Spring is just outside the door. OK, maybe not this particular weekend, but it won't be long. We have the important facts, events and activities for late winter/early spring gardening waiting for you this issue. We hope you'll find it useful, and that you'll let others know about us.

Texans' new go-to gardening reference. Not in stores, nor on Amazon - available only from our office and website. It is not a revised version of his old "boot books" published 24 and 33 years ago, but a much more user-friendly format covering all aspects of landscaping and gardening. Signed first editions, while supplies last, are still only $28.95 plus tax and postage. More information here.

In each issue of e-gardens, Neil answers six or eight questions of greatest general reader interest. If you'd like his help, please include a photo (required) with your question, and send them to Neil. Click to see his answers to this month's questions.

February is the watershed month. We come out of winter and we head into spring. Some years, we don't know exactly when that's all happening, but sequencing your work remains one of your most critical assignments. Here are the most important tasks of February. Read carefully, because much of your success in Gardening Season 2015 will depend on accurate timing.

No one loves unique plants better than our native son! Admiring his thriving row of alligator junipers, Steven Chamblee decided to take readers on a trip down memory lane this month. Read his article here.

Nemesia has never been a favorite of Dallas Arboretum horticulture director Jenny Wegley - until now! This month she tells our readers about her staff's successes with Nemesia 'Sunsatia'. Read about it here.

The Sperry place has found itself home to two very invasive plant species, and over the past two weeks, Neil has declared war on each of them. Both are native to Asia, but both are making themselves at home in much of the eastern half of Texas. Neil shares his fears and solutions. Click for details.

Once you've selected the perfect tree for that available spot and planted it properly, it's time for follow-up care. Tree expert Steve Houser takes time this month to tell us just what is needed.

It's just days away - our 20th annual Home Landscape School at the Plano Centre. Sponsored by Oncor and Calloways. Learn the principles of fine landscape design from Neil Sperry and Steven Chamblee. Then Feb. 28 or March 1 (your choice), you'll have a one-on-one consultation with a professional designer to finish up the plan for your own improvement project. Only a few seats remain. Click for details.

Dr. George Ray McEachern, Texas A&M's highly respected specialist in fruit, pecans, grapes and berries, will once again join us on Super Bowl Sunday morning. Hey -- that's this Sunday, 8 until 10 on WBAP 820AM, also streamed at www.wbap.com. We'll be taking only questions regarding fruit and nut crops for the entire program. Podcast on my website by Monday evening or Tuesday following the program.

The January/February 2015 issue of Neil Sperry’s GARDENS magazine features articles about landscape design, success with seedlings, and more! This month we share Neil’s article about gardening in all seasons.

'Cornelia' dates back to the 1920s, but she exudes all the romance of very old roses. Mike Shoup of the Antique Rose Emporium chose her for this month's feature.

We think you'll enjoy meeting Colonel, Tazi, Sunshine, and Morris! They are deserving animals waiting for the love of new families. Read their stories here, and visit them at the Dallas or McKinney SPCA shelter.

Texas prepares for spring this month! You'll find many workshops, conferences, and classes of interest to gardeners on this month's Events Calendar.

For more than 12 years - every issue of e-gardens - I've asked you to share e-gardens with other gardeners, and you've always responded. We have some great plans for our little newsletter in the future, and they'll want to be in on everything. Click on forward at the bottom of this e-mail to send us over their way.

That's it for another e-gardens. We'll be back with your next installment in just four weeks, but sooner if there are critical issues that will impact your gardening activities.

Again, please let your gardening friends know about us. We'd love to share e-gardens with them.

Until next time, happy gardening!

Neil Sperry