VOLUME 12, ISSUE 24 • July 14, 2016

Neil Sperry, editor. Gretchen Drew, design.

If you'll spend a couple of minutes with e-gardens this week, I'll promise to help you:

• Have more colorful gardens,

• Mow your lawn properly,

• Use groundcovers wisely,

• Do things on time, and

• Find a tool that's my all-time favorite.

All that, and it's free!

All that I ask in return is that you (1) tell your friends about us – help us grow our numbers, and (2) let our advertisers know that you read e-gardens.

Photo: Purple fountaingrass, pentas, sweet potatoes, coleus and angelonias add zip and zing to McKinney garden.

Gardening This Weekend

Some things are nice to do just because you enjoy playing with plants. Some are critical life-and-death issues for your lawn, landscape and garden. Let's combine them. See what you need to plan on doing this weekend.

Photo: Hot-weather annuals stand up to the Texas sun.

Purslane Performs!

Hybrid purslane has come into existence during my career, and it's been fun to watch it develop. But it probably needs a boost now, and I'm here to give it that shove. Great plant!

Photo: First two of the great hybrid purslane colors

How Great Are Groundcovers?

Many people plant groundcovers and expect too much from them. Before you rip out your lawn, take a look at these warnings.

Photo: Groundcovers are an integral part of the Sperry backyard landscape. Mondograss has replaced grass in heaviest shade.

Question of the Week

"Neil. Should I mow my lawn higher to help it survive the summer heat?"

Even professionals answer this question incorrectly (my opinion). I'll tell you why I believe that.

Photo: Setting mowing height may be a one-time event. Have your facts and figures from the outset.

From the Sperry Garage

My dad gave me this tool on my 16th birthday. Truth is, I had actually asked for it. It has a special place in my heart - and in my tool shop, and I'll tell you why.

Photo: What's at the other end of this favorite tool from my garage? I'll show you.

And, in closing…

Put a fork in it. It's done. That's another edition of e-gardens. I'm a little biased, but I think it was "well done!" If you agree, please share it with others.

Important links before we close:

• My newest book (not in stores, not on Amazon).

• Join me on Facebook.

• Podcasts of my radio programs on WBAP.

• Recent e-gardens archived on my website (scroll to see list).