VOLUME 13, ISSUE 15 • April 13, 2017

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

 
 
 
 

We're sending e-gardens out one day early for all who are traveling or trying to spruce things up before guests come for Easter.

In this issue…
I have important information for you this week:
• Gardening This Weekend (critical tasks of mid-April);
• "Thick" and "dense" are good when it comes to lawns;
• Easter lily success;
• Show-stopping sedums; and
• Why fruit and pecans fail to bear fruit.

Special low price on book continues…
...for a very short while longer! My newest book Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening for only $29.95! It's not in stores, and it's not on Amazon. Buy it only from my website (click here) or by calling my office (800) 752-4769. (Office will be closed for Good Friday.)

Reason for the sale: I took delivery on way too many books from the printer in San Antonio. Our spare space at home is full. Every book goes out signed, even inscribed. Satisfaction guaranteed. A quarter-century newer than my "boot book." Sale is for a limited time!

And on to e-gardens...
That's it. Time to produce! Here's e-gardens for your enjoyment.

Photo: ‘Lemon Coral’ sedum is a popular “filler” plant for patio pots.

 
 
 
   

Happy Easter Lilies

The flower of the season has a reputation with gardeners and growers: it's not an easy plant. I'll explain why, and I'll tell you how to enjoy yours to the fullest.

Photo: Lovely Easter lily bloom imparts beauty and peace.

 
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Show-Stopping Sedums

Are they groundcovers? Plants for patio pots? Fillers between stones? Succulent plants for greenhouse collections? "Yes" to them all. Sedums are some of my all-time favorite plants, and I'd like to enthuse you to try them.

Photo: Sedums at Blue Moon Gardens in Chandler (east of Edom).

 
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Gardening This Weekend

Mid-April is pretty much mid-spring. It's a pivotal time in the life of a successful gardener. I've outlined the critical tasks for right now.

Photo: White clover is a perennial invader in much of our state.

 
 
 
   

Question of the Week 1: April 13, 2017

"Neil, how can I get my lawn to thicken up and be beautiful this year?

That boils down to fertilizer, water, weed control and mowing. I have suggestions.

Photo: Want your lawn to look full and lush? I may have some tips.

 
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Question(s) of the Week 2: April 13, 2017

I was covered up this past weekend with fruit questions on my radio program: Callers wondered why their fruit and pecan trees didn't bloom or produce fruit. Four in a row, all with different answers - I have them here.

Photo: Pomegranate "Pleniflora' produces beautiful blooms, but no fruit.

 
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And, in closing…

If you think that e-gardens is a big help in your gardening endeavors, let others in your circle of friends and big spenders know about it. Click here to tell them.

Remember you can join me on Facebook, in my podcasts on my website (We have added podcasts of my weekly Saturday statewide radio programs starting this past Tuesday.), via my newspaper columns and lots of other places gardeners go in the spring.

If you are of the Christian faith, I wish you a happy, safe, family-oriented and church-centered Easter weekend. As a member of First United Methodist Church near Downtown McKinney, I invite you to join our family. Best sermons you'll ever hear. Fabulous music, friendly people and good-looking ushers.

Happy Easter, everyone! To our Jewish friends, Happy Passover!

And Happy gardening!

Neil