VOLUME 14, ISSUE 49 • December 6, 2018

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Hello, and welcome. There's a lot going on right now.

For the 40th year…
Christmas Is for Caring at WBAP. Tune us in next week and pledge your gifts for the residents of the Denton State Supported Living Center. Without you, there might be nothing special this Christmas. Call the phone banks any day next week 6am-7pm at (214) 525-2550 or donate through the Volunteer Services Council's website.

In this issue of e-gardens…
• These beetles aren't ladies;
• Slowing the north winds;
• Gardening tasks for the time;
• When to prune shrubs; and
• Living Christmas trees for Texas.

Time's almost up!
Christmas book special about to expire!

Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening
• Covers all aspects of landscaping and gardening for all of Texas.
• First copy $33.95. 2nd and 3rd copies only $28.95 (shipped to same address)
• 344 pages and 840 of my photographs
• Hardback and printed in Texas.
• Not in stores. Not on Amazon.
• I sign every book before we mail.

• Available only from my website or by calling my office M-F at (800) 752-4769.

Photo: 'Yuletide' camellias are blooming across eastern third of Texas right now.

Gardening This Weekend

Weather forecasts say we may have to wait a day or two to get our jobs done, but here are the important ones.

Photo: Plant tulips and hyacinths you've had chilling in the refrigerator by end of month.

A Tree to Enjoy, Then Plant Outdoors

Ever wish you could buy a Christmas tree with roots - one you could plant into your landscape and enjoy for years to come? I think we all have. Please read what I have to offer.

Photo: Deodar cedar is handsome tree year 'round.

Question of the Week Number 1: December 6, 2018

"Why do I have so many lady bugs inside my house? Do I need to worry about them?"

What appears to be harmless isn't always. Let me explain.

Photo: Lady bugs by the hundreds.

Question of the Week Number 2: December 6, 2018

"We live next to a large open area. What is the best way to stop the winter wind?"

My answer may surprise you.

Photo: Eastern redcedars may be the best.

Question of the Week Number 3: December 6, 2018

Dear Neil: When can I prune my shrubs? Several have grown way too large. And how far back can I cut them?

Good questions, and I'll try to answer them.

Photo: Needlepoint hollies had grown too tall.

And, in closing…

That's what we have for e-gardens this week. I hope you've found it useful and that you'll share it with others.

Until next week in your same e-mailbox, I'll watch for you on my website (not really - that sounds creepy) and on my Facebook page. Join me on the radio (remember my new program on KLIF 570AM Saturday afternoons 1-3), or download my podcasts. And we'll hope to see you in church this coming Sunday.

Be well, and happy gardening!

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