VOLUME 14, ISSUE 31 • August 2, 2018

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

The first weekend of August means we're in the home stretch of summer. I've taken this opportunity to put together a power-packed edition of e-gardens.

What you'll find in this issue…
• When grass won't grow in the shade;
• Why trees' leaves are turning yellow;
• Gardening tips for this weekend;
• Lemon lollipops brighten the summer; and
• Why pecans are falling this early.

Photo: I'm holding the first copy of my book at the bindery. The 3rd printing is just about to be trucked north to our offices.

Is this your last chance to save on my book?
It very well may be. I'm told by our printer in San Antonio that books will be loaded to ship to my office by mid-week next week. When that happens it will spell the end of the pre-production offer:

Lowest price I'll ever have on this 3rd printing of Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening. Only $26.95.

• Will be $33.95 (all prices plus tax, postage) in just a few days.
• 11 chapters, 344 pages, 840 of my photos.
• Covers all aspects of outdoor gardening in Texas.

• Not in stores and not on Amazon.
• I will sign every book in the sequence in which they are bought. I'll begin signing the week of August 13.
• Not a re-do of my "cowboy boot" book from 1991 - completely different format and content.
• Satisfaction guaranteed or full refund.

Order from my website by clicking here or call my office M-F 9-5 at (800) 752-4769.

Photo: Spider lilies tantalize fall with their cheery red blooms.

Gardening This Weekend

I've taken a poll, and I've made a list. If you click through to this week's schedule, you'll find the most critical tasks for early August - the things you'll want to work into your schedule.

Photo: If you have spider lilies you want to move, this is the time.

From the Sperry Gardens

When it's too shady for lawngrass It's the question I'm asked more than any other: "What grass can I grow in the shade?" Drawing on my own landscape, I'll tell you what we've done in the Sperry gardens.

Photo: No direct sunlight hits this part of our yard.

Plant of the Week - August 2: Lemon Lollipop

Looking for a quick dollop of color in a corner or pot? This is your buddy. Nurseries have it in 1- and 2-gallon pots, and it's ready to add zip to your plantings by dusk today. I'll tell you more.

Photo: Lemon lollipop loves the heat and Texas sun!

Question of the Week Number 1: August 2, 2018

"Why is my shade tree dropping so many leaves? They're turning yellow and falling like autumn."

I'm being asked this many times every day. Click to see my reply.

Photo: Chinaberry tree illustrates this question dramatically.

Question of the Week Number 2: August 2, 2018

"Why are my pecans turning black and falling this early? Can they be salvaged?"

You need to read the details. It's a disease, and it's very common.

Photo: Pecan scab is already showing up.

And, in closing…

I hope you've found this issue of e-gardens useful, and I hope you'll tell all your friends. We work hard to make e-gardens timely and topical. Pass it along.

I'll be back next week at this same spot with more. In the meantime I'll be on the air as always this Saturday statewide and Sunday on WBAP. Our Facebook community passed the 65,000 threshhold two days ago. Hopefully you're there with us. And head to my website to hear podcasts, see my 1001 FAQs and enjoy a whole lot more.

Until next week, I'll watch for you at church. Or if you see us out on the street, please say "Hi." It would be great to meet you.

Happy anniversary, Lynn. I love you!

Happy Gardening, everyone!

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