A pleasant afternoon hike in Eldorado Canyon State Park near Boulder, Colorado, with wildflowers, trees, and rock climbers.… Read More

The post Spring hike in Eldorado Canyon for wildflowers, trees, and views appeared first on Digging.

In the midst of our house-hunting a couple weeks ago, we took an afternoon off and drove northwest toward Boulder. Destination: Eldorado Canyon State Park. To prevent overcrowding, timed-entry reservations are required on weekends and holidays (like today) from May 1 to October 1. But on a weekday afternoon, we glided right in.

Rocky Mountain raspberry along the trail

And purple penstemon

I’ve blogged about Eldorado Canyon before; you can read those here and here. No matter how many times I walk here, the tilted sandstone crags along the trail awe me with a sense of the earth’s epic, non-human-centered timeline.

I always spot rock climbers picking their way up the cliff face.

Human time vs. geologic time — it helps clear your mind and put things in perspective.

Fowler Trail sights include a tree trunk with a U-bend.

Sea urchin-like Yucca glauca and scaly ponderosa pine

Signs advise you to be bear-aware. No grizzlies live in Colorado, only black bears. Back in Texas, people often think grizzly bears are roaming around Colorado. It’s wild but not that wild.

Yucca getting ready to bloom. See the ladybugs on it? They were noshing on other bugs. Go, ladybugs, go!

Sumacs — I admired these in blazing fall color a couple years ago.

More trail scenery — pine cones and rocks

Looking up, the view gets grander.

A passage of craggy, tilted sandstone is my usual turnaround point.

Just beyond, you look out over a plain, but it’s time to head back.

A few years of earth’s history can be read here by those who know the language.

It’s a peaceful place.

South Boulder Creek runs through the canyon. I’ve never walked down to it. Maybe next time.

We noticed some trailhead advisories only after getting back to our car. Watch out for mountain lions…

…and aggressive grouse — ha!

I welcome your comments. Please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading in an email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post. And hey, did someone forward this email to you, and you want to subscribe? Click here to get Digging delivered directly to your inbox!

__________________________

Digging Deeper

My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, is here! Find it on Amazon, other online book sellers, and in stores everywhere. It’s for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info here.

All material © 2026 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

The post Spring hike in Eldorado Canyon for wildflowers, trees, and views appeared first on Digging.

This high-protein soup makes a great weeknight dinner. Black beans are a protein-fiber powerhouse and deliver a host of micronutrients.

The post Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this vibrant, plant-based sweet potato curry. Tender sweet potatoes and hearty chickpeas cook down in a coconut milk and curry broth that fills your kitchen with incredible aroma. Come dinnertime, all that’s left to do is stir in fresh basil and lime, spoon it over rice, and serve.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup light coconut milk
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 1/2 tsp lime zest
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 15-oz. can low sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 4 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Directions

Combine the onion, bell pepper, sweet potatoes, garlic, and ginger in a 4-quart slow cooker.

In a small bowl, stir together the vegetable broth, coconut milk, curry powder, and salt, then pour over the vegetables. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir in the basil, lime zest, lime juice and chickpeas.

Serve the curry over hot cooked rice. Top each serving with 1 tbsp yogurt and garnish with basil, if desired.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 cups curry with 3/4 cup rice + 1 tbsp yogurt

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 421; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 951mg; Carbohydrate: 81g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 14g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1050mg; Iron: 19%; Vitamin A: 58%; Vitamin C: 106%; Calcium: 10%

Originally published: November 22, 2019; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This hearty, stick-to-your-ribs stew features tender wild rice and buttery-soft chicken in a nutritious slow cooker recipe.

The post Slow Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Stew appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this vibrant, plant-based sweet potato curry. Tender sweet potatoes and hearty chickpeas cook down in a coconut milk and curry broth that fills your kitchen with incredible aroma. Come dinnertime, all that’s left to do is stir in fresh basil and lime, spoon it over rice, and serve.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup light coconut milk
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 1/2 tsp lime zest
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 15-oz. can low sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 4 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Directions

Combine the onion, bell pepper, sweet potatoes, garlic, and ginger in a 4-quart slow cooker.

