VOLUME 16, ISSUE 38 • September 17, 2020

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

I wrote pretty much what inspired me this week, and as I looked back over the stack, I realized what an interesting mix it all is. I hope you enjoy it.

In this issue…
• Mexican bush sage - they're beautiful;
• Oxblood lilies - they're blooming again;
• Mushrooms - they're popping up everywhere;
• Steven Chamblee has been out on the road; and
• A list of things for you to do.

Neil Sperry's Lone Star Gardening
The world supply is in our dining room!

• Not in stores. Not on Amazon.
• Available only from my website or by calling my office M-F 9-5 at (800) 752-4769.

Pretty much everything I know for only $34.95 plus tax and postage!
• Covers everything regarding lawns and landscapes, flowers, fruit and vegetables for every part of Texas.
• 840 photos. 340 pages. Hardback.
• Totally different from the old 1991 “cowboy boot” book.
• I sign every copy, and I guarantee your satisfaction or your money refunded in total.
• Perfect timing for your fall gardening projects!

Photo: Oxblood lilies came back for a second round of blooms in the Sperry landscape this week.

Gardening This Weekend

It's been really pleasant working outdoors these past several days without being so worried about issues with heat. The next 8 or 10 weeks are going to be fun. But let's look ahead just 3 or 4 days. Here are things you'll want to get done.

Photo: Spruce up for fall with mums in the gaden!

Native Son: My New Old Friend

Our buddy Steven Chamblee shares a wealth of life’s journeys and spills his heart in the process.

Photo: Steven stumbled into the secrets of Yew Dell Gardens.

Oxblood lilies in McKinney

This is already the second round for these fabulous fall bloomers. They were in full flower two weeks ago, and I took this photo two days ago along our drive. Let me tell you why I love this little South American bulb.

Photo: Oxblood lilies bloom overnight. Talk about amazing!

Plant of the Week - Mexican Bush Sage: September 17, 2020

It's one of the biggest, boldest and baddest of the great salvias for Texas. It's Salvia leucantha, Mexican bush sage, and I've been in love with this plant for most of 50 years. But I met it in a strange way.

Photo: Mexican bush sage is in full bloom right now.

Question of the Week: September 17, 2020

"I've had mushrooms pop up in my lawn. Do I need to be concerned? If so, what can I do about them?"

They have probably followed the rains. I'll tell you what they say about your lawn and your soils.

Photo: Just a portion of a "fairy ring." See the whole thing!

And, in closing…

That's what we have for this week's e-gardens. Hopefully you found it inspiring enough to refer it on to a friend. Here's a link you can copy-and-paste into an email to them: https://neilsperry.com/e-gardens/ Tell them they can scroll down to see the most recent issue.

I'll be back next week with more stories and more information. Until then, wear your mask, wash your hands and get your flu shot. (We're getting ours Saturday).

I'll hope to see you on my website, on my Facebook page, tuning to my radio programs or podcasts and in an open-air garden center near you. And by the way, if you listen to my programs or read e-gardens, please let my advertisers hear you say "Thanks!" It only takes a moment.

Until next week, I'll say it, too. "Thanks!" for opening us up and reading e-gardens.

Be safe, and happy gardening!

Subscribe to Neil's Podcast!

Available for both Apple and Google Play

Click here to listen on Neil's web site »