VOLUME 16, ISSUE 23 • June 4, 2020

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

I'm really happy with this week's e-gardens. Good information with some colorful photos. I think you'll enjoy it.

In this issue…
• Vitex among us;
• Day-bloomers no slackers;
• Gulf Muhly or shrubs?;
• Important tips for the weekend; and
• Fringeflower fail.

Milestone to the Mailbox…
Sometime this week I signed, and Lynn and I boxed the 5,000th copy of the 4th printing of my newest book. It happened in 30 days on our driveway during our personal self-lockdown.

Large load of books left the McKinney post office earlier this week. It was our 9th truck load in 30 days.

Decision made on end date of the $29.95 special…
What began as a discount because you were going to have to wait 5-6 weeks to get your copy due to Covid-caused safety measures at the press in San Antonio has now evolved into a Father's Day special.

Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening
Will be $34.95, now only $29.95*
• 344 pages and 840 of my best photos.
• Totally different format than the old "cowboy boot" book from 1991 (29 years ago).
• Hardback, printed on high-quality paper.
• I sign every copy and Lynn and I personally box them. I’m happy to do inscriptions, but I ask that, if possible, you keep them rather short.
• Self-published. Not in stores. Not on Amazon.
• Satisfaction guaranteed or full refund. (50,000 books sold to date and no requests for refund).
*Prices plus sales tax and postage.

Order from my website anytime, or call my office (800) 752-4769 weekdays 9-5.

Offer expires Sunday, June 21, 2020.

Photo: Part of the Sperry daylily collection.

Gardening This Weekend

It's getting warmer faster. And as that happens, we need to address the most critical tasks first. That's just how I've arranged them for this weekend. Check 'em out.

Photo: Profusion zinnias ready for planting.

Encore Appearance for Vitex

If you've been gardening in Texas as long as I have, you grew up knowing this plant. And now it's hit the big time again. I'll tell you how best to grow it.

Photo: Vitex brings the uncommon color of blue.

Blooms That Last for a Day

Some of our favorite flowers also last the shortest of times. They open and close all within one 24-hour period, often in less time than that. I've chosen some of the best.

Photo: Daylilies are my all-time favorite flowers.

Question of the Week - Number One: June 4, 2020

"I'm removing 30-year-old Japanese boxwoods from the front of my house. Would pink Muhly grass be a good replacement?"

No, and I'll explain why.

Photo: Gulf Muhly in bloom.

Question of the Week - Number Two: June 4, 2020

"My loropetalums are turning splotchy and yellow. What can I do to make them look better?"

I suffered the same fate with my own before I made a big decision. I'll tell you about it.

Photo: An unhappy plant in DFW.

And, in closing…

That's it for this week's e-gardens. We already have Diane Sitton's great story for next week. You'll love it! And I'm already working on topics I want to cover as well.

Lynn and I are very grateful for all of you who have ordered my book over the past month. May was amazing - a blur. But it surely was fun. And remember, if you're interested in that lowest price I'll ever offer, it all runs out two weeks from this Sunday. Click here to take advantage.

Keep a close eye on your plants and your pets. It's going to be hot and dry. And good luck to our friends in Southeast Texas. May Cristobal be kind to your part of our state and to our neighbors to the east.

Until next Thursday, stay safe. I'll see you on my website, on Facebook, and I'll catch you on radio.

Thanks for reading, and…

Happy gardening!

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