VOLUME 12, ISSUE 35 • September 29, 2016

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

We meet again, and on much better terms. Big parts of Texas received much-needed rain, and temperatures are actually hospitable. It's a great time for gardening, and I've packed this e-gardens with tons of timely information.

• Things to do this weekend,
• Coping with webworms,
• Preparing patio plants for the winter,
• October lawn questions,
and a whole bunch more.

Let me introduce you to a brand new book. My longtime friend and advertiser Steve Houser (of Arborilogical Services in DFW) is one of three authors of Comanche Marker Trees of Texas. Comanche Indians in the 1800s marked their trails by twisting and bending trees. Many of those trees still exist, and Steve, Linda Pelon and Jimmy Arterberry give us details. They've been working on this book for years, and it's fabulous. I have more information on my website.

Photo: A clump of Bath's pinks in McKinney this week could be divided now if desired. Beautiful foliage. Glorious spring blooms.

Gardening This Weekend

What's on your docket for the first weekend of October? Football? Not here. Festivals. Not here. Flowers and foliage. Yep. Here. See the early-October rollover to a bunch of new things to get done.

Photo: Bath's Pinks are beautiful in bloom in spring and can be divided in fall.

Moving Indoors

You bought lovely container plants this past spring. They've done beautifully all summer. Now, as cool weather approaches, how do you get them ready to come inside for the winter? I can help you.

Photo: It's about time for the ritual of bringing patio plants indoors for winter. Follow our tips.

A Bad Dose of Ugly

Fall webworms have hit Texas trees the past couple of weeks, and they aren't very attractive. But should you spray? Or is there a better solution? How much harm do they do?

Photo: Fall webworms on a redbud along our driveway earlier this week.

Lawn Questions of the Season

Over the years I've heard two tons of questions about lawns during October. I've assembled several of the most critical to feature here now. I'll almost guarantee one or more will cross your lips soon.

Photo: Fall lawn care brings some special considerations.

Question of the Week

"Neil, my Shumard red oak has huge roots on the surface of the soil. Has the soil eroded? Advice?"

This is one of the most common questions I'm asked month-in and month-out. You might be surprised at my answer.

Photo: Large roots of a mature Shumard red oak.

And, in closing…

That's what we have for you this week here in e-gardens. If you enjoyed it, click the "Share" link at the bottom.

Please join me in welcoming a brand new advertiser, my longtime friends and radio and website advertisers, Dallas Plumbing. They're a 4th generation family business founded in 1903. Great to have them aboard!

Join me on Facebook, my website, on radio and right here next week. Until then…

Happy Gardening!

Neil