VOLUME 12, ISSUE 43 • November 24, 2016

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

 
 
 
 

We're sending this edition of e-gardens to you one day early. It seems many of you have other plans for Thursday.

In this issue:
• Things to do this weekend;
• Best screening plants;
• What to do after the first freeze;
• Trees for fall color, also my favorite tree;
• Amaryllis for Christmas.

Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening, my newest book. Buy one for yourself. Save on two to give as gifts. Not in stores. Not on Amazon. Available from my website. Only $31.95 plus tax and postage. Save $5 on each book bought as gift. Self-published so I could offer you the book I'd always wanted. Click for details.

Photo: Shumard red oak - one of Texas' most dependable sources of fall color!

 
 
 
   

Gardening This Weekend

Odds are that you won't be spending a lot of time in your landscape and garden this weekend, but in case you do, I have a short list of things you'll want to get done.

Photo: Grape hyacinth bulbs can be planted at any time this fall.

 
CONTINUE READING
 
   

Trees for Fall Color: Shumard Red Oak

If I could have only one tree, it would be a Shumard red oak. The fact that it has lovely fall color would be icing for its cake. I'll tell you why I like it so much.

Photo: Shumard red oak's fall color.

 
CONTINUE READING
 
 
   

Amaryllis Abound

Can a tropical flower bulb sold to you in a box become a loved holiday gift? Well, yes it can, and it's happening all over Texas today. I have the true facts about amaryllis.

Photo: Amaryllis bulbs are readily available this time of year.

 
 
 
   

Question of the Week: November 24, 2016

Dear Neil: What are the best options for a quick screening plant?

I have four top candidates depending on the surroundings.

Photo: Eastern redcedar cones ("berries")

 
CONTINUE READING
 
 
   

Once You've Had Your First Freeze

Big parts of Texas dipped to freezing and below earlier this week. Here are details of things that now can be done.

Photo: It reached 30 degrees in McKinney (where I garden) this past Sunday morning.

 
CONTINUE READING
 
 

And, in closing…

We close with a wish for the happiest of Thanksgivings for you and yours. I'll be back next Thursday evening with another edition. Until then, join me:

• In 15 Texas newspapers;
On radio;
Via podcasts;
At my website;
On Facebook.

See you next week!

Happy gardening!

Neil