Dallas Gardening Disappointments

In my gardening experience in Dallas I have had a few surprise disappoints. My failures may be due to gardener error, but here is a small list of things I can't keep alive:

Oregano and Mint: These are by far my greatest and most shameful failures. Oregano grows in the rocky soil of Greece, but apparently either hates me or doesn't have the fortitude to survive a Dallas July. I have tried this hardy herb both in a pot placed in the shade and in the garden in full sun. My potted specimen is still struggling along, but my garden oregano shriveled up and died in mid-July.
My mint growing is equally sad. I have a potted mint specimen that I have grown inside and out side and have killed in both locations due to lack of water (despite several waterings weekly). It always comes back from the root, poor thing. I haven't tried this herb in the ground because it tends to take over.

Calla Lillies: I don't take the credit for my calla lilly disaster. I really think callas aren't a good fit for the average Dallas yard. I grew some in a pot for several years on a shady porch and they were very happy, but the callas I planted in my yard in mostly-shade have promptly died. The first two plants died after I mulched, apparently due to rot at the base of the leaf stems. The last two plants died this month from what I can only guess is heat exhaustion.

Kitchen Trends: White Appliances

Stainless steel appliances probably won't go out of style, but it looks as though white and cream colored appliances are on their way back in. Many appliance brands are beginning to showcase white appliances that are miles away from the dull finishes and standard plastic details we've seen on past models.

The new generation of white appliances features starkly modern black and stainless steel accents. This is all a part of a larger trend towards an all-white kitchen design. This month's issues of Domino and House Beautiful both feature sophisticated, all-white kitchens with marble countertops, white cabinets, and rich wood and stainless steel accents.

Jenn Air 30" Side-in range in Bisque, $1,929