VOLUME 14, ISSUE 33 • August 16, 2018

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Before we get into this week’s stories, some breaking news. Armyworms have moved into big parts of the state and are devouring bermuda lawns and turning them brown. Look for inch-long worms with stripes running the lengths of their bodies. Most general-purpose insecticides will control them. I’ll have more on them next week if the invasion continues.

Back to this issue…
Here's what I've assembled today:
• Beneficial but threatening looking;
• Grow your own pineapple;
• Gardening this weekend;
• Steven Chamblee's unusual roadtrip; and
• Crape myrtle dieback.

Calling all bikers…
Many of you know our affection/affiliation with Serenity High in McKinney - the nation's only public recovery high school. It's for young men and women in recovery from substance abuse who are seeking a legitimate high school diploma in a sober environment. Serenity is in McKinney ISD, but it's open to students from other partnering districts. It's beginning its 20th year of helping youth.

On Sat. Sept. 22 the Blue Knights (current and retired police officers) will be in the lead of a motorcycle ride in support of the students at Serenity High. If you're a biker, or if you know one, help us get the word out. We'd love to have you join us. Here is a link to the event website for details and registration.

Ribbon Cutting of the new home of Serenity High!
The Serenity High Ride for Recovery on Sept. 22 will culminate with a special event as we celebrate the Grand Opening of the new permanent home of Serenity with a Ribbon Cutting at 1 PM. Whether you're a biker or not, you are invited to attend that event (2550 Wilmeth Rd., McKinney).

Photo: Sunflower salutes the tail end of summer.

Gardening This Weekend

Let's take this weekend to do some late-summer tweaking of your landscape and garden. I've assembled things that are critically time-sensitive right now.

Photo: Sunflower celebrates the season.

Grow Your Own Pineapple

If you love pineapples, and if you're into recycling, I have the ideal project for you. It's also a great Science Fair possibility for a young gardener. I have the details.

Photo: Second-generation pineapples like you can grow at home.

Native Son: Just Another Tall Texas Taylor

Steven Chamblee and I were on a roadtrip recently. Apparently his recollection of the events is far better than mine. Suffice to say, we went everywhere roads in this Lone Star State would take us, and it appears a few more to boot.

Photo: Steven heads us toward Sunset, Texas.

Question of the Week Number 1: August 16, 2018

"What is digging holes like this in my lawn, and what can I do to get rid of them?"

You may not want to eliminate them. I'll explain why.

Photo: Cicada killer wasp has emerged and is on the prowl.

Question of the Week - Number 2: August 16, 2018

"What is causing my crape myrtle to die a slow death? It's losing branches a few at a time. I trim them out and more develop."

I think I can help, and it may surprise you.

Photo: Crape myrtle is dying back one or two branches at a time.

And, in closing…

We've come to the end of another e-gardens, but I'll be back at this same time next week. In the meantime, I'm heading back to the table to sign more of my just-arrived books. Thanks to all of you who responded to our pre-production offer. We're just starting to put books in the mail. I promise: No need to call. I'm signing as fast as I can.

See you in church this Sunday, and I'll be in my usual places on the radio and elsewhere this weekend as well.

Until next week, happy gardening!

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