VOLUME 13, ISSUE 45 • November 9, 2017

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Gardening This Weekend

Things took a quick turn for the "cooler" mid-week this week, and that means you have a new list of assignments for this coming weekend. I have the critical tasks, and I'm willing to share them.

Photo: Snapdragon mixture brightens bed border.

Plant of the Week - Ornamental Cabbage, Kale

When I was a young gardener in College Station these plants were just making their entry into American gardens. Now they're mainstays of the winter. I'll tell you how to choose and use them.

Photo: Redbor and Red Chidori kale

Crape Myrtles' Color Continues

Folks all across the eastern U.S. have been commenting that Fall 2017 has been less than stellar in fall color. Thank goodness for crape myrtles where I've been. They've looked really good. I thought I'd share some details.

Photo: Striking red fall crape myrtle color.

Question of the Week Number 1: November 9, 2017

"Neil, should I trim my hibiscus and bougainvillea plants back before I put them into the garage for the winter?"

That presumes something I'm not willing to assume. I'll explain.

Photo: It's time to protect tender tropicals.

Question of the Week Number 2: November 9, 2017

"Neil, What should I do with my caladiums over the winter?"

Save them? Leave them in the garden? Give up on them? I have the answers.

Photo: Caladiums at their prime just a couple of months ago.

And in closing…

That's it. I'm done for another week, but I'll be back with more timely tips, so please be watching. Our Thanksgiving issue will come a couple of days early, but more on that later.

For now, I'll meet you on Facebook, in a nursery, in a newspaper, on my website, on my podcast, on the radio, over a burger or at church. We all need church now more than ever.

Until next week, thanks for reading.

And happy gardening!