VOLUME 14, ISSUE 29 • July 19, 2018

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

I've spent extra time on this week's e-gardens. I hope you'll enjoy it and I hope you'll share it with friends.

In this issue…
• Quick tasks for the hot weather;
• Chinch bugs are worst I've ever seen;
• Cottony blight is attacking bermudagrass;
• A feel-good story of all time from Steven Chamblee; and
• Hummingbird hints and tidbits.

My book/my baby! You need to hurry!
I think it's the best work I've ever done. Self-published so my editor, graphic designer and I could make all the decisions. Printed in Texas so the work would be kept stateside.

3rd printing is now at the bindery!
• 344 pages and 840 of my photos.
• 11 chapters covering all aspects of outdoor lawns, landscapes and gardens.
• More than 25 multi-page charts.
• A 48-page calendar of when to do all your critical gardening tasks.

Photo: It's humbling to see your book spread across Universal Book Bindery's floor as all the pages turn into a bound hardback!

Pre-production price hangs on for a few more days! Only $26.95!
• Will be $33.95 (all prices plus tax, postage) when we take delivery. Save $7 by buying now.
• I will sign all books in order in which they were bought. Will ship around mid-August. Satisfaction guaranteed.
• Not in stores. Not on Amazon.
• Buy ahead for Christmas gift giving.
• Pre-production special price will go away soon. Don't delay!

Photo: Storm clouds gathered over McKinney one day last spring.

Gardening This Weekend

Keep a close eye on your landscape and lawn this time of the year. Problems can get out of hand in a hurry. I've made a list of your most critical responsibilities for this coming weekend. You might want to check through them.

Photo: Golden celosia planted now will be beautiful all fall.

Native Son: Just a Little Garden Bench

Our friend Steven Chamblee says he's wanted to write this story for a long time. Its wonderful message is about finding silver linings where you least expect them.

Photo: Stormy clouds gave way to a beautiful evening back in the spring.

Let's Hear it for Hummers!

It's a great time to hang a feeder near a window to watch these magical little birds dart and dance. I have some guidelines to help you get started.

Photo: It's prime time to put out your feeder. (Photo courtesy Wild Birds Unlimited)

Question of the Week Number 1: July 19, 2018

"What is killing my St. Augustine? It's just burning up. The dead area is getting bigger and bigger."

Chinch bugs. I'll tell you how to recognize and control them.

Photo: This is a horrible year for chinch bugs!

Question of the Week Number 2: July 19, 2018

"What is causing my bermuda to turn brown in these unusual patterns? I know I'm watering it properly."

So if I told you it was "Pythium," would that be enough of an answer? Probably not, so I'll tell you more.

Photo: Pythium patterns are distinctive in affected lawns.

And, in closing…

That's what we have packed into e-gardens this week, but there will be more same time next Thursday.

In the meantime, water those plants, and remember to put water out for your pets and wildlife, too. I'll see you in the newspaper, on Facebook, on my website, and tuning in my radio programs or podcasts. We have so many great places to meet up, not the least of them all being church.

Until then, thanks for reading, and

Happy Gardening!

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