VOLUME 17, ISSUE 21 • June 10, 2021

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Trying to get a few more things done in these last few days of very late spring? I have some tips before summer arrives for its annual visit.

In this issue…
• Fancy begonias in the Sperry gardens;
• The most invasive shrub in Texas;
• Your gardening gotta-do list for the weekend;
• How often to water; and
• Evolutions of our landscapes.

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Photo: 'Twist of Lime' glossy abelia is an exciting option in a long-popular shrub.

Gardening This Weekend

As the cool, wet days of spring quickly give way to summertime, there are some tasks that require our attention soon. I've assembled a list that might be of help. Give it a quick glance.

Photo: Cape plumbago cools the summer.

Progressions in Landscaping

Things change as a landscape matures. What you needed when things were first planted evolve as everything grows - including your family. Let's take a couple of quick looks.

Photo: Patios occupy space where the Sperry boys and I once played flag football.

From the Sperry Garden: June 10, 2021

You'll always see begonias of one form or another in the Sperry home garden. This year is no exception, and I've brought a few of my favorites to share with you today.

Photo: Just a few of the many choices of fancy-leafed begonias.

Most Invasive Shrub in Texas

We used privet as a screening hedge when I was a kid in College Station. I loved gardening, but trimming it every week wasn't my biggest thrill. Little did I know then that I'd grow to like it even less as an adult. I'll tell you why.

Photo: Chinese privet is in bloom across Texas right now.

Question of the Week: June 10, 2021

"Now that the rains appear to be stopping, how often should I plan on watering my plants?"

That's the trickiest question you could ask. I'll try my best to answer it.

Photo: Old-fashioned hose-end sprinkler still serves a purpose.

And, in closing…

If this issue of e-gardens has been of help to you, please let a friend know about it. Here's a link to the e-gardens information page on my website. We'll leave this issue available there so your friend can see it for the next week. https://neilsperry.com/e-gardens/ Copy and paste that into an email and share it with friends. (Thanks, in advance!)

Between now and next Thursday I'll be busily assembling stories for another e-gardens. I'll promise to make it exciting.

In the meantime, please join me on the radio, on my website, via my podcasts, on my Facebook page as I work my way through the new FB formatting (many of you tell me you haven't seen it yet), and in many Texas newspapers.

Have a great week. See you then!

Happy Gardening!

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