My Fig Tree

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When I purchased The Bungalow in 2017, there was an eight-foot fig tree adding its charm to a corner on the east side of the backyard.

Admittedly, I didn’t pay much attention to it at first, despite my Italian heritage and the significance of fig trees in our family history.

That changed when it was time to remove a rusty, old chain-link fence and have a cedar privacy fence installed. Sadly, one of the main branches of that fig tree was an obstacle to the new construction.

The fence builders suggested I simply have the fig tree cut down!

Little did they expect me to vehemently object, stop the work at hand and tell them more than they ever wanted to know about fig trees!

Little did they know the fig tree has always been a symbol of abundance, fertility and sweetness. Little did they know that the fig tree’s abundance of leaves and fruit make it a great shade tree (as little sun passes through their branches.). Little did they know that’s why so many Italian immigrants (like my grandfather) planted fig trees before they planted anything else in their gardens.

I told them, “Many varieties of fig trees originated in Italy, a country very dear my heart!”

I told them, "Fig trees produce delicious fruit. They can grow to heights of 15 to 30 feet; some of them reach up to 50 feet.”

The fence builders listened with more respect than interest but, finally, the crew boss offered another suggestion, “If you really want to save that fig tree, we could simply lop off that one large branch over there. The tree won’t look too good, but it should survive. But, it may not bear fruit for awhile.”

Without hesitation, I agreed to that plan! And, I’m glad I did.

Today, my treasured fig tree is still standing; it’s taller, fuller and prettier than ever! Yearly, it produces the sweetest fruit, and harvests are always plentiful.

As a result, I've collected a lot of recipes using figs. Most were found in Italian cookbooks. I’ve learned to make fig jam and fig chutney, fig pudding, pies and tarts. I learned to add figs to salads and how best to serve them with cheeses and meats and on pizzas.

I’ve also learned that ripe figs can be put in the freezer to eat (or cook with) later on.

Darlene's Shrimp

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Earlier this month, my son, Matt, spent a weekend in Galveston with me. His plan was to enjoy the slow pace of the island a bit and help me take care of a few minor projects around The Bungalow.

One day, he volunteered to run out and pick up some fresh seafood for lunch. His destination of choice was Darlene’s Shrimp Shack.

Matt had discovered Darlene’s on his last visit to the island and was eager to return and introduce me to the “best fried shrimp he’d ever eaten.” As it turned out, I couldn’t be happier. The fried shrimp were huge and beautiful and so, so good. Indeed, Darlene’s shrimp is, indeed, worthy of high praise!

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What you must know upfront: Darlene’s Shrimp Shack is not a restaurant; it’s a food truck. It sits on the west side of 61st Street, just steps away from Galveston Bay. It sells fresh jumbo shrimp caught daily by fishermen on its own shrimp boat. Darlene’s offers battered shrimp and “naked” shrimp (no batter), french fries, hush puppies. and canned drinks. That’s it!

The shrimp platters feature 10 gigantic shrimp, available in 10 delicious flavors. Already, I have my favorites: the Coconut Fried Shrimp and the Lemon-Pepper Shrimp top my list, but Darlene’s Garlic Parmesan Fried Shrimp and Barbecue Fried Shrimp are great too. And, I have no doubt the other flavors are just as amazing! (I’m eager to try them all.)

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Most customers drive up, place their orders at the window of the food truck and, in short order, take away to eat at home or at the beach. That is what I did the first time I went over there by myself. But, since then, I’ve gone back several more times and enjoyed dining out right there, sitting under the shady pavilion and on one of the picnic tables provided. The close-up view of Galveston Bay makes the experience all the more perfect.

Darlene’s Shrimp Shack is open Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Hours are extended to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays.

Oleander Festival

The Bungalow has been booked nearly nonstop since the first week in March, so my stays on the island have been confined to a day and night or two between outgoing and incoming guests, mostly on weekdays. So, being here for a weekend of fun is a rare and wonderful opportunity for me to reconnect with my island friends and take part in some of Galveston’s special attractions.

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Betty Head Oleander Garden Park. 2020

Betty Head Oleander Garden Park. 2020

The International Oleander Festival was scheduled for today and, as a new member of the hosting organization, I definitely wanted to attend and support this annual event. The festival is the group’s primary fundraiser of the International Oleander Society (based right here in Galveston). Proceeds help maintain the Betty Head Oleander Garden Park, located at 2624 Sealy.