In a small bowl, stir together the vegetable broth, coconut milk, curry powder, and salt, then pour over the vegetables. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir in the basil, lime zest, lime juice and chickpeas.

Serve the curry over hot cooked rice. Top each serving with 1 tbsp yogurt and garnish with basil, if desired.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 cups curry with 3/4 cup rice + 1 tbsp yogurt

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 421; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 951mg; Carbohydrate: 81g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 14g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1050mg; Iron: 19%; Vitamin A: 58%; Vitamin C: 106%; Calcium: 10%

Originally published: November 22, 2019; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This is a great slow cooker chicken tikka masala that comes together easily. It’s very flavorful with spices like ginger, turmeric and cumin.

The post Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this vibrant, plant-based sweet potato curry. Tender sweet potatoes and hearty chickpeas cook down in a coconut milk and curry broth that fills your kitchen with incredible aroma. Come dinnertime, all that’s left to do is stir in fresh basil and lime, spoon it over rice, and serve.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup light coconut milk
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 1/2 tsp lime zest
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 15-oz. can low sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 4 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Directions

Combine the onion, bell pepper, sweet potatoes, garlic, and ginger in a 4-quart slow cooker.

In a small bowl, stir together the vegetable broth, coconut milk, curry powder, and salt, then pour over the vegetables. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir in the basil, lime zest, lime juice and chickpeas.

Serve the curry over hot cooked rice. Top each serving with 1 tbsp yogurt and garnish with basil, if desired.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 cups curry with 3/4 cup rice + 1 tbsp yogurt

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 421; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 951mg; Carbohydrate: 81g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 14g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1050mg; Iron: 19%; Vitamin A: 58%; Vitamin C: 106%; Calcium: 10%

Originally published: November 22, 2019; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Collagen-rich oxtail is a popular in restaurants, but instead of standing over a hot stove at home, put your slow-cooker to use.

The post Slow Cooker Braised Oxtail and Carrots appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this vibrant, plant-based sweet potato curry. Tender sweet potatoes and hearty chickpeas cook down in a coconut milk and curry broth that fills your kitchen with incredible aroma. Come dinnertime, all that’s left to do is stir in fresh basil and lime, spoon it over rice, and serve.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup light coconut milk
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 1/2 tsp lime zest
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 15-oz. can low sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 4 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Directions

Combine the onion, bell pepper, sweet potatoes, garlic, and ginger in a 4-quart slow cooker.

In a small bowl, stir together the vegetable broth, coconut milk, curry powder, and salt, then pour over the vegetables. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir in the basil, lime zest, lime juice and chickpeas.

Serve the curry over hot cooked rice. Top each serving with 1 tbsp yogurt and garnish with basil, if desired.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 cups curry with 3/4 cup rice + 1 tbsp yogurt

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 421; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 951mg; Carbohydrate: 81g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 14g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1050mg; Iron: 19%; Vitamin A: 58%; Vitamin C: 106%; Calcium: 10%

Originally published: November 22, 2019; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this vibrant, plant-based sweet potato curry topped with protein-rich Greek yogurt.

The post Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this vibrant, plant-based sweet potato curry. Tender sweet potatoes and hearty chickpeas cook down in a coconut milk and curry broth that fills your kitchen with incredible aroma. Come dinnertime, all that’s left to do is stir in fresh basil and lime, spoon it over rice, and serve.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup light coconut milk
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 1/2 tsp lime zest
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 15-oz. can low sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 4 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Directions

Combine the onion, bell pepper, sweet potatoes, garlic, and ginger in a 4-quart slow cooker.

In a small bowl, stir together the vegetable broth, coconut milk, curry powder, and salt, then pour over the vegetables. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir in the basil, lime zest, lime juice and chickpeas.

