VOLUME 15, ISSUE 50 • December 12, 2019

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Welcome to e-gardens as we get closer and closer to Christmas. It's an exciting time.

In this issue…
• Cyclamen ramp it up;
• Mondograss and Asian jasmine - trim?;
• Preventive options for webworms?;
• This weekend's objectives; and
• Diane Sitton visits Texas Basket Company.

Last call for Christmas!
Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening
My latest book, at the lowest price of the year.
• First book is only $33.95 plus tax and postage.
• Second and third books to same mailing address are only $28.95 each! Offer is set to expire.

• The best reference for every aspect of Texas gardening - landscapes, lawns, flowers, fruit and vegetables.
• 344 pages; 840 of my very best photos.
• Hardback printed on high quality paper.
• Printed in San Antonio (not China!).

• Available only from my website or by calling my office 9-5. (800) 752-4769.
• Order now. Last chance without increased cost for Christmas delivery.
• I sign every book and guarantee your satisfaction or full refund.

Photo: Cyclamen take center stage this time of year.

Gardening This Weekend

Less than two weeks until Christmas. You'd think the garden guy would be letting up on assignments out in the yard, but you'd be wrong. I've made a list and I'm willing to share it right here and now. Click through to see what really needs to be handled before you hop into the holidays.

Photo: Iceland poppies planted now brighten spring.

Texas Basket Company -
100 years old and still going strong

Diane Sitton delves into the history of East Texas as she visits the 100-year-old Texas Basket Company in Jacksonville.

Photo: Texas Basket Company has occupied the same site in Jacksonville, Texas, since 1919.

Cyclamen Come of Age

There was a time, and it wasn't too long ago, when you rarely saw cyclamen. Not in nurseries. Not in flower shops. But those times have changed. I'll tell you how to get the most out of them.

Photo: A mix of cyclamen brings cheer to the holiday.

Question of the Week - Number One: December 12, 2019

"Is there anything I can or should do now that would lessen the outbreak of webworms we will have in 2020? They were horrible this past year."

Photo: Webworms and tent caterpillars had a field day this past summer and fall.

Question of the Week - Number 2: December 12, 2019

"Do you ever trim Asian jasmine and mondograss groundcover plantings? If so, when and by how much?"

I rarely trim them, but I do. I'll tell you why and how.

Photo: Asian jasmine on the left, mondograss on the right.

And, in closing…

That's it for e-gardens. This has been a really busy week. If you've been listening to my station (WBAP 820AM) anytime this week you've heard us doing Christmas is for Caring where we have sought simple gifts and cash donations to enrich lives of the residents of the Denton State Supported Living Center.

You can still get involved by helping us provide outings for the residents. Call with a donation. (214) 525-2550. Of you can donate at any hour via this link. If you've pledged a gift, please get it wrapped. Put the recipient's name and ID on the outside and drop it off at any Metroplex Calloways before 5 p.m. Sunday.

So that's it, my friend. I hope I'll see your eyes on my Facebook page, on my website, or tuned into my radio programs.

Until next week, happy gardening!

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