VOLUME 12, ISSUE 22 • June 30, 2016

Neil Sperry, editor. Gretchen Drew, design.

Happy 4th Weekend, friend!

While some of you may be away or busy with family activities, hopefully you'll take a few minutes to glance through this issue of e-gardens. There are some important nuggets included.

• What's my own favorite ornamental grass? It's the first time I've ever identified it.

• Want to grow pumpkins for Halloween? Start them this weekend.

• "Smart controllers" for your sprinklers. Super idea. Super savings.

• All that, plus our regular features. Hope you enjoy it!

Photo: Independence Day announced proudly by Stonebridge United Methodist Church and City of McKinney.

Gardening This Weekend

We'll keep 'em short and to the point so you can get back into the house as quickly as possible. Nonetheless, there are things you really need to get done now.

Photo: Angelonia 'Serena Purple" is a great flower for mid-summer plantings. Buy plants that have been acclimated to sun. Even then, they'll do best if planted in morning sun, afternoon shade.

My Choice: Best Ornamental Grass

This discussion may be a bit controversial, but I'm going to tell you which of the many ornamental grasses is hands-down my favorite. And I'll tell you why the others are not.

Photo: Mexican feather grass is beautiful, but even it isn't my favorite.

Pumpkin-Time Across Texas

Jack o'lanterns and pumpkin pies probably weren't at the top of your list for today, but if they're in your big pot of goals for the second half of 2016, your time is here now. I have the details.

Photo: To have pumpkins in October, you must plant their seeds now.

Question of the Week

"Neil, what's wrong with my bermudagrass lawn? I've followed all the guidelines, and this one area still looks like this."

I've had more questions regarding this issue this month than ever in my 46 years of answering gardeners' questions.

Photo posted on Facebook earlier this week by Jim Scroggins.

"Smart Controllers" for Sprinklers

Everything else has gone "smart" (except for a few horticulturists). Why not have "smart" irrigation controllers, too? Well, we do, and I thought I'd share a few of my experiences with you.

Photo: Wide array of settings will make smart controllers far more efficient than old-style timers.

And, in closing…

Please be safe, gardener. Drive with care. Garden in the morning and evening. Wear sunscreen.

Lots of garden centers have "buy three, get one free" sales going on this weekend. It's a great time to pick up some bargains.

If you've missed any of the past e-gardens, here's a quick link to them (scroll down just a bit to see them). I'll be back with the next issue on Thursday, July 7 at 6 p.m.

That's it! Until next week…
Happy Gardening!
Neil

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