Serve the curry over hot cooked rice. Top each serving with 1 tbsp yogurt and garnish with basil, if desired.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 cups curry with 3/4 cup rice + 1 tbsp yogurt

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 421; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 951mg; Carbohydrate: 81g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 14g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1050mg; Iron: 19%; Vitamin A: 58%; Vitamin C: 106%; Calcium: 10%

Originally published: November 22, 2019; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Dietitians share their favorite protein Costco staples, high protein snacks, and plant-based protein picks.

The post Top 10 Dietitian-Reviewed High Protein Costco Foods Worth Buying appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Costco can be one of the most practical places to stock your kitchen, especially if you’re trying to prioritize protein.

From seafood and dairy to plant-based staples, there are plenty of high protein foods at Costco that can support balanced meals throughout the week.

We asked MyFitnessPal registered dietitians to share the protein picks they genuinely buy and how they turn those finds into practical, everyday meals.

Why Protein Matters (and How Much Protein You Actually Need)

Protein isn’t just for gym-goers.

Emily Sullivan, RD, MyFitnessPal registered dietitian, explains: “Protein is important for so many different functions in the body. Not only does it help to build and repair muscle, it plays a key role in supporting the immune system, providing energy, regulating fluid levels and making up hormones (1).”

Protein needs vary by person. Brookell White, MS, RD, MyFitnessPal registered dietitian, notes: “A sedentary adult should get about 1.2g/kg. But if you want to lose weight while maintaining muscle, your needs go up, and they increase even further with strength training or muscle-building objectives (2).”

So, the goal isn’t to maximize protein at every meal. It’s to meet your needs consistently.

Best Protein at Costco: Refrigerated Staples Dietitians Buy

Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt

Sullivan keeps this plain Greek yogurt stocked at home.

“It has 18 grams of protein per serving and no added sugar. I choose plain because it allows me to control how much added sugar I include, if any (3). I can use it for a morning yogurt parfait, mix it into marinades for proteins, or incorporate it into baked goods to boost protein and add moisture.”

For her, it’s less about a single use and more about flexibility. Greek yogurt can anchor breakfast, enhance savory dishes, or quietly elevate recipes by adding creaminess and protein without excess sweetness. 

When purchased in bulk, it becomes one of the most adaptable protein staples you can keep on hand.

Kirkland Signature Sous Vide Egg White Bites 

Katherine Basbaum, RD, MyFitnessPal registered dietitian recommends these for busy mornings.

“Though it doesn’t take much time to make egg bites from scratch, these are a quick and healthy option when you’re short on time.”

A couple minutes in the microwave delivers 11g worth of protein boost. Add fruit or whole grain toast, and breakfast is handled (4).

Seafood & Lean Protein Options

Kirkland Signature Raw Tail-On Shrimp 

Joanna Gregg, RD, MyFitnessPal registered dietitian, highlights this freezer staple: “These shrimp cook up in minutes, and just 7 shrimp adds 22 grams of protein (5).”

Shrimp works well in salads, stir fries, tacos, or pasta, making them an easy protein add-on.

Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water 

Basbaum keeps canned tuna on hand for simple meals. “A can has 42 grams of protein and is one of the healthiest high-protein convenience foods you can find (6).”

Tossed into a tuna salad, layered into a melt, or folded into a grain bowl, it’s one of the easiest and most versatile ways to add flavor and protein to a meal. 

Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Bone Broth

Brookell White, MS, RD, MyFitnessPal registered dietitian calls this her all-time favorite protein pick at Costco.

Instead of just using it for soups, she uses it as the cooking liquid for pasta.

“By cooking pasta one-pot style, the protein-rich bone broth gets soaked up into the pasta. You’re then left with a velvety textured sauce and extra protein in each bite,” says White.

Her formula: about 5 cups of bone broth for 12 ounces of pasta, adding more as needed.

