VOLUME 13, ISSUE 24 • June 15, 2017

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Good evening, or good day - whatever applies. I'm glad you chose to spend a moment with us here in e-gardens.

I've brought some really timely, fun information to you:
• How little plants play big roles;
• A scary looking growth on our lawns;
• Why some crape myrtles aren't blooming;
• Important goals for this weekend; and
• Steven Chamblee builds on his past.

If you enjoy e-gardens, the best thing you can do to make it successful is to say "Thanks" to our advertisers. Click into their ads. You'll find some great surprises. They're fine companies and good friends.

The second best thing would be to refer us to your gardening buddies. Please help us grow our e-gardens community.

That said, let's get it all started!

Photo: Catawba crape myrtles will soon be in bloom.

Little Plants Play Big Parts

Landscaping isn't always about "big." Gardens are getting smaller and smaller, often relegated to patio pots and container landscapes. I have some tips.

Photo: Hybrid purslane is great in pots and hanging baskets.

Gardening This Weekend

People are sometimes surprised when I suggest planting things in June, but if you live in an urban area, watch how many landscape crews you see buzzing around doing just that. I have a list of things to plant and other tasks for this weekend. Take a look, please.

Photo: New Gold lantanas are being planted all across Texas.

Native Son Builds On His Past

Our popular guest Steven Chamblee describes how gardens evolve from prior gardens, and how people trace the histories of their past. Sweet story. Be sure you read it!

Photo: Steven’s mystery photo – read the story to figure it all out.

Question of the Week Number 1: June 15, 2017

"Neil, why is my crape myrtle not blooming when those in neighbors' yards are in full bloom?"

This question has several possible answers. I'll share them. Click through to see.

Photo: We're coming into crape myrtle season.

Question of the Week Number 2: June 15, 2017

"Neil, what is this growth on my lawn? Will it hurt the grass? How do I control it?"

With a name that sounds ferocious, this fungus scares many gardeners.

Photo: Find out about slime mold.

Finally, in closing…

You've now witnessed another exciting episode of e-gardens. That's it for this week, but we'll be back with more same time next week. Again, please share us with others.

Join me on Facebook. We're just about to pass 60,000 friends there. That'll be a fun day. Hear podcasts of my radio programs at my website. Or tune me in live or via live streaming at www.wbap.com. And I'll see you in newspapers and this coming Sunday in church.

If you'd like a signed copy of my newest book Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening, order it here. It's only $31.95 plus tax and postage. Not in stores and not on Amazon.

To all you guys, Happy Father's Day!

And Happy Gardening!

Neil