VOLUME 12, ISSUE 42 • November 17, 2016

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Looks like winter is on its way. We're going to deal with that in this week's e-gardens:

• Gardening This Weekend
• Night of the First Freeze
• Question of the Week/Care of Mums
• Fall Color from Crape Myrtles
• Steven Chamblee Feels Grateful

Yes, we'll be sending out e-gardens next week, so remember to look for it.

Remember, too, that my latest book is specially priced if you'd like to give it for Christmas. The first book (for you) is at regular price of $31.95, plus tax and postage. Second and third books to same address are only $26.95 each, plus tax. I sign every book. It's not in stores. It's not on Amazon. But you can order it here, satisfaction guaranteed.

That's it for openers. Let's get to the stories.

Photo: I’m crazy about crotons. We moved all of mine into the greenhouse this morning.

Gardening This Weekend

First freeze or frost is predicted to happen over much of the state Friday morning in North and Northwest Texas, then southward. I’ve outlined the critical things to get done.

Photo: This colorful croton will be back in the greenhouse by the time that you read this.

Native Son - Steven Chamblee

I introduced Steven Chamblee to someone recently by saying, "He's one of my very best friends." Fact is, there are hundreds of us out there who say the same thing about him. He's also a great and grateful writer, as you'll see in his report on his "Gratitude Rock."

Photo: Steven's Gratitude Rock.

Colorful Crape Myrtles

Most folks don't think about fall color when the subject turns to crape myrtles, but they can be outstanding sources. It's a nice bonus for one of our finest summer-flowering plants. I have the details.

Photo: Bright red fall foliage often shows up on crape myrtles as temperatures drop.

Question of the Week November 17, 2016

"Neil, how should I handle my chrysanthemums now that their flowers are turning brown?"

This question comes up many times each fall. I'll answer it, and I'll also discuss many of your other perennials.

Photo: Mums about ready for pruning.

Night of the First Freeze

Most of Texas has yet to experience its first killing freeze, but most of Texas soon will. That leaves you with many questions, and I have almost that many answers.

Photo: Tomato cages wrapped in frost cloth have several degrees of extra protection from cold.

And, in closing…

And so we bring to a close another exciting edition of e-gardens, your friendly weekly newsletter. We'll be back here next week, so when you're stuffed full of stuffing, keep us in mind.

I hope you enjoyed what we prepared for you, and if so, we hope you will send it along to a friend.

Until next week, join me on radio and via our podcasts, in the newspaper, on Facebook and at my website.

Happy gardening!

Neil