She also uses it in soups, stews, sauces, mashed potatoes, and grains, increasing protein content by 9g per serving without adding another main protein source (7).

Costco Plant-Based Protein Our Dietitians Recommend

Costco also offers strong plant-based protein choices.

Kirkland Signature Organic Hummus 

Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, MyFitnessPal Head of Nutrition loves these for their convenience and great taste.

“Who doesn’t love a little dip with their veggies? These pre-portioned, single-serve hummus cups are perfect for packing in lunches, enjoying on road trips, or pulling out of the fridge for a quick and easy snack,” says Jaeger. 

Each 2.5-ounce cup provides 4 grams of plant-based protein, 3 grams of fiber, and healthy fats. It’s a combination that gives this pre-portioned snack staying power (8).

She pairs them with sliced vegetables or whole grain crackers to build a balanced snack that includes protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.

The portion-controlled packaging also makes it easier to grab and go without overthinking serving sizes, which is especially helpful when buying in bulk.

Kirkland Signature Organic Quinoa

Jaeger also keeps quinoa stocked because it’s practical, versatile, and “packs a nutritional punch.”

Per 1/4 cup dry, it provides 6 grams of plant-based protein, 3 grams of fiber, and about 10% of the daily value for iron, making it a more nutrient-dense swap for refined grains (9).

In her kitchen, quinoa often replaces rice in grain bowls, layers easily into mason-jar salads, and even gets scrambled with eggs and vegetables for a more filling breakfast.

It’s a shelf-stable staple that can flex across multiple meals, which makes it especially useful when shopping in bulk.

Jaeger also appreciates that this version is pre-washed, so there’s no need to rinse away quinoa’s natural bitter outer coating before cooking—one less step on a busy night.

Kirkland Signature Organic Hemp Hearts

White calls hemp hearts one of the easiest ways to boost protein without changing your meals.

“They add 10 grams of protein for every 3 tablespoons (10).”

Instead of building an entirely new recipe, she recommends sprinkling them onto foods you’re already eating, such as yogurt, oatmeal, salads, or toast, or mixing them into smoothies, baked goods, energy bites, or homemade bars.

Hemp hearts also provide about 12 grams of polyunsaturated fats per serving, adding both texture and nutrition (10).

Another advantage? They’re extremely shelf-stable. Stored properly, they can last up to a year in the fridge or freezer and about three months in the pantry (11), making them a smart bulk buy at Costco. 

Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter 

Sullivan keeps this stocked year-round.

“When choosing peanut butter, I look for an ingredient list that only has peanuts and salt, and this one delivers.”

With 8 grams of protein per serving, it’s a simple way to add protein to snacks or meals (12).

Kirkland Signature Snacking Nuts Variety Pack

For high protein snacks Costco shoppers can keep on hand, Gregg recommends these variety packs for portability.

“Easy to keep in your car, purse, bookbag, or briefcase for on-the-go snacking.”

These are also simple add-ons to salads, yogurt, or oatmeal. Each nut packs a good amount of protein per package (45 grams): (13)

• Cashews: 8g 
• Peanuts: 12g
• Almonds: 9g

On a side note:

Basbaum also mentions that for shoppers following a vegetarian or vegan diet, options like beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, quinoa, hemp hearts, and tofu make meeting protein needs manageable. 

For vegetarians specifically, dairy and eggs offer additional flexibility and can help round out protein intake.

How to Build Balanced Protein Meals

Jaeger emphasizes “Protein is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The real magic happens when you build meals and snacks with balance in mind.”

Pair protein with:

• Whole grains
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Healthy fats

Basbaum adds “Protein-fortified food and drinks are all the rage, but it’s best not to rely on them too much.”

Whole food protein sources, like yogurt, beans, eggs, fish, chicken, nuts, and seeds, provide nutrients beyond protein alone.

How MyFitnessPal Helps

Gregg recommends using MyFitnessPal to monitor your protein intake and see how it contributes to your daily goals.

