It's June, and your work in the garden this spring is starting to bloom, presenting you with rewards for your hard work. Celina's local garden enthusiast, Christa Murray, shows us around her garden and shares with us her passion for growing things.
Where did you get your passion for gardening?
I grew up in the panhandle of Texas on acreage near my grandparents. My grandmother always had a garden, and my siblings and I were required to help her with ir. She lived to be 98. I credit the garden with helping her maintain a healthy lifestyle and staying active. Through her, I developed my love for gardening and its many benefits.
I am a recreational therapist and have seen patients with brain injuries and disabilities benefit from adaptive gardening. The benefits include cognitive stimulation and physical activity. It is an approachable pastime for almost everyone.
How would you describe your garden?
I always wanted a white picket fence garden. When we first moved to Celina, I quickly realized that living on a property with acres of space to play was not going to be feasible. I had my husband build a couple of raised beds to give me a starter garden. I had a clear vision of what I wanted and got busy drawing my dream garden to fit into my backyard. Thankfully, the backyard is bigger than most, but still small.
What did you build in your dream garden?
My husband helped me build several raised planting beds with a white picket fence around the outside. We have a gate and the perfect trellis to grow climbing roses over the arched entry. We added over 400 pounds to the compost and soil, one wheel barrow at a time. We planted bulbs around the edge for early spring and summer blooms. In 2024, we added a greenhouse to allow me to store my tools and supplies and play with seedlings to get a jump on spring planting.
What do you like to grow in your garden?
I started with all I learned from my grandmother and typically grow vegetables, including cucumbers, okra, peppers, squash, jalepenos, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Every year, I try to grow tomatoes, but I guess I don't have the right touch. I have an herb garden, and I recently added a strawberry patch. To beat the winter dead look, I have started to grow a winter garden that includes cabbages, kale, mixed greens with arugula, and broccoli.
What do you do with all the produce you grow?
I primarily grow for my family. I enjoy canning and storing vegetables to eat later and give to friends and neighbors as gifts.
What is new in your garden this summer?
I am still trying to crack the code on tomatoes. I am growing a new variety of cherry tomatoes that are intended to be more closely related to native plants. I have also added a hybrid version of a cucumber that should resemble a small cocktail pickle. I have also started to grow more flowers in the garden. Growing a wildflower section invites the pollinators to the garden, which helps produce more vegetables. I learned that planting marigolds around your tomatoes creates a natural barrier against insects and other pests. Having a zinnia garden has the added benefit of attracting butterflies. Growing a couple of rows of large-headed sunflowers is always fun in hot summers.
What would be your advice if someone wanted to start a garden in their yard?
I always advise people to start small, focusing on something they love and are genuinely interested in. The Collin County Master Gardeners' webpage is a rich resource of insights, knowledge, classes, and valuable resources. ccmgatx.org/