I arrived at the festival about 10 a.m., right after the gate of the park opened. I met my friend, Marlee, there and, together, we walked around, checked out the lovely potted oleanders for sale and the offerings of the food and merchandise vendors, and enjoyed listening to live musical performances.

Sadly, due to the Great Ice Storm in Texas in February, the park was not in its best condition. The once-beautiful oleander bushes had all been pruned down to near their roots to give them a chance at a second life. We could see the pruning was effective; new and lush green leaves were sprouting forth from all quite nicely.

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Our visit to the International Oleander Festival proved to be a delightful exercise. We looked beyond the status quo of the garden and looked forward to a re-visit next spring and, especially, the return of the beautiful blooms of Galveston’s beloved oleander bushes.

Crepe Myrtles

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Today, a beautiful 10-foot Tuscarora crepe myrtle was planted in the southwest corner of the backyard of The Bungalow. Adding this tree to the landscape was long-awaited and much-anticipated.

The tree was purchased at Tom’s Thumb Nursery, and its crew handled the installation. As expected, all went well, and the job was done right. The correct size hole was dug. Nutrients were added to the soil. The tree was planted in the ground securely and straight up. Then, it was given the right amount of water. Afterwards, mulch was added to the area.

The crew of four made the job look easy, but it was a crew of four. Folks who think planting a large tree is a do-it-yourself project need to rethink that (unless they have lots of extra hands around to help).

Crepe or Crape Myrtles?
The crepe myrtle, commonly called the “lilac of the South,” is one of the area’s most beloved and iconic trees. It is prized for its long blooming season - in the heat and height of the summer. The way a person spells the name of this tree is interesting; it offers a clue to one’s geographic origins.

I grew up in Louisiana, enjoying the beauty of lots of crepe (with two Es) myrtles, the most commonly accepted “southern” spelling. North of some unspecified crepe-myrtle border line, it become crape myrtle.

But, despite the difference in spelling, these trees offer hundreds of blooms, colorful leaf color in fall and exfoliating bark in a variety of colors (from brown to gray to pink) in winter. To me, crepe myrtles are four-season wonders!

This is the color of the Tuscarora blossoms I’ll be watching for next summer. Can’t wait to see them!

This is the color of the Tuscarora blossoms I’ll be watching for next summer. Can’t wait to see them!

Tuscarora
I chose a Tuscarora Crepe Myrtle for the back yard of The Bungalow - for a number of good reasons.

First its color. This variety will produce hundreds of vibrant, coral-pink flowers next summer. Secondly, it can grow just about anywhere - perfect for barren areas or trouble spots. Thirdly, Tuscaroras don’t need much planting space. They are great for planting in small areas or next to structures (like my cedar fence).

The Tuscarora is also cold hardy. It can withstand temps as low as zero degrees. So, no need to worry about having to top it off during Galveston winters.

And, last but not least, Tuscaroras are highly resistant to disease, powdery mildew and leaf spot. So, fungicide treatments will not be needed. I now have a spectacular tree without the problems.

Trimming the Palms

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Today, the palm trees in the backyard of The Bungalow required trimming. All the hanging, dead and unhealthy fronds needed to be removed and, as always at this time of year, there were a lot of fronds that fit that description. So, as in years past, I called on the highly capable team from Tom’s Thumb Nursery to help me out.

Since becoming the caregiver to seven beautiful, and lofty, Mexican fan palms, I’ve learned a lot about the care and maintenance of them.

For example, palm trees need a full, circular canopy of healthy, green fronds to continue to grow and defend against pests. Trimming away any of the pretty green fronds is not a good idea. Doing so creates a thin and narrow “hurricane cut” that's not good for the health or look of the trees - despite the myth that doing so makes them grow more quickly and protects them during major wind storms. Oddly enough, the opposite is true. Palms are, by nature, designed to bend with the breezes. The bending is actually good for them.

I also learned that if not routinely trimmed, palm trees can pose a significant fire risk. Once the palm fronds die and dry out, they can catch fire quickly. Blowing embers from nearby fires (even from a small fire or barbecue pit) can send sparks from palm fronds to nearby homes. And, believe it or not, palm trees that are not properly pruned will often explode once they catch fire.

Thus, trimming the palms in the backyard of The Bungalow is not a maintenance issue I ignore or delay. Once I see dry, droopy fronds, I call in the experts to help me out. Luckily, in Galveston we have some really good ones.