The My Weekly Report feature provides a snapshot of your intake trends so you can adjust as needed.

More protein isn’t automatically better. Hitting the right amount for your body is what actually makes a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much protein should I eat daily?
  A sedentary adult generally needs about 1.2 g/kg of body weight per day, though needs increase with activity level and muscle-building goals (2).
• Is plant protein as effective as animal protein?
  Plant-based protein supplements can support muscle gains comparable to animal protein, as long as your overall protein intake is adequate (14).
• Can I shop for protein at Costco without buying specialty items?
  Yes. Many everyday staples there, like yogurt, eggs, beans, seafood and nuts, are strong protein sources.

Bottom Line

Costco can make protein shopping feel effortless—when you stick with versatile, food staples you’ll actually use. Mix and match animal and plant options, and think in meals. 

The most important thing is to choose products that fit your routine and budget.

And if you want a clearer picture of how it’s all adding up, MyFitnessPal can help you track your intake and adjust based on your goals.

The post Top 10 Dietitian-Reviewed High Protein Costco Foods Worth Buying appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

“Not Arizona.” That’s the tongue-in-cheek name of John Murgel’s waterwise garden on last week’s Open Days tour.… Read More

The post John Murgel’s waterwise garden is “not Arizona” appeared first on Digging.

“Not Arizona.” That’s the tongue-in-cheek name of a Centennial, Colorado, garden on last week’s Open Days tour. There’s not a thing wrong with Arizona, of course. But the name was born when a concerned neighbor tutted, “You know, this isn’t Arizona,” as John Murgel ripped out his thirsty lawn to make a waterwise garden.

The neighbor might have had a little faith. After all, John is a horticulturist who’s worked at Denver Botanic Garden and the Denver Zoo. He’s currently a faculty member at Colorado State University (CSU) Extension. All of which is to say, he knows the climate and he knows his plants.

It was midday and very bright — challenging for photography — so I started my tour in the shadier back yard, where I admired a gravel garden with dips and mounds. John explained this used to be a koi pond, inherited with the house.

He re-homed the fish, drained the pond, and turned it into a sunny rock garden framed by a belt of trees along the fence.

From the shade, you can look out on the garden. A metal fish nods to what used to be.

A limbed-up stand of staghorn sumacs (Rhus typhina) caught my eye beyond the red sandstone path. John told me he had mixed feelings about them. He chose the sumac for its bright red fall color and ornamental fruits. Unfortunately, his sumacs — purchased as bare-root whips for economy — turned out to be male, which means they don’t produce berries. Their fall color is disappointing too — “green-brown to dirty yellow,” he said with a laugh. The plants also sucker, necessitating regular yanking up of shoots. Still, there are positives. John appreciates the trees’ structure, plus “they make good hummingbird perches.”

I paid special attention to the lower-growing plants, thinking ahead to my future downsized garden. Here’s Acantholimon and a blue-green yucca similar to one of my old favorites, paleleaf yucca.

A little agave — not sure which type

John’s path work is fun here, with a swirly fish paver and pink paver strips in a ripple-like pattern. Pink evening primrose color-coordinates.

A silver cow skull adds a little bling and desert style.

Greater sea kale has surprisingly large leaves for a dry-adapted plant.

View from the patio

Armenian basketflower, I think

In the front yard, John transformed his traditional, water-hogging lawn into a largely unirrigated garden of flowering perennials and grasses, including…

…fleabane…

…prickly thrift (Acantholimon)…

…penstemon (I think?), nearly in bloom…

…and king’s spear (Asphodeline lutea).

John’s yard is a corner lot, where a stop sign brings cars to a halt along his property. To screen traffic, he built up the corner garden with a truckload of gravelly soil and planted waterwise shrubs and small trees, with spreading perennials and cactus on the house side.

John said he hasn’t watered this part of his garden in 9 years!

Sea kale is one of my new faves for a dry garden thanks to ruffled silver-blue foliage.

Its little white flowers are nice too. My thanks to John for the garden tour!

