VOLUME 15, ISSUE 40 • October 3, 2019

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

 
 
 
 

Off we head into October. Let's hope it's a better weather month than the last one. For now, just a little cool weather will be a welcome thing and it looks like it's coming.

In this issue…
• Mums headline the fall;
• Best tall, screening shrubs;
• Timely activities;
• Choices you must make; and
• Mid-term checkup on poinsettias.

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Photo: Anemone mums add interest in form.

 
 
 
   

Gardening This Weekend

Finally a change in the weather seems imminent. Like many of you, I am so done with summer! Let's take a look at what new opportunities cooler weather will bring to your list of activities.

Photo: It's time to dig, divide Gloriosa daisies. Variety 'Goldsturm."

 
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Where Are Poinsettias in Their Journey?

It's a question I'm asked many times every year, starting in January and even until now - How can you bring a poinsettia back into flower? I'll answer by telling you what greenhouse growers do.

Photo: This is what poinsettias in large commercial greenhouses look like in early October.

 
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Mums Star in the Fall

Few garden flowers are as tied to their seasons as mums are to the fall. From jewels of the autumn perennial beds to giant corsages at homecoming, they steal the show. Let's learn more about them.

Photo: "Cushion" mums are great in the garden.

 
 
 
   

Question of the Week: October 3, 2019

"We would like a tall shrub to screen an unsightly view behind our house. What would you suggest?"

I have several options that would be at the top of my list.

Photo: You have several good options. I'll share my favorites with you.

 
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Compromises in the Landscape

Sometimes I feel like a counselor asked to mediate between two opposite opinions. Fast-growing trees. Native plants. Grass in the shade. Flowering shrubs for the foundation. Tired of planting annuals. How can I help them? Click to find out.

Photo: Texas sage blooms if it rains!

 
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And, in closing…

That's it for another e-gardens. I'll be back with more information on fall gardening right here next week.


Serenity High's 20th Birthday Celebration!
Many of you know that my wife and I have been involved with Serenity High since its inception. It's one of the longest-tenured recovery high schools in America, and one of the only ones in a public school setting (McKinney ISD). It's for young men and women in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse who seek the support of a small and nurturing sober high school.

Serenity High will turn 20 years old on Friday, October 11, and we will be having a big Birthday Bash Celebration that morning beginning at 7:30. For tickets and more information, click here. You'll see individual tickets listed. We'd love to have you join us!

Thanks for reading. Until next week,

Happy Gardening!

 
 

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