All posts by epicureasian

a gardening gamer girl in search of good grub
Ye Olde Garden

Stump-less

It took a gargantuan effort to uproot 5 stumps and move several hundred pounds of border rock around, but the job was done. With a little more effort and if the weather permits, the front beds will be prepped to receive new residents by next weekend. And it seems we have plenty of landscaping stone to re-purpose in the courtyard beds.

I’ve been pondering investing in seed starter kits (possibly a Park Seed Bio Dome) and a heat mat to start some dianthus seeds that I’ve had my eye on. Super Parfait Red Peppermint, Dianthus Valentine and Diana Blueberry from Burpee Seeds, and the Ideal series developed by PanAmerican seed (also sold by Harris Seeds). I also think I’d save some money growing my own coleus from seed (Carefree or Wizard Mix) and get the colors/cultivars I want, without spending too much at the nursery. Of course, it all depends on the seed-starting equipment.

Another plant I’d like to add to the garden, though I’m not sure how hardy it is to survive the Texas heat. The variegated gardenia may be more suitable to an indoor environment, but with all the shade in our current landscape, it might possibly thrive with some attention.

My gardening wishlist doesn’t get any shorter. I’m still shy several types of salvia, an Ever Red lorapetalum (in addition to the white-flowered kind that I’d like for the front beds) and a pieris japonica caught my eye. Japanese pieris Flaming Silver or the Variegated kinds favor part shade, and I suspect they could do well in our courtyard beds.

Ye Olde Garden

Caladiums denied

Due to extreme weather, Brent and Becky’s Florida supplier of caladiums has determined not to ship any of the Blushing Bride plants that I order. Dismayed as I am to hear this, it just means going back to the online catalog to decide on new plants to grow. I’ve settled on a Snowdrift Astilbe and 3 bulbs of the Picasso calla lily. I only hope this won’t further delay my receipt of these plants. With the warm weather we’ve been having lately, it takes a lot of willpower not to skip work and putter around in the garden all day.

On the other hand, I’m excited to report that my Japanese maple has begun leafing out.

Ye Olde Garden

Yay Lilies

I couldn’t resist. I plan to try my hand at shade planting Asiatic lilies. I shopped online at Brent and Becky’s and picked up 5 each of the following: Navona, Lollypop and Red Alert. I also picked up a 5 pack of the strap-leaf caladium Blushing Bride, which will be added to the front fence bed. I may even reserve one or two bulbs for potting. I could have gone overboard and bought more caladiums, a white strap-leafed variety to be preferred, but I’m not sure where else to put them in the landscape. A new internet source, Classic Caladiums, might persuade me to pick up some White Ruffles.

Ye Olde Garden

Hosta and Kalmia

Daunted by the Musser Farm disappointment, back to Forestfarm I went. As much as I desired that lovely Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire, I instead opted for the Minuet Mountain Laurel, which I hope will thrive in the full shade garden next to the front door. Here’s to hoping they supply us with a large healthy specimen. I also couldn’t resist picking up a Hosta Eternal Flame (at an irresistible tube price of $7.95), which so reminded me of the Fire & Ice that I purchased from Sooner Plant Farm about 2-3 years ago. I plan on locating it in the front fence bed, once it’s been weeded, amended and framed.

Dining, Reviews

Recap on forgotten dining adventures

Sushi Awaji

7835 N Macarthur Blvd
Irving, TX 75063
(972) 869-0663

Another all-you-can-eat Asian buffet opens in north Irving. Similar to Tokyo One and Osaka in concept, Sushi Awaji is comparable to Japan House in execution. There is a smattering of passable sushi and sashimi options on the cold bar, and on the hot bar, Korean and Japanese selections along with the predictable hot pot dinner. The staff is polite and quick on refills, though at times, some chafing dishes remained empty. When the check arrived, I suffered a little sticker shock–I just didn’t feel I got my money’s worth like I would have at Tokyo One or Osaka. What’s worse: Sushi Awaji resides in an old pharmacy building complete with sliding glass doorfront (extremely breezy during the winter) and easy-listening music blaring from the overhead speakers.

My rating: 2.5 stars
**1/2

Dat’s Good BBQ

1168 W. Main St
Lewisville, TX 75067
(972) 219-2244

I didn’t expect much from this hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint in Lewisville. But the fiance and I made the trek to see how Lewisville’s best ‘Que ranks against our favorite. We weren’t wow’ed but we were satisfied. Dat’s proprietors appreciated that we loved our brisket with a nice rind of fat. Their affection for barbecue extended to the juicy and flavorful ribs, which unfortunately was sold out by the time we got there. We opted for sausage and was pleased that it came from a different source. Chicken turned out dry–but not many can pull off a moist barbecue chicken in these parts. What made our trip to Dat’s memorable was the profusion of southern-style sides: cornbread, collard greens, yams, and okra to name a few. For a fine finish, sweet potato pie and bread pudding, along with the typical cobblers, completed their menu. For these menu options and the excellent customer service (the staff displayed great affection for their food and were very welcoming), I’m willing to endure their average barbecue for some great Southern comforts.

My rating: 3.5 stars
***1/2