWW.ECMGA .COM For the health and safety of our residents and employees, a facemask is required when entering this city facility per Executive Order GA-28.

If you do not have a mask or facial covering, one will be made available to you.

Following health protocol according to Texas A&M regulations.

Ellis County Master GardenErs

Monthly Tips

BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

tips for

FEBRUARY

PLANTING • Cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and potatoes should be planted mid-month, or about 4 weeks prior to the average last freeze date (March 15 in Ellis County). Beets, carrots, lettuce, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard and “greens” (collard, mustard and turnip) should be planted 2 to 4 weeks prior to the average last freeze.

• Plant asparagus crowns in 10-12 inches of soil. When buying crowns, look for 2-year old root systems with healthy roots.

• When buying plants, biggest is not always best, especially with bare-root plants. Small to medium sizes establish faster.

• Dig and divide warm-season perennials (cannas, coneflowers, perennial salvia, mums) before they break dormancy.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING • Prune bush roses around Valentine’s Day. Prune old, dead and weak canes back to the ground. Leave 4 to 8 vigorous canes, removing one-half of their growth above an outwardfacing bud. Wait to prune climbing or leaning roses until after they bloom. Prune errant canes any time to maintain shape.

• Herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses may be cut back now. Prune autumn sage (Salvia gregii) by 50%.

Mexican feather grass does not require pruning.

• Dig and divide large clumps of ornamental grasses, especially if the center of the plant has died.

• Cut or mow liriope before new growth emerges. Trim Asian jasmine back to 4 or 5 inches.

• GARDEN WATCH

• Begin controlling insects and diseases on fruit and nut trees.

Spraying is essential for a successful harvest. Contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Ellis County for a copy of the “Homeowners Fruit and Nut Spray Schedule”.

• Look for aphids and caterpillars on vegetables, and control with insecticidal soap and Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), respectively.

• Check for scale insects adhering to the trunk, branches and leaves of hollies, euonymus, shade trees, fruit and pecan trees. Apply horticultural oil to control these and other overwintering insects.

• For the more difficult-to-control crape myrtle bark scale, apply a neonicotinoid insecticide, such as imidacloprid, as a soil drench to the root zone of infested trees.

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tips for

MARCH

PLANTING • Plant these annuals early in the month for spring color: petunias, larkspurs, foxgloves and stocks. Other annuals such as marigolds, celosia and wax begonias may be planted late in the month.

• Plant tomatoes, peppers and eggplants from 4-inch pots after March 15th. Plants should be hardened off (gradually exposed to outside conditions) before putting in the ground.

• Plant warm-season vegetables – beans, corn, squash, melons and cucumbers starting mid-month.

• Plant herbs in raised beds with soil amended with organic matter. Harden off plants before planting.

• Plant perennial flowers in amended well-drained soil. Know each plant’s prime blooming season, height, width and color to ensure season-long color. Mulch new plantings.

• FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

• Trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers can be fed with highnitrogen fertilizer or compost. For patio pots and container gardens, apply a diluted, water-soluble, high-nitrogen fertilizer once a week.

• Remove old growth from Bermudagrass lawns by lowering mower one or two notches, allowing the grass to spread faster and choke out weeds. Bag the clippings for composting or as mulch.

• Prune spring-flowering shrubs and vines such as flowering quince, azaleas, forsythia, bridal wreath (Spiraea), Lady Banksia rose and Carolina jessamine immediately after they finish blooming.

GARDEN WATCH • If frost or freeze is predicted, cover tender vegetables and annuals with frost cloth. It can make a 6 to 8-degree difference.

• Beware of close-out sales on bare-root trees as survival rate is low when planted this late in the season. Spend a little more on container-grown plants.

• Control black spot, powdery mildew and thrips on roses with an appropriate fungicide or systemic insecticide. Use a stream of water or insecticidal soap on aphids.

• Apply pre-emergent herbicide on lawns to control broadleaf and grassy weeds if needed. A “weed and feed” fertilizer is not recommended because it is too early to fertilize lawns.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021

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Loveof Dog

For the

...

In 1998 we were living in a small rent house on Grand Avenue in Waxahachie when my husband Andrew saw a small Rottweiler puppy dodging traffic on our street .He swooped her up and brought her back to the Doves Nest, where I immediately took her in my arms. We ran ads and put up signs for found puppy, while holding our breath no one would claim her. We named her Maggie after a children’s book my mom wrote. She was our girl for 13 years.

Never in my wildest dreams would we own a Rottweiler. I thought those are the kind of dogs you see in junk yards, scary movies and guarding drug dealers. Little did I know at the time that Rottweiler’s make great family dogs? They are also incredibly smart, loyal and big babies.

We fell in love with the breed.

When Maggie passed away I found myself searching rottie rescue sites and spotted a picture of a young female at a rescue in Austin. She had been brought there with a broken leg. Having been cared for and loved at the rescue for 7 months she was now ready for a new home. We drove to Austin and adopted Elsa. For the next 10 years she was my shadow. Living in a loft above our business, Elsa would come downstairs with me every morning and work in my office. She must’ve been abused at a very early age because she was terrified of men in baseball caps with a low voice and carrying anything resembling a stick.

She never forgot her abuse, but once she knew she could trust you she was all in. Losing her last year left a huge hole in our hearts.

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// FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021

In January I once again found myself looking on rescue sites. Several weeks went by but I just wasn’t finding any pictures that spoke to me until one

night a shelter in Missouri City, Texas posted a young female Rottweiler who was found on the streets of Houston. I showed the picture to my husband and after a few minutes he said with certainty, “That’s our girl”.

I reached out to the shelter. They told me there was a lot of interest in the dog and I needed to fill out an application. In the meantime, I drove to the shelter and fell in love with her immediately. They didn’t know anything about her past and she was terribly underweight, but healthy nonetheless. The shelter would not do a same day adoption and asked us to wait until all the other interested parties had met her. I drove home praying. I sent the shelter pictures of Maggie & Elsa and shared with them our history of rescued rotties. I emailed, called and had the Austin rescue vouch we would make great parents. I’m sure I drove them crazy, but we finally got word they chose us. We drove back in a snow storm to pick her up, where she pranced proudly to the car with us laying her head in my lap all the way back home. We named her Gertie.

There is something very special about a rescue animal. If you are looking to start or expand your family, please consider a rescue dog or cat; there are plenty of shelters that need your help.

Every rescue animal understands they have been saved and will spend their life thanking you with unconditional love and devotion. What more does one need?

We can’t imagine our lives without a Rottweiler, especially an adopted one.

I’m not always sure who rescues who, but we are glad when we find each other.

Cindy Burch

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