VOLUME 12, ISSUE 19 • June 9, 2016

Neil Sperry, editor. Gretchen Drew, design.

I have two appearances this Saturday, June 11. I'll be speaking at the Men's Health Forum ("It's a Guy Thing") at Baylor McKinney (Lake Forest at US 380) at 9 a.m. It will be personal reflections on men's issues and even a bit about gardening.

At 2 p.m. I'll be at the Coppell Biodiversity Education Center (367 Freeport Parkway in Coppell). They suggest setting your GPS to Wagon Wheel Park, Coppell. My first-ever talk in Coppell, along with a book sale and signing.

See the wrap-up of our special price on my newest book at the bottom of this page.

Photo: I've collected peperomias all of my life. They're a great group of succulents.

Gardening This Weekend

We'll start with a few words on the effects of prolonged cloudy, rainy weather last week. Then I'll have the current-events list of things we all need to get done.

Photo: This Oakleaf hydrangea in our yard (photo taken yesterday morning) has been wilted each afternoon this week. Why does that happen?

Little Plants in the Spotlight

You don't always need acres of color to get your point across. Designers call them "pockets of color," and if you place them carefully you'll get maximum impact for minimum effort.

Photo: Individual pots of bright colors draw eyes to their surroundings.

Common Tree Troubles of Summer

Summer can be unusually challenging for shade trees in Texas. It turns from fairly cool and moist to blast-furnace hot, and the trees struggle. I've made a list of some of the most common problems to help you avoid them.

Photo: Tree problems are waiting in the wings.

Question of the Week

For two weeks in a row, our QOTW has related to lawns. This time it's a greasy, gross coating of powder.

"Neil, what's this on my lawn? Will it do any harm? Should I try to get rid of it?"

Photo: Slime mold has a really scary name. How threatening is it?

When You Don’t Want Blooms...

Sometimes flowers aren't the best things. They lead to seeds, and seeds lead to the end of colorful leaves. You might be surprised by the seven plants I'm going to list. Blooms are the "bad guys" with these plants.

Photo: Not all plants should be allowed to produce blooms. I have a list of seven from which I clip all flowers.

Next-to-Last Call on Book Special

Father's Day gift! Lowest price you'll ever see! Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening. Only $28.95 plus tax and postage.

Book has 344 pages and 840 of my photos. It's not in stores and not on Amazon.

Every book goes out signed. Satisfaction guaranteed. The day after Father's Day, the price goes up to $31.95.

Order online or call my office weekdays 8:30 until 5:30. (800) 752-4769.

Coming Next Week...

• Dallisgrass dilemmas
• Mid-June responsibilities
• Question of the Week
... And lots more!

Happy Gardening!
Neil

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