To see another water-saving garden on the Open Days tour, click here for Rod Haenni’s “Desert Mountain Gardens,”

I welcome your comments. Please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading in an email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post. And hey, did someone forward this email to you, and you want to subscribe? Click here to get Digging delivered directly to your inbox!

__________________________

Digging Deeper

My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, is here! Find it on Amazon, other online book sellers, and in stores everywhere. It’s for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info here.

All material © 2026 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

The post John Murgel’s waterwise garden is “not Arizona” appeared first on Digging.

Spiced steel-cut oats gently cook overnight, so you can wake up to a hot nutritious breakfast that’s ready to be served.

The post Slow Cooker Pumpkin-Spice Oats appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This easy cobbler is a great way to use up any fresh, in-season blueberries you have but frozen blueberries are also a perfectly fine option. It’s very low in added sugar for a dessert — with most sweetness coming from the antioxidant-rich blueberries — yet it’s just sweet enough, clocking in at just over 200 calories and providing healthy fiber from oats and whole-wheat flour, as well as the blueberries (1,2,3,4).

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 3 1/2 hours

Slow-Cooker Blueberry-Ginger Oat Cobbler

Ingredients

• 6 cups (900g) fresh (or frozen and thawed) blueberries
• 4 tbsp packed brown sugar, divided
• 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup instant oats
• 1/2 cup (60g) whole-wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold

Directions

In a 5–6-quart slow cooker, stir together the blueberries, 2 tbsp brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and ½ tsp salt. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.

While the filling cooks, prepare the topping. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, 2 tbsp brown sugar, baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and add to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers to gently pinch and knead until a crumbly dough forms.

After the filling has cooked for 1 hour, scatter the topping evenly over the fruit mixture. Cover and cook on high for an additional 2 1/2 hours, or until the filling is bubbly and thick and the topping is cooked through.

Serves: 8 | Serving Size: 3/4 cup

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 211; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 15mg; Sodium: 270mg; Carbohydrate: 35g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 18g; Protein: 3g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 7%; Potassium: 139mg; Vitamin A: 4%; Vitamin C: 16%; Iron: 17%

Originally published: September 9, 2018; Updated May 2026

The post Slow-Cooker Blueberry-Ginger Oat Cobbler appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Oats, berries and your favorite milk or milk alternative are at the heart of this slow-cooked porridge breakfast.

The post Slow Cooker Oat Porridge With Berries appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This easy cobbler is a great way to use up any fresh, in-season blueberries you have but frozen blueberries are also a perfectly fine option. It’s very low in added sugar for a dessert — with most sweetness coming from the antioxidant-rich blueberries — yet it’s just sweet enough, clocking in at just over 200 calories and providing healthy fiber from oats and whole-wheat flour, as well as the blueberries (1,2,3,4).

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 3 1/2 hours

Slow-Cooker Blueberry-Ginger Oat Cobbler

Ingredients

• 6 cups (900g) fresh (or frozen and thawed) blueberries
• 4 tbsp packed brown sugar, divided
• 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup instant oats
• 1/2 cup (60g) whole-wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold

Directions

In a 5–6-quart slow cooker, stir together the blueberries, 2 tbsp brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and ½ tsp salt. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.

While the filling cooks, prepare the topping. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, 2 tbsp brown sugar, baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and add to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers to gently pinch and knead until a crumbly dough forms.

After the filling has cooked for 1 hour, scatter the topping evenly over the fruit mixture. Cover and cook on high for an additional 2 1/2 hours, or until the filling is bubbly and thick and the topping is cooked through.

Serves: 8 | Serving Size: 3/4 cup

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 211; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 15mg; Sodium: 270mg; Carbohydrate: 35g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 18g; Protein: 3g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 7%; Potassium: 139mg; Vitamin A: 4%; Vitamin C: 16%; Iron: 17%

Originally published: September 9, 2018; Updated May